Blog post # 1877
My dear fellow equines, greetings from Hayfield, a mere stone's throw from Aberdeen. My name is Emma, and though I'm only twenty years old, I find myself pondering the ever-changing world of our kind, a world rich in both tradition and advancement. Today, I wanted to delve into the year 1877, a time of progress and wonder, for horses, humans, and indeed the entire world.
The weather in Hayfield has been a little chilly this year, but the winds from the North Sea have always a nip in them. It's just the right weather for a hearty feed of oats and a good long groom to get rid of all those pesky flies that love to nibble around the stable in the summertime! Thankfully, I am kept well cared for in the stable yard of my owner, Mr. Sutherland, a kind gentleman who appreciates his horses, or at least that's what my stablemates tell me!
So, let's jump back to the world of horses in 1877. What was the world of horses like that year? I have gathered some snippets from our community in Aberdeen, whispers on the breeze as we travel from farm to farm and through bustling market towns, and a little research from some clever humans who seem fascinated with our history. The year was rife with exciting events that directly touched the world of horses.
Horse Racing, the Sport of Kings
Now, 1877 saw a grand change in the world of horse racing, the sport we all know and love! Back in February, a lovely little horse named 'Ladas' won the prestigious "Two Thousand Guineas" at Newmarket, and followed it up with the Epsom Derby. What an incredible feat, to win the big two! Everyone was talking about it! You wouldn't believe the talk of Ladas back then – from the farmers at the market, right through to the ladies with their silk parasols at the grand Ascot.
Then, a young filly called "Queen Bertha" took the Ascot Stakes for good measure, demonstrating that females have got just as much power in those racing colours! These wins made me excited for the future. It seems there is a surge of speed and talent in our younger generations. Maybe there is hope for my granddaughters one day to follow these racing superstars.
The Railway Comes to Town, or does it?
My friends and I have certainly been a part of the great carriage driving movement of our time. This year, a great railway was announced for Hayfield! You know, the sort that the humans say will allow us to transport things even quicker, quicker than we could possibly achieve even at full gallop! The very thought filled me with wonder! I do enjoy a good gallop myself, especially across those lush fields, but these railway engines…well they sounded very intriguing. However, it turned out this new railway would only reach our neighbouring village, Oldmeldrum. So, while this great advance came closer to home, we have not yet witnessed a 'smoky beast' pass through our valley. Perhaps one day!
A Fashionable Trend!
I do like to think about the different trends in the human world. This year, the fashion was a little different, and horses were definitely a big part of it. It's all the rage, you see, to ride an Icelandic Horse, but not for transport. Imagine, a handsome fellow on horseback, but with a beautifully crafted, elegant saddle and just a single leather strap on one side. He’s then able to put his arm around the young lady, in a gesture of ‘courting,’ as it were. Apparently, riding around with a saddle on just one side allows you to be in closer proximity with your partner, almost as if you are sharing a seat, but without being physically uncomfortable. What a novel approach to courtship!
Life Beyond the Field and Racing Tracks
As a draught horse, I feel fortunate to play my part in everyday life. I am one of many helping transport goods around the farms, moving materials from town to town, and assisting with plowing our land in preparation for new crops. The human world wouldn’t run nearly so well without our powerful limbs and endurance.
Of course, not every horse in this world gets the luxury of a lovely stable in a quiet valley like I do. There is an abundance of horses, like myself, that toil away, serving in more demanding tasks. But these, too, are respected. It was around this time, in 1877, that the "Horse Society" was established, not only to breed a superior horse, but also to give our species some dignity. We're the very foundation upon which these people's societies stand.
Horses are Magical and Wonderful Creatures
Oh, you know I had to get to my favourite topic…ourselves! These days, the world of horses is vast, a testament to our versatility, our unwavering courage, and the bond that binds us to humans. Some, like my cousins in the Americas, help conquer the Western plains, a thrilling endeavour of vast expanse! It's truly astonishing to hear their stories, tales of cattle roundups, cattle drives across long, parched prairies, and encounters with nature's grand wildness. While here in Scotland, we are part of the farming communities, supporting a culture that is entwined with the seasons and the gentle rhythm of the land.
Then there are my brethren who travel with soldiers in foreign lands. You might not believe me, but it is the year 1877 and our human companions still wage war across many continents! They take their brave horses alongside them in an effort to create a ‘world peace’. But war is still a big part of the human story, one I prefer to stay well away from.
What's Next?
In the year 1877, we are part of a growing human world. You can hear stories on the breeze about this new ‘Telephone’, which the humans use to send voices through long wires. My goodness, how is that even possible?! Such remarkable developments occur all the time! But of course, I’d like to think we are still their trusted companions, our role unchanged. Perhaps these steam-powered machines are new and scary, but we can stand strong in our abilities, reminding everyone of the timeless beauty and grace of a fine horse.
I look forward to our continued friendship with humanity. My journey continues, and in doing so, I try to grasp a greater understanding of our history and where our place lies in a world in constant movement. Perhaps there is no single answer, only the constant evolution and adaption that is the mark of any strong species. I urge all my equine comrades, near and far, to hold onto this shared legacy.
This is Emma, signing off from Equiworld! We’ll chat soon, my dear horse-loving friends!
