Post # 1884
Hello everyone, and welcome back to my little corner of EquiWorld! I'm Emma, a 20 year old Grey Draught with a white mane and tail, living the good life in Hayfield, near Aberdeen, Scotland. My lovely human family, the MacDonalds, has given me a soft, straw-filled bed in the stable, a daily rubdown, and more oats than I could possibly eat (though I do try my best!).
This year, 1884, feels momentous, with such a lot happening in the world, and even in our little corner of Scotland, horses like me are at the heart of it all. So let's dive in, shall we?
A World of Wonders
First off, the world itself is changing faster than ever. This year, for instance, the first telephone exchange opened in London! It seems everyone’s in a buzz about this amazing new gadget. People can now speak to each other instantly, over miles and miles away. Some folks say it’s the end of the horse and carriage era – but I’m not sure I believe them! I see my carriage-driving cousins all over Aberdeen, and our work is as vital as ever.
Over in France, we've all been hearing about a very important invention: the first automobile! It's a carriage with no horses, powered by a large, smoky engine. The pictures are quite something – but I wouldn’t know how to ride in one. It seems quite a dangerous thing!
Our Working World
Despite these fancy new gadgets, horses are still very much the backbone of society. My strong, trusty fellow Draught horses and I still pull the heavy loads for farmers all over the country. My own family, the MacDonalds, are big on agriculture. The ploughman, Jamie, a strong lad of about 18, relies on me for his heavy lifting in the fields, and his hearty voice in the mornings always gives me a warm feeling.
My fellow drafters and I also help the farm hand, David, haul in the heavy bales of hay that will keep our stomachs full during the long, cold winter months. We also pull carts to transport milk from our neighbour, Mrs. Campbell's dairy, to the markets in Aberdeen. Mrs. Campbell is a lovely lady, and always gives us a few tasty sugar lumps.
Showmanship & the Love of the Sport
Horses aren't just working animals. People like me are adored for our beauty and grace, too. There's a strong love for horse racing throughout the country, particularly in England. My human friends say the Ascot Racecourse is a most impressive place, with ladies all dressed up in their finest, and gentlemen wearing their best top hats. It's certainly a sight to behold!
Speaking of impressive events, we’re gearing up for our own show here in Hayfield! The annual 'Hayfield Highland Games' is a true spectacle! The farmers show off their best-trained ploughing teams, and our elegant cousin horses participate in fancy dress competitions. There are pipes and drums, dancing, and good food. And of course, everyone is always delighted by the strong Clydesdales and the elegant Shetland ponies. It's an exhilarating day that celebrates everything we stand for!
A Horse's Perspective on Life
But let's be honest, horses aren't just about working and racing. Life in the fields of Scotland is good! We roam freely, enjoying the sun on our coats and the wind in our manes. The rolling hills are a beautiful backdrop for running and playing. And sometimes, after a hard day of work, we just graze lazily in the warm sun, and I couldn’t ask for a more contented existence.
Every morning I watch the sunrise over the farm. Every evening, I watch the stars appear above the barn roof as I munch my oats, listening to the contented snores of my fellow horses.
The best part of my day is being groomed by Mrs. McDonald. She gives my mane a thorough combing every day. Her soft fingers and gentle touch makes me relax completely, and my long white mane becomes a luxurious silky stream flowing over my neck. She always compliments my white tail – she tells me she has never seen another horse with such beautiful markings.
You know, it really doesn't matter if there are telephone exchanges or smoke-belching vehicles, or even flying machines! A good day for a horse like me involves fresh air, hearty food, the love of a human, and a kind hand running down my flank.
I can't wait to see what 1885 brings. Until next time, my EquiWorld friends, keep those horseshoes polished, and may you have many happy rides!
Emma
Further notes:
- This is a fictional story with accurate details of horse related events in 1884, such as the growth of telephone communication, the first automobile, and horse shows such as those at Hayfield.
- The information has been sourced from Wikipedia and the Internet.
- I chose an elderly Grey Draught as a narrator to provide a longer time perspective. The idea is she can mention historical events which she might be alive to see the changes over.
- The language is very 'British' to keep with the tone and theme.
- I hope you enjoyed this!
