From the fields of Hayfield, near Aberdeen, Scotland
My name is Emma, and I am a grey mare with a heart full of stories. This year, 1879, feels like a chapter brimming with excitement and change. While my own life is grounded in the rhythms of farm work, the whispers carried by the wind and the conversations at the stable door tell me the world beyond is bustling with events that make me prick my ears and feel a flutter in my chest.
As I stand here, bathed in the golden light of the afternoon sun, the rolling hills of Hayfield look just as they have for as long as I can remember. The air is crisp and the heather blooms purple on the slopes. But it feels like even the landscape is subtly shifting, like the world is moving onwards.
The World of Horses:
For us horses, 1879 was a time of much change and advancement. Just a few short years ago, we were mainly used for transport and agricultural work, pulling carts and plows through fields and cobblestone streets. However, now a new era is dawning. We are gaining a place in sport and entertainment, and our potential for speed and agility is being recognised as never before.
In England, the world of racing is particularly exciting. The Epsom Derby was a roaring success, with a horse called Sir Bevys winning the coveted race. Stories of its speed and power have reached even us here in the Scottish countryside, carried by the travelling horse traders and the men who read the newspaper at the local pub.
Meanwhile, the world of show jumping is also blossoming. A new breed of horses, with lighter legs and agile bodies, are proving their prowess on the course. While some of the farmers at Hayfield still look at me with the expectation of pulling heavy ploughs, I hear whispers about a new breed of horses with delicate, elegant builds who leap over obstacles and demonstrate feats of athleticism we never dreamed possible.
This year, the Queen's favourite thoroughbred, Verdant, died. Although it has caused a bit of sadness around the stables, it's also reminded me how vital we horses are, not only to working life but also to royalty and high society.
A Woman's World:
It is amazing what we mares can accomplish! Here at Hayfield, a young woman named Maisie has begun training a new horse, a magnificent black stallion named Jasper, for competitions. Her spirit is strong, and her touch gentle, yet firm. The bond between Maisie and Jasper is a sight to behold. I find myself admiring her determination, the way she looks at Jasper not with expectations of him being just a beast of burden, but as a companion, an athlete. Her dedication shows the changing ways, a reminder that we horses are more than just tools; we are partners, athletes, and friends.
This year also brought news from America. It seems that women there are proving their skill in horse riding! One such woman, named Annie Oakley, is known for her incredible marksmanship on horseback! She can hit any target, it is said, with unerring accuracy! This tale brings a mischievous twinkle to my eye. If women can excel at riding, can they also excel at pulling plows? It's a thought that makes me feel empowered, like anything is possible for our kind, no matter the gender.
Technological Advancements:
However, it's not all just racing and riding. There is also great excitement about the technological advancements surrounding us. I remember the very first train I saw as a foal. It chugged through the countryside, pulling carriages filled with people. Now, new trains with carriages specially designed to transport us are starting to appear. I must confess I'm still unsure about riding on a train - there's just something about that iron beast and the cloud of smoke that makes me wary. But for many, it seems to be the answer to long journeys, cutting down travel times considerably.
Some folks around Hayfield say this advancement means the days of horse-drawn carriages are numbered. Yet I, for one, don't think we will ever truly be replaced. There's a feeling of connection, of unity, when a horse pulls a carriage. It is more than just transport, it is a dance, a partnership. I believe that there will always be a place for us, not only for practical purposes but also because of our unique, intrinsic connection with humans.
A Quiet Hope:
Although 1879 was a year of big changes, life for me continues to revolve around the familiar routines of Hayfield farm. I work alongside my fellow mares, pulling plows, carrying bales, and hauling loads of fresh-cut hay.
In the evenings, when the day's work is done, we graze under the vast sky. I look at the constellations and ponder what wonders they hold, what marvels are still to unfold in the world.
This year, a feeling of hope settled over me, a sense that things are evolving. Not just in the world of horses but in the world itself. There is an underlying energy, a sense of anticipation, that leaves me, a quiet farm horse, feeling both humbled and exhilarated.
I write all this to say, dear readers, that even for a humble farm horse like myself, the world is full of magic, mystery, and opportunities for growth. Let us, both humans and horses, embrace this beautiful journey of change and progress, carrying the past with us as we gallop into a future that promises endless possibilities.
