Written by Emma, a grey mare with a passion for history (and carrots!).
Well, dear readers, it's been a year since I last shared my thoughts on EquiWorld, and let me tell you, it's been a busy one! As the saying goes, time flies when you're a hard-working mare, pulling carts and helping on the farm. I, for one, haven't had a moment to rest, though that doesn't mean I don't appreciate the good times and the many joys that life in 1827 brings.
I live in the beautiful Hayfield, near Aberdeen, a lovely little village nestled between the Scottish highlands and the rolling fields. Life here is a mix of hard work and quiet moments of pleasure. Every day brings a new challenge – pulling heavy loads of grain for the mill, helping the farmer with his ploughing, and always being there for the local villagers with a strong, steady back and a willing spirit.
Now, I must say, the past twelve months have been particularly interesting. The world of horses is evolving so quickly! The recent advancements in agriculture, coupled with a booming transportation network, have made the lives of us horses even more valuable, not to mention, busier!
For example, have you heard of the new roads? This year, we saw the beginning of what they call the "macadamized" roads. Gone are the muddy, rutted paths of yesteryear! Instead, we are enjoying smoother, faster roads thanks to a brilliant engineer called John MacAdam. With these new roads, we can travel faster, pulling carriages with greater efficiency, connecting villages and cities like never before. Just imagine how exciting it is to travel from Edinburgh to London with the speed we are now capable of!
However, these advancements don't come without challenges. There’s a lot of talk about steam power – a new machine that doesn't require a strong, willing horse like myself! While I understand the practicality of this "steam-horse" – some call it a "locomotive," very fancy, wouldn't you agree? - I believe there’s a certain poetry to a horse's work. It’s about the bond between a man and his animal, the strength and endurance that comes from nature itself, the rhythm of the hooves on the road.
This brings me to a topic close to my heart – the breeding of horses. You see, it seems to me that the horses in England, and especially around the big city of London, are changing! The famous Hackney horse, known for its grace and beauty, is making its mark on the carriage horse scene, making them both beautiful and incredibly agile for pulling elegant coaches through the crowded streets. I hear that their breeding methods are changing as well. You wouldn’t believe it! They are selecting horses for their temperament, speed, and even their bone structure. Such progress!
Speaking of breeding, I can’t leave out the glorious Shire horse. A grand sight, isn’t it? They are huge, gentle giants with thick coats and a natural strength that commands respect. While they might be known for pulling the heavy wagons and farm carts, their calm temperament also makes them perfect for carrying children around, especially the ladies with their beautiful flowing skirts.
This brings us to the fascinating world of equestrian sports. Can you believe how popular it’s becoming? You have to be a thoroughbred for the prestigious races – the Grand National in Liverpool, for example – which is a breathtaking spectacle. These incredible steeds run like the wind, leaping over fences and making the whole field gasp! While the thrill of a good gallop is definitely something to admire, I prefer the calming rhythm of our daily farm work, not to mention, I don't think I would appreciate the chaos of a crowded racecourse.
As for myself, I am enjoying this fast-paced year. I must admit, I find myself drawn to the quieter moments of a day spent on the farm, even more than usual. There is something about the early mornings, the mist still clinging to the fields, and the feel of dew on my coat as I walk the path to the stable – it brings a certain peace and contentment. Then, there is the sheer satisfaction of a day’s work done well. Watching the farmer and the villagers reap the rewards of our labor is truly fulfilling.
But it is not just about the work; it's the connections. I've had the pleasure of befriending many different types of horses this past year. The frisky little ponies that pull the local children’s carts, the robust, noble cart horses, even the proud thoroughbreds at the local racetrack (although they tend to think themselves quite above the rest of us).
The bond we share – horses, whether we work the fields, race at full speed, or carry people through busy streets – we all understand each other, I truly believe that.
There's a lot happening in the world of horses this year, and I wouldn't want to miss it. So, while I may sometimes dream of the life of a horse pulling an elegant carriage or running across a grassy field at the racecourse, I'm incredibly happy with my place in the world. A simple farm horse with a big heart and a love for work - that is me.
Until next time, dear readers! I hope to see you back here next year to chat about what new and exciting things happen in the world of horses in 1828. Keep your heads held high, hooves well-groomed, and remember: a good life for a horse is a life filled with hard work, loyalty, and kindness! And, of course, lots of delicious, juicy carrots!
