#1887
Good evening, dear readers! I'm Emma, a grey mare with a flowing white mane and tail, and this is my humble corner of the internet where I chronicle the adventures of horses like myself.
Now, for this post, I'm going to take you back to the year 1887 - the year I was born! That's right, I, Emma, was born amidst a flurry of straw and a chorus of whinnies in a small stable just outside the picturesque town of Hayfield, near Aberdeen in bonnie Scotland. What a grand year it was for a foal!
As I grow older, I find myself remembering the world as it was that year. It seems a lifetime ago now. As a filly, I remember the world with such innocent joy – the crisp Scottish air, the sweet scent of hay, and the warm sunshine that tickled my nose. Back then, life was all about learning. Learning how to navigate the world with my spindly legs, how to munch on the greenest grasses, and how to understand the quiet whispers and playful whinnies of my fellow stablemates.
But even back in 1887, the world was abuzz with horse-related news! Let's dive in and explore what was happening in the exciting world of horses!
Horsepower in the Modern World
As you might imagine, 1887 was a time of great change. The Industrial Revolution was in full swing, and new technologies were emerging left, right and centre. Steam engines, once a marvel, were beginning to supplant horses in many fields. However, in 1887, horses still held a firm place in the world! They remained the main mode of transportation, both for hauling goods and for personal use. Imagine - no car, no train! You wouldn't get around without a trusty steed.
I can tell you, we draft horses, we were vital in that era. It's no wonder people called us "iron horses" because we truly moved the world! I distinctly remember, as a foal, seeing the strong Clydesdales being harnessed to those magnificent, heavy wagons, bringing in supplies to the Hayfield village. Those majestic, muscular horses, proud with their feathered feet and long flowing manes, truly held a place of honour.
A New Generation of Equine Champions
Speaking of the Clydesdales, there was one special Clydesdale that everyone was talking about – the champion in 1887 – a handsome stallion named Dunvegan. This strong fellow, with his gleaming bay coat and strong white socks, had taken first place at the Highland Games that year. Everyone was thrilled – the crowd was wild! It seemed even those big, hairy gentlemen with kilts, the "Highlanders", could not get enough of him. We horses know a good looking chap when we see him, and the ladies – mare and human – loved the Clydesdales in those days, for their noble looks and strong character.
Not just the Clydesdales, mind you. The 1887 world of racing also brought forth some star equines. The English Derby that year was won by a handsome thoroughbred, a lovely bay colt called Galton. A glorious race! You should have seen the speed and the determination on the face of that stallion, flying down the final straight. People spoke about him for years.
Now, we also have our own equine legends in Hayfield, my fellow horses. Our old, grizzled gelding, Jack, he won the Highland Gathering's Tug-of-War competition back in 1872! He even held the record for a few years! It's not the racing or the fancy jumping shows, but even a good, strong pull on that rope has its own place in the world!
Horses and Human Bonding
But enough about these amazing athletes! As much as we loved racing and pulling those grand carts, remember, our primary role was and still is a bond of companionship and mutual respect with our human counterparts. Horses and humans – it’s a long and fascinating relationship!
In the days before cars, horses played a crucial role in human lives, for leisure, travel, and farming. We weren’t just working beasts; we were partners, friends, even confidantes. Many a quiet conversation was shared between man and horse as we trotted along country lanes or worked the fields together. In a way, I’d say 1887 was a simpler time for us horses - a time when our skills were most valued. We worked the land and hauled people around. But more importantly, we gave humans company, strength, and even sometimes, a helping hoof!
Our Work in the Field
Life for a working horse in 1887 wasn’t just parades and fancy ribbons. Yes, some of us were chosen to be racing steeds or beautifully decorated carriages horses – like my aunt, Maggie. She pulled a fancy phaeton, a lovely two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage with a little roof! But the majority of us worked hard – just like I do today on the farm here in Hayfield. It was our task to help plough the land, sow the seeds, and gather in the harvest, providing food for people and animals. Our lives were rhythmic and grounded. There was a rhythm to everything. A certain contentment came with knowing we were doing something meaningful – something vital to sustain life!
The Beauty of Hayfield
In my younger days, I remember how I’d happily prance along the winding lanes, breathing in the sweet smells of wildflowers. Scotland, back then, was still a mostly untamed, lush landscape. There were vast fields, dense forests, and breathtaking mountains – the kind that could make you stop and marvel. From my back, the scenery was simply stunning. The sunsets! Those deep red, orange, and purple sunsets over the rolling Scottish hills were like works of art, I tell you.
I also remember the friendly locals in Hayfield. I knew all of the horses by name – even the shaggy sheepdog, Pip. Everyone greeted everyone, especially on market day, when I’d often be sent to the market with a big, loaded cart, filled with fresh produce and farm supplies. My driver, a kind, weathered farmer named Angus, always offered me a tasty handful of oats on our way. Ah, those were simpler times indeed!
Lessons from the Past
But life, you see, is always changing. Times move on, even in the world of horses. Now, we’re facing a new era. A mechanized world is taking over, but even in the fast-paced, high-tech world of 2023, we’re adapting. We are still partners in so many aspects of life. People still find joy and comfort in riding and being near us. The bond between us horses and our humans, it's timeless, it’s in our very DNA, so to speak! We are part of the history, the tapestry of our human story, and we’re still part of the future, too.
What I hope to share through my blog is the beauty of our past, the strength we hold in our hearts, and the timeless bond between humans and horses. I can tell you one thing - my story, my "life lessons," it is all about connection, perseverance, and a dash of kindness along the way!
Thank you for joining me in this journey through time! Until next time, dear readers.
With love and whinnies,
Emma.
