From Emma, a grey draught mare from Hayfield near Aberdeen, Scotland
Hello my dear readers!
It’s Emma here, back with another installment of my horse-filled life journey. You see, things haven’t slowed down since I last wrote! 1865 was a year brimming with change, both in the world around me and within the horse community. So, pull up a bale of hay and let me tell you all about it!
You might recall that 1864 saw me being brought into a new world - leaving the fields of Hayfield behind for the bustling streets of Aberdeen. As I’ve grown accustomed to the urban rhythm, the city is a fascinating tapestry woven with the threads of human activity and the undeniable energy of progress.
Right now, I find myself working for the esteemed Mr. Alexander Reid, a fine gentleman with a strong hand but a gentle heart. He’s a cartman, making deliveries all across Aberdeen – groceries, building supplies, you name it! It's honest work, requiring strength and focus.
And while I've settled into my life here, it hasn't always been easy. The pace of the city can be demanding, with the constant flow of people and vehicles sometimes unnerving. Yet, I must admit, it’s also thrilling to witness the dynamism and ambition that drive the people here.
Changes in the Winds
I sense a wave of change is washing over our world. It's the air itself that seems to vibrate with the potential for new inventions and discoveries. Just this past year, I saw my first steam-powered carriage, a wonder of clanking gears and wheezing pipes! It felt almost alive, but with no hooves to guide it, it lumbered more than ran. I must confess, I had a certain sense of satisfaction at my own grace and nimbleness in comparison!
The railway, another mechanical marvel, has already revolutionized the way humans move across our land. Goods that once took weeks to reach London can now travel in a matter of days. Even though it might seem a threat to our horse-drawn way of life, it also opens up a world of new opportunities. With railways moving goods to new locations, horses like myself are needed to bring those supplies to every corner of each city and village.
And speaking of change, the world has its fair share of troubles and worries too. The American Civil War that raged for so many years finally came to a close in 1865, and people everywhere seem relieved. Though I am far from that land, news travels, and even in the quiet of Hayfield, you could sense the world holding its breath during that time. Now, everyone speaks with hope about the future of the American people.
The Horse World in 1865
But let us return to horses, my beloved brethren! The world of equine pursuits was bustling in 1865, filled with races, shows, and countless agricultural fairs celebrating the might and majesty of the horse.
Scotland was no exception! Aberdeen, with its famous yearly market, played host to many an auction and competition, testing the stamina and grace of horses like me. We were the heart of this grand gathering – the centrepiece of the market's rhythm and celebration. It was a time for showing off our strength, endurance, and beauty.
My heart leaps with pride when I recall the Highland Games. Picture it – the swirling kilts, the pipes playing, and the sound of hooves thundering as Clydesdales like myself participated in ploughing competitions. Each turn of the soil, each swift kick, was a display of our strength, showcasing our ability to till the land and produce the crops that nourished the people.
Yet, there were times, of course, when the thrill of the games turned into moments of genuine anxiety! I still shudder to recall my own harrowing experience during a showjumping competition. One misstep, and I nearly landed with a thud! Luckily, I maintained my balance, earning a grudging cheer from the crowd. The truth is, horses are just as sensitive to nerves and stress as humans. Sometimes, even a brave heart can falter.
Tales of the Farm
Ah, the countryside! There's something truly special about Hayfield, my humble home.
While city life can be alluring, it's in those quiet fields where the genuine beauty of the world shines brightest. There, we spend hours grazing with our fellows, the air crisp, the scent of hay thick in the air. It's the peace of the farm, the rhythm of the seasons, and the closeness to nature that nourishes a horse's spirit.
My thoughts wander to my childhood when we raced across those grassy plains, feeling the sun warm our hides, the wind blowing through our manes, and the freedom that is the gift of boundless open land.
Back then, we grazed amongst our herd, and the warmth of kinship nourished my soul. We watched over our foals, and shared the joy of motherhood, and the responsibilities of guarding our little ones. These memories hold a soft, cherished place within my heart.
It was on those fields that I learned the first lessons of our kind – the importance of trust and respect within the herd. I learnt the powerful instincts that drive our behaviour. Our strength as individuals is crucial, but we are also part of a greater whole, and those ties weave a network of compassion that guides us all.
Even today, in this busy life of carts and carriages, the quiet whispers of the countryside follow me, reminding me of my innate nature.
The Future for Horses
As I gaze into the future, it is impossible not to wonder what fate holds for us horses. Will these new, noisy engines steal our jobs, pushing us to the fringes of society? Will our gentle grace and muscle fade from the pages of history?
Or, perhaps, our role will evolve, finding us engaged in new and vital tasks? We might remain essential in farming, continuing to nourish the land that sustains humanity. We could play a role in transportation that's not solely tied to hauling heavy carts but embraces a more intimate, personalized relationship with humans.
And perhaps, in the face of these mechanical giants, the very nature of our presence will grow more valuable, our strength a poignant symbol of a different age, and our grace and beauty an enduring reminder of a world where the rhythm of hooves ruled the earth.
For even amidst change, I hold onto this faith – the belief that our value will persist, our purpose will endure. Horses will always hold a special place in the hearts and lives of humans.
Until next time, dear readers, may you be filled with the love of all things equine, and may the wind always carry the sound of our hooves!
Yours ever, Emma
P.S. I hear whispers of a new breed of horses making their way from across the ocean - the American Saddlebred. They say these horses are noted for their striking beauty and spirited personalities. I must confess, I am intrigued! I hope to one day see them for myself.
