My Dear Fellow Equines,
Hello from Hayfield! I'm Emma, a twenty-year-old grey mare with a white mane and tail, and I'm so excited to share with you some of the amazing things that happened in the equine world this past year, 1848. I might be getting on in years, but I still love to learn and share my thoughts, and what a year it was!
This year felt particularly different. Perhaps it was the changing weather patterns, the growing buzz in the human world, or maybe just my own wisdom growing. There's a sense of progress in the air, a sense that things are changing for both humans and us.
It all started in the spring, with the news from faraway lands that stirred excitement amongst us horses. The French, who have always been keen riders, have seen another change in their government. The old monarchy has fallen once more, replaced by something called a Republic. What exactly this means is beyond my understanding, but the humans around me seemed full of hope, chatting about liberty and justice. Now, as a horse, I don't truly grasp what those things mean, but I do understand that any change in the world, even across the seas, can ripple into our lives.
A bit closer to home, the humans in Edinburgh held a Grand Equestrian Exhibition. The streets were alive with horses of all types and sizes, showcasing their skills and beauty. It was a truly grand spectacle, filled with the lively clip-clop of hooves, the rumble of carriages, and the excited chatter of the crowd. We draught horses had a particularly prominent role, displaying our strength and stamina, pulling the heavy carts and carriages. It was a proud moment for us, showcasing what makes us essential for the everyday life of the human world.
There was also a fascinating new breed of horses that had gained considerable attention - the Shire. Tall, strong, and with coats the colour of dark walnut, they were something to behold! I hear they're incredibly strong and capable, making them a natural choice for work in the fields and on the roads. Even us older mares, who remember the days of work in the coal mines, had to admit the Shire horses had an air of power and efficiency about them.
But even with these exciting developments, there were challenges, of course. Some humans are always worried about us, advocating for kinder treatment. We heard talk of new inventions, contraptions called "steam engines", that they say will someday replace our strength in certain tasks. While it might sound like the end of the world for some of us, I prefer to be optimistic. Humans need us still, they always have, and these inventions might even create more work for us in new areas.
Another concern that bubbled through the human world this year was disease. A new ailment, dubbed "potato blight", swept across Europe, causing mass crop failure. People were distraught, their livelihood threatened, and we, their loyal companions, were affected by their worries as well. The lack of fodder made things tough for many of us, but through it all, the human spirit shone through, their kindness and ingenuity offering hope amidst the fear.
Back in my peaceful Hayfield, things were quieter. We continue our routine of working on the farm, helping to till the fields, transport supplies, and pull the heavy carts to market. I’m quite used to my life here, even though sometimes I wish for a bit more excitement.
Perhaps I’m getting too old to appreciate these new innovations. Maybe one day, when I am just a peaceful pasture horse enjoying the sun and fresh air, I’ll look back upon this year as a year of true change. A year of both apprehension and optimism, a year where humanity took another step forward, even if we, the horses, were uncertain what awaited us in the future.
But as long as I’m still strong enough, I’ll continue working alongside my fellow horses. And perhaps one day, when I’m happily resting in the fields, I’ll get to read stories of the exciting adventures we horses are still having in this rapidly changing world.
Until next time,
Emma, The Hayfield Mare
www.equiworld.org
