Posted to www.equiworld.org by Emma, a Grey Draught mare from Hayfield near Aberdeen
Good day, fellow equines and those who love us!
It’s Emma here, back with another instalment of my Equine Adventures. This time, we’re diving into the fascinating year of 1847, a year filled with change, not just in my own life, but for the entire world of horses. As the world evolves, so do we, and it’s exciting to see what’s happening.
Now, if you'll excuse me for a moment, I’ve been having a little trouble with my mane this morning. My human, Thomas, says it’s starting to lose that sleek look – those pesky summer flies are playing havoc! He assures me it's a normal thing, and that with some good grooming, it will soon be back to its glossy best. He always knows best!
Speaking of Thomas, where would I be without this dear human? He’s the one who treats me with such love and care. He's not just my human; he's a friend, my confidante, and someone I always feel comfortable sharing my thoughts with. Just last week, while pulling a cartload of barley through the rolling Scottish hills, he confided in me about his own struggles with getting used to a new way of working in the fields, all thanks to the arrival of a strange contraption called a threshing machine. You’d think with my years, I’d be accustomed to change, but he reassured me, saying, “Change is part of life, Emma. But remember, we always have each other.” It’s words like these that remind me that, despite the evolving times, our bond remains strong, just as the Scottish wind whistling through the heather.
Right then, where were we? Ah yes, 1847!
This year, the human world was abuzz with a strange combination of great news and worrisome uncertainty. While many of us equines enjoyed a time of prosperity, others were experiencing struggles they hadn’t known before. As I galloped through the green hills, listening to the stories told by travelling tinkers and the farm labourers who came through Hayfield, I gathered snippets of news like precious gemstones.
The biggest news was the end of the potato blight that had plagued Europe for so long. I was told of entire families leaving their homes, escaping famine and hardship, seeking new lands to call home. Though the blight's end was celebrated, the stories of lost homes, of human suffering, and of long journeys touched my heart, making me deeply grateful for my safe and comfortable life in Hayfield. My life is simple: my duty is to help with farm work, to pull the cart for local tradesmen, and occasionally to trot along the road with my humans for some pleasure rides, where I can enjoy the fresh air, the rolling hills, and the gentle caress of the wind on my coat.
However, even in the heart of rural Scotland, we weren't immune to the winds of change. There were new types of equipment arriving at the farm, making some jobs easier and quicker, but it made some of us nervous, unsure of how the new inventions would affect our work. For instance, they started using something called the "Horse-Power Machine," which used an engine powered by a horse to rotate gears that helped the farmer churn butter. My humans would chuckle, saying, "Well, Emma, seems you are quite the engineer at heart, putting your power to such good use!" Though, it wasn't the same as having my own responsibility in the fields, pulling the plough or transporting crops. There's nothing like the feeling of a horse pulling the weight, feeling the earth beneath your hooves, and sensing the human’s trust in your strength. It’s what makes us truly horses!
I heard a tale from a travelling horse breeder that mentioned some of my kin in other parts of Britain had been brought over to be used as packhorses in the army, to carry heavy baggage and artillery. It was said that the need for these strong and agile horses came from a war raging on a foreign land, but they never divulged details about it. These stories gave me pause, reminding me that, despite the changing landscape, war still threatened the world, sometimes making our work more challenging and, unfortunately, leaving some of our equine brethren lost in faraway lands.
Speaking of the changing landscape, there were a lot of new things coming out for horses, too! The most amazing news I heard, whispered by a well-traveled coach horse from London, was of a new way to keep us comfortable – an innovation called the “horse collar." This wonderful new piece of equipment, they said, makes it much easier to pull heavier loads with less pressure on our necks and chests. I couldn't help but imagine, as the wind rustled my mane, how it might feel, being so free from strain while working hard.
Another piece of news that travelled through our circle of equine companions involved a special type of saddle known as the "side-saddle." They say it was a revolutionary design that enabled humans to sit with grace and dignity, while riding astride! It was a common sight to see elegant human ladies of "good breeding," as my humans would call them, sitting on these new saddles in the parks. My own humans, with their rustic charm, haven't heard of this innovation yet. I imagine that might come sometime in the future! Imagine the adventures we could have with those new saddles! The thoughts of being so elegant made me feel as if my mane and tail were floating!
Though, the news about new saddles and collars reminded me of another fascinating fact. We’re starting to be treated with more care! My human told me stories of new stables being built in places that hadn’t had horses before – and these weren’t just barns, mind you! These stables were built specifically with our needs in mind: warmer, more spacious, with hayracks and water troughs, designed for our comfort and wellbeing! I can imagine it must be quite lovely to spend a cold night in one of these new, warm stables. Though, in Hayfield, the sturdy old barn where we rest remains my favourite, a reminder of simple life.
And then there were those people who just love us horses – the equestrian clubs! I heard from a spirited racehorse about this particular form of "entertainment" called the "equestrian club", a group of human individuals who have created special places dedicated to sharing their love of us and all things horses! Imagine a gathering of horses and humans, where they not only compete for fun but also share their stories and experiences with us, fostering deep bonds of friendship. It reminded me how fortunate we were, how appreciated, and that, perhaps, there was more to the world beyond the Hayfield and its farm life!
The year 1847, though full of unexpected events, gave me a lot to think about, not just about what life is like for us equines in this changing world, but also how these changes are altering human society too. While we are witnessing remarkable inventions, we are also reminded of the beauty of simpler things: the trust in a strong and steady hand, the feeling of the wind against our mane, the kinship of fellow horses in the field. As I finish this entry on the EquiWorld blog, I can't help but feel optimistic. For, through it all, the love between human and horse remains strong. That's the enduring connection, and the story I most enjoy telling. And there you have it – 1847: a year full of surprises and adventures!
Until next time, my friends, keep your hoofs light, your manes flowing, and stay well.
Your loving fellow horse, Emma from Hayfield
