My Dearest Readers,
As the wind whistles through the heather and the Highland sun casts long shadows on the fields of Hayfield, I find myself reflecting upon a year gone by, a year filled with adventures, both grand and small, that have shaped the lives of horses everywhere. As I pull my old straw hat over my brow to keep the wind from my eyes, I begin to tell you about 1882.
My name is Emma, and I'm a nineteen-year-old grey draught horse. It's not uncommon for horses to live a good long time – some even exceed their twenties – and my life has been filled with the stories of humans and horses working together, and the joy of being part of a community of our kind. I was born in the fertile fields of Hayfield near Aberdeen, Scotland, a place where horses have always been held in high regard, and I’ve had the honour of working for a wonderful family who depend on me to pull their cart and plough the land.
1882 started in a flurry of new beginnings, a promise of renewal as the earth woke from winter's slumber. The fields were fresh and green, filled with the vibrant promise of a bountiful harvest. This was the year that saw the world adopt the steam engine on a larger scale, which initially worried us horses. After all, who knows how this “iron beast” would affect our lives, our work, our future? But we soon learned that progress was a dance, not a replacement, and humans still valued the strength and heart of a true workhorse. In fact, our work was more refined, focused, and efficient. It became an intricate symphony between iron and muscle, human and equine.
We all gathered, the mares and stallions, the foals frolicking amongst the fields of wild oats. This was the year we heard tales from those travelling from distant lands, their hooves pounding the roads with the tales of a bustling world beyond our little village. From bustling London to the vast American plains, horses played a significant role, not only in transportation but also in sport, and this was the year where change, though often frightening, came galloping in.
The World Beyond the Moor
There were whispers of a “railroad”, a metal serpent cutting through the heart of the world, carrying both humans and goods at dizzying speeds. These stories felt like something out of a dream, an echo of the unknown, yet this "railroad" had begun to reach places even closer to home. They said that the new tracks would eventually reach Aberdeen itself, creating a network of metal and steam that could bring change, but also create exciting new possibilities for horses, if only as transport to the stations.
The city of London, a bustling centre of human life and the heartbeat of the British Empire, was aglow with stories of horses used in grand shows, the excitement of equestrian competitions. Imagine, my friends, to be a horse chosen to showcase your grace and strength on a grand stage, under the watchful eyes of thousands, a symbol of skill and prowess.
Meanwhile, across the vast oceans in America, a wave of “Wild West” fever swept through our equine communities. Tales of cowboys wrangling wild horses and herds of cattle thundered across the prairies echoed across the Atlantic. A wave of sympathy surged within me, thinking of those wild horses, braving the wild plains and facing the challenges of a world unburdened by harness and plow.
Celebrating the Bonds of Friendship
The year 1882 marked a new chapter for our kind, a recognition of the vital role we play in shaping our human’s world. For even though the “railroad” spread, the human spirit was still a creature of flesh and bone, and those bones often walked, ran, and galloped with a companion of four legs. There was a growing awareness of how horses like myself helped to fuel society – not only through agriculture but through transport and sport. The annual agricultural shows started popping up in different parts of Britain, filled with magnificent breeds – Shire horses, Clydesdales, and even a few handsome thoroughbreds, a spectacle that gave even the oldest stallion pause. I dreamt of showing off my own grace and power, of impressing the judges with the speed and power of a well-trained draught horse.
These exhibitions celebrated more than just breeding. They spoke to the bond between human and horse. A deep respect emerged for our companionship. I remember one such show in the bustling town of Edinburgh, a place of grand houses and busy streets, where I saw humans displaying incredible skill, riding in precise formation, guiding the power and elegance of their mounts through a labyrinth of tests. There was no whip, only the silent language of shared intent and understanding between man and beast. It filled me with pride and ambition to learn more, to grow in the art of working alongside my human companion.
An Ode to The Horse
And this is where I come to the most important lesson 1882 taught me, a lesson that stayed with me through the years. We are horses – we carry the strength of mountains and the heart of the wild, but above all we are a beacon of dedication and loyalty. This is a year we should remember as the beginning of something powerful, the dawn of a new chapter in our shared history. We were valued. We were celebrated. We were seen as vital.
As the day grows darker, casting a silver glow across Hayfield, I remind myself that my hooves beat to the rhythm of change. Yet, amidst this world in flux, I know our strength lies in the unwavering bond between human and horse. Let us continue to share stories, learn from each other, and ensure the world never forgets the power and grace of the equine heart.
Yours truly,
Emma,
Hayfield, Aberdeen
www.equiworld.org
