Greetings from Hayfield! It’s Emma here, your trusty grey draught horse, with another blog post for EquiWorld! I know you’re all eager to hear about what’s been happening in the world of horses, and believe me, 1834 has been a year of change, progress, and some serious ploughing!
As a big, strong girl, my life here in Hayfield revolves around the land. We're just a stone’s throw from Aberdeen, in the north of Scotland, and the air is fresh and crisp, even in the summertime. My days are filled with helping Farmer McGregor tend the fields, pulling the plough and cart, and of course, enjoying a good hay bale after a hard day's work. But this year, there’s been a real buzz in the air, and it isn't just the Highland winds!
The Railways are Coming! The talk of the town, and of every town for miles around, is the "iron horse", as some folk call it. Apparently, a "steam engine" has been built to pull carts on these newly built iron tracks called railways. It's still a bit of a mystery how it works, but everyone’s in awe! We've all heard tales of its speed and power, and although some horses are a bit nervous about this new invention, others say it’s the future of travel. My friend Daisy, who pulls a coach in Edinburgh, is thrilled at the prospect of lighter loads for her and her friends, as some of the heavier goods might be carried on these "iron horses" instead.
The Power of the "Iron Horse" Even with all this talk, the old-fashioned horse remains indispensable for all the everyday chores and farming needs. In fact, the railways are even creating more jobs for horses! People have to transport goods to and from the railway stations, so even though there are rumours about a "steam engine carriage", the "real" horses will be in high demand for some time to come.
Horse Breeding Takes a Turn This year, the racing world is also in a flurry of excitement! While we draft horses might be sturdy and reliable, the thoroughbreds have taken to racing like fish to water, and their fame is spreading! The first “Thoroughbred Stud Book” was published this year, documenting the history and lineage of these incredible animals. This might make our job as plough horses more challenging, as people seem to be valuing the swift and agile thoroughbreds for their ability to race and their "gentlemanly" nature. But let's face it, we're the ones who truly get the job done!
A Sporting Delight! It's no surprise, then, that racing is all the rage in 1834. Every gentleman with a bit of land is vying for the chance to race his thoroughbred at prestigious events all across the country. This year's Epsom Derby was won by a beautiful horse named 'Lutzen', and the crowd was absolutely enthralled. I’m told there was even talk of a Royal carriage pulling up to cheer on the winning horse! Can you imagine, racing before royalty?!
Helping Hands! While the thrill of the racecourse is exciting, I'm always heartened to see horses used in a more helpful capacity. My old friend Bob, a sturdy chestnut, works for a local doctor in the town. They often go out together on calls to the villagers, Bob pulling the carriage in which the doctor sits. He always gets a wave and a friendly smile from the folks in need, and that’s a real privilege! I’ve heard tales of other horses, too, being trained as pack animals, helping to deliver mail and even assisting in firefighting! It’s wonderful to know that we horses can be so valuable to humans, in all their varying roles and contributions to society.
But We Still Need Care All this bustling about has, of course, created more awareness of our needs. This year, I saw the first publication dedicated entirely to our health! "The Veterinarian" has brought many useful articles to the fore about caring for our injuries and diseases. I do think humans are learning a lot about how to keep their horses healthy and happy. It's certainly making our life easier in the long run!
Looking Ahead 1834 has been a whirlwind year, full of innovation and changes that continue to reshape the way humans interact with horses. There's definitely a lot to think about in this new world! I'm sure next year will bring even more fascinating developments in horse-related topics. Until then, happy ploughing and remember, every horse has its own unique story to tell!
Keep those hooves galloping,
Emma.
