A Dashing Grey Mare's Take on Horse History
Hello, Equiworld! It’s Emma here, a proud grey draught mare with a white mane and tail as proud as you like! My home is Hayfield, a quaint little place near Aberdeen in bonnie Scotland. This year, 1842, has been a year of changes, exciting changes! We horses, we've been feeling the ground rumble beneath our hooves, feeling the impact of change on the very world we pull and run and graze upon.
But before we dive into those big changes, let me take a moment to savour the simple delights. The wind whispering through my mane, the taste of sweet clover, the rhythmic sound of my hooves pounding on the cobbled streets, the sun warm on my coat... there is still much that makes my heart glad in 1842.
And oh, what a joy it is to be a horse! My work is varied and important. This morning, I was pulling the baker's cart, my strong shoulders carrying a bounty of delicious breads to hungry mouths in the village. It always makes me feel like I’m part of something bigger, this cycle of life that sustains us all. Later today, I might be hauling goods for the merchant, or even transporting people to and from their various destinations. Yes, being a working horse has its own satisfying rhythm and reward.
A New Friend on the Cobblestones:
1842 brought something very unexpected to Hayfield - a marvel that captivated everyone, even the staunchest horse among us. I'm speaking, of course, about the steam engine! The first time I saw it, I almost didn't believe my eyes! Smoke billowed out from a giant, rumbling iron contraption that dwarfed even the biggest stallion, and it moved on its own, puffing and groaning like a mighty dragon!
Many in Hayfield, both humans and horses, felt fear and apprehension towards this strange metal beast. They worried about its noise and fumes, fearing the changes it would bring. But for me, and for many others like me, this invention felt like a kind of… adventure. A new friend, if you will. Yes, strange, but capable, almost powerful in its own right!
The humans said the steam engine could carry heavy burdens on its iron back, travelling far faster than even the best-bred horses. It made journeys to distant lands faster, bringing goods to our markets more quickly. While I admit the idea of this 'speedy delivery' felt slightly unsettling, the humans were quick to assure me that their old trusty friends - us horses - were not going to be replaced! We would remain partners in pulling the carts, tilling the fields, and sharing in the bounty of the world, all while sharing our cobbles with these metal beasts.
New Beginnings in the World of Sport:
1842 saw a great buzz in the world of horse sports! The prestigious Epsom Derby held its 43rd race that year, attracting horses from all across the British Isles. My hooves were itching just thinking about the thunder of the crowd and the thrilling rush of a race! It's in times like these, seeing my kind competing with such power and elegance, that I remember why I feel so grateful to be a horse!
Another highlight for me, a horse lover of the purest breed, was the opening of a new riding school in Edinburgh. It wasn't a school where the humans learned to ride us; it was a school where horses like myself were trained in various disciplines – jumping, dressage, even acrobatics! Can you imagine? Such things make me proud to belong to a breed of creatures so intelligent, so agile, so beautifully adaptable!
New Footsteps in the Realm of Medicine:
Even in the world of human medicine, horses played a starring role. Veterinary practices were slowly taking shape across the nation, and they weren’t limited to treating our ailments, but human ailments as well! They called them ‘medicinal leeches’ - small, harmless creatures that, through their feeding, seemed to help alleviate illnesses in humans.
It was a marvel to watch these humans dedicate themselves to healing us, their beloved horses, with such care and devotion. It fills my heart with gratitude to be a horse in a time where humanity is starting to understand us better, treat us with compassion and recognize our value to them.
A Dashing Grey Mare's Wish for the Future:
Even in a year of big changes, 1842 reaffirmed my faith in the enduring beauty and strength of the horse. As we embrace these new inventions, as the world moves towards progress, I believe we can always remember the value of our traditional ways. The power of a strong draught horse pulling a laden wagon, the thrill of a racehorse sprinting across the field, the warmth of a gentle companion - these will forever hold a place in my heart.
To all my Equiworld friends, I bid you a hearty farewell. Remember to savour the present, keep your hooves firm on the ground, and look forward to the exciting possibilities that lie ahead! We are horses, and we are an amazing part of history!
Yours truly, Emma Hayfield, Aberdeen
