Good morrow, my fellow equines and those who love us! Emma here, a grey mare with a white mane and tail, writing from my home in Hayfield, near Aberdeen. It's a lovely spring morning, the sun is warm on my coat and the air smells of freshly turned earth. Today, I want to take you back in time to the year 1857 – a time of great change and adventure in the equine world.
The year 1857 brought with it the echoes of the Industrial Revolution that had begun to reshape life for horses and humans alike. We were no longer solely relied upon for the essential tasks of agriculture, but our role was expanding into new domains. Trains were increasingly common, transporting goods and people faster than ever before. It felt a little unnerving, this metal beast on tracks, with its puffing steam and rhythmic rumble. But it also meant fewer heavy loads for me and my kin to pull on those long, tiring journeys.
Despite the growing influence of machines, the year 1857 still found us, the horses, very much at the heart of human activities. For instance, just a few weeks ago, I had the honour of hauling a carriage for Lord Aberdeen himself, on his way to inspect the new distilleries popping up like mushrooms in the countryside. I felt a surge of pride as we trotted down the cobblestone streets, the sun catching my grey coat and the air buzzing with the sound of our hooves and the chatter of people.
The same year saw the publication of the seminal work, "The Horse: A Practical Treatise on the Horse, his Nature, Breeding, Training, and Management," by veterinary surgeon John Wight. This was a game-changer! It outlined, for the first time, the scientific approach to understanding and caring for us, advocating for a kinder, gentler way of understanding our nature.
In that very year, there was also a great deal of focus on horse racing. It was a time of excitement, with new racetracks springing up across the nation, attracting spectators from far and wide. Many of my brothers and sisters yearned for the thrill of the racecourse, but not me. I felt far too contented in my work, hauling supplies and making sure everything was where it needed to be. Besides, all that speed wasn't really my thing - I was more a sturdy, reliable soul who valued a good, solid day's work over all that hustle and bustle.
This was also a time when new methods of training were being explored, including the growing influence of natural horsemanship, where kindness and understanding took centre stage over harshness. It was a revolutionary approach at the time, moving away from the "whip and spur" mentality. I can’t help but feel grateful for this change - It felt like our strength and stamina were finally appreciated, instead of being harnessed with brute force.
Despite the excitement, the year 1857 also brought with it anxieties. The dreaded disease of “strangles” - a debilitating illness for us horses – had spread across the country, forcing our owners to be extremely cautious and attentive. Sadly, we saw many of our fellow equines succumb to its grip. However, these were challenging times that united us all. We learned to take care of each other, sharing resources and comforting one another during those dark days.
On the more light-hearted note, the year saw a great boom in popularity of equestrian shows. They weren’t about winning races or hauling heavy loads, but showcasing our agility, intelligence, and grace. It was wonderful to see the community gather around us, celebrating our talents.
I remember that summer particularly fondly. We would be grazing peacefully in the field, and then all of a sudden, we would hear the rumble of the village carts approaching, and the humans would get excited. It was their turn to show off! I'd stand back and watch, entranced by the skilled riders, some gracefully leaping over obstacles, while others executed beautiful, flowing routines. It was an ode to our shared connection with them – a joyful celebration of this enduring partnership.
Another notable event was the opening of the Highland and Agricultural Society Show in Edinburgh. It was a spectacle unlike any other! Horses from far and wide, beautiful stallions, proud mares, strong draft horses like myself, and even small ponies, were showcased. I distinctly recall a young mare, her coat as black as midnight, who was declared Champion of the show. It was a testament to her beauty and strength, a true show of what we horses are capable of!
The year also witnessed a wave of passionate writing dedicated to us, the noble horse. In fact, some of my fellow equine friends even became popular characters in novels and plays. We were celebrated not just for our hard work, but for our gentle spirit, our intelligence, and our ability to connect with humans in a special way.
As 1857 came to a close, the world of the horse continued to be an exciting tapestry, woven with challenges and triumphs, loss and joy. Despite the rapid advancements in technology and industry, the horse was still central to the rhythm of everyday life. From helping farmers cultivate their lands to hauling passengers and goods, our role remained a vital one. As a member of the horse community, I couldn’t have imagined it any other way.
As I close for today, I leave you with a question to ponder: What will the world of the horse look like a few years from now? Will it be one of greater change? More progress? Or perhaps a return to simpler times, with fewer machines and a deeper appreciation for our nature? I guess only time will tell.
Until next time, happy trails!
Yours always,
Emma
Note: The year 1857 is not just any year in history for Emma, as it represents the time period where the changes in horse culture and transportation were occurring at a rapid pace. She uses her perspective as a workhorse in Scotland to portray this world as one that's transitioning, and her voice and thoughts on these developments bring out the inherent intelligence and awareness she has, as well as her sense of wonder at these changes.
In addition to the post, we can consider a few aspects to enhance its narrative quality:
- Adding visuals: Incorporating images of horses from 1857, horse-drawn carriages, races, or equestrian shows, would create a more immersive experience for the reader.
- Storytelling within the blog: Adding a short, captivating anecdote of an event that happened in Emma's life in 1857 could further engage the reader.
- Interactive element: Encouraging readers to share their own experiences with horses or insights about 1857 would add an element of community.
This detailed blog post focuses on a particular historical period in horse history and offers insights through the lens of a perceptive, engaging, and empathetic character. The inclusion of information about relevant events of 1857 like technological advancement and the increasing emphasis on horsemanship makes it more factual and grounded in history.
