Hello my equine friends!
Welcome to my EquiWorld blog, where we delve into the captivating history of horses. This week, I'm stepping back in time to the year 1832. Now, as a proud 20-year-old grey draught horse with a white mane and tail, my life is pretty darn good! But let me tell you, life wasn't always so easy for horses like myself. This year, however, is proving to be quite the adventure!
It's all happening here in Hayfield near Aberdeen, Scotland! It's a charming place, filled with rolling green hills and the fresh, crisp air of the North Sea. Here, the work is plentiful, the oats are plentiful (my favourite!), and the camaraderie among the horses is simply delightful.
The Power of the Draught
Let's begin by talking about us draught horses - the backbone of society. We're the muscle behind the machinery, pulling plows, carts, and wagons, carrying heavy loads for hours on end. I'm a hefty girl, weighing over a ton! Don't let that intimidate you though - we're gentle giants with a kind heart, you know. We are bred for strength, for hauling the goods that keep the world running. And oh, let me tell you, 1832 is certainly a busy year! I find myself working diligently at the local mill, pulling heavy grain sacks and supplying the local villages with fresh flour. The air fills with the satisfying crunch of wheat being ground - it makes for quite the rhythmic soundtrack to our day!
Change on the Horizon
Now, in 1832, the world is seeing exciting changes. The railway has come to Scotland, although it's mostly confined to cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow. I've seen those iron horses steam and puff past, pulling coaches full of passengers. A little scary at first, to be honest, with all that clanging and chugging! However, the people seem fascinated by it, and talk of more railways being built. Will it affect us draught horses? Some folks whisper that these 'iron horses' might steal our jobs, but I don't quite believe it! After all, who's going to pull the carts of grain from the fields to the mill, or carry the logs to the nearby timber merchants? I think there will be enough work for us all.
A Love for the Land
You know, while working at the mill, I get to see the countryside, especially when it comes to carrying the goods to other towns. What I truly love about our work is seeing the land bloom and change with the seasons. The springtime brings out carpets of wildflowers and the soft, tender green of the first grass shoots. As the summer grows longer, the fields ripen with gold, full of wheat, barley, and oats. What a joy it is to gallop across those golden meadows! Then, when the autumn leaves change, they create such a symphony of colours: rich red, vibrant gold, and burnt orange.
It is this time of year, my dear EquiWorld readers, that truly brings joy to my heart! It's harvest time! We draught horses become a vital part of gathering the year's bounty. I'm often used for ploughing the land as well - making the soil ready for the next season. There's nothing quite like the feeling of turning over the earth, leaving furrows that are ready to sprout with new life.
Horse Shows and Galloping Races
There's another important aspect of the horse world I want to share with you - Horse shows! It’s truly an exciting spectacle that gathers people and horses from far and wide.
The excitement usually begins in spring when farmers bring their finest horses to be showcased and judged for their beauty, strength, and agility. They also have some exciting contests, including races for young stallions and mares! While it’s exciting to see other horses tested in these competitions, it's more relaxing to see a parade of fancy horses adorned in beautiful carriages and adorned with shiny bells!
And then there's racing - a true test of speed! They hold gallops in different villages across Scotland. These races bring out large crowds of people! Some people bet on their favourite horses! But frankly, I find it exhausting to watch those Thoroughbreds race! I don't think my heavy-duty muscles were meant for that sort of intense racing.
The Kindness of Man
Here in Hayfield, I'm lucky to have a caring and kind owner who works at the local stables. He's always so attentive to our needs, making sure we have fresh hay, oats, and water, And he even spends time grooming us every evening, brushing our coats and plaiting our manes! It truly shows the kindness that humans are capable of.
He's also been a great teacher for my fellow stable horses and myself. He teaches us about the importance of listening to our owners, walking patiently, pulling calmly, and maintaining good posture, no matter how heavy the load! He understands that we are more than just working animals; he recognizes the bond and respect that should exist between humans and horses.
Keeping it Feminine and Family-Friendly
Oh, I almost forgot! I promise my blog is safe for all to read. So please, feel free to share my musings with your little ones, or even your grandpa, if you wish. It's my ambition to create a friendly and welcoming space for all horse lovers, where we can share our stories, connect over our shared love for horses, and even discuss how we can learn more about these amazing creatures.
And who knows? Perhaps, someday soon, I'll even tell you the tale of my foaling, and all those beautiful foals I’ve welcomed over the years, or maybe some hilarious adventures of being a mare, which I am very proud to be! But that’s another story for another day!
Until next time, my EquiWorld friends!
Your Faithful Emma, a Proud Draught Horse
