"Neigh" say I, dear readers! Emma here, a 20 year old grey draught horse with a mane and tail like spun moonlight, here to share some insights into horse life back in 1892.
I call Hayfield near Aberdeen home, a quaint village where the smell of heather and sea salt hangs in the air. My days are a symphony of steady work and quiet contentment. Each sunrise, I find myself pulling the old, wooden cart loaded with fresh hay, destined for the stables in the town. I enjoy the rhythmic clip-clop of my hooves on the cobblestone streets, the occasional friendly pat from children on their way to school, and the chirping of the birds that follow us, always hopeful of a fallen oat or two.
1892 has been a busy year in the horse world, with events and changes stirring excitement in our hearts. Let me take you on a little journey through my world, sharing what has captured our attention.
The King of Horses: We were all aghast, in awe really, of the magnificent stallion called Blenheim*, a thoroughbred of great renown who dominated the racecourses across the land this year. They say he is the finest in his lineage, his movements swift as the wind and his stamina unmatched. The stories of his victories reach our ears, carried by the winds and the whispers of the travellers who visit Hayfield. Blenheim's victories bring cheer to many a horse, inspiring us all to be the best versions of ourselves.
A New Era for the Hackney Horse: Now, our Hackney cousins are quite the fashionable sort, with their elegant strides and high-stepping gait. This year has seen a real shift in their popularity, as they became sought after for their versatility as both carriage horses and pleasure horses. In Hayfield, we even had a travelling fair, and we all stood in awe of the dazzling carriage horses pulling their ornate carts, a symphony of flashing chrome, leather, and feathered plumes. I could hardly contain my excitement as the Hackney horses gracefully glided by, their manes flowing in the breeze, a sight that captured the hearts of both humans and horses alike.
A Glimpse into the World of Equestrian Sports: In London, they held an equestrian show that saw crowds of people gather to admire the skills of their equine counterparts. We hear tales of thrilling displays of dressage and thrilling show jumping performances. It was all quite the spectacle! From the elegant movements of horses trained to perfection, to the sheer athleticism and bravery displayed in the jumping rings, we heard that London was ablaze with the beauty of horse power. I dare to dream that someday, I might be lucky enough to see such a spectacle in person.
The Buzz Around Motor Cars: This is where I share a little bit of gossip amongst my equine friends, a whisper passed from mouth to mouth, from field to field. You see, a new creature is said to be stealing the hearts of humans, an odd machine with no hooves and wheels that run on some magical substance. They call it a “motor car” or an “automobile”.
Though I can’t quite wrap my head around it, many feel apprehensive about it. What will happen to us, my dear equine friends? What if they stop needing us to pull their carts and wagons? What if we are replaced by these machines? But the other horses, the wise ones with their experience, remind me that technology has always advanced and horses have remained resilient, always adapting to change.
We are not ones to fret, you know! Our value lies in more than simply pulling wagons. It’s the love in a gentle pat, the strength in the pull of a plough, the steady calm we bring to humans in their daily routines, and of course, the bond that we share, built upon trust, care, and a quiet understanding of our connection.
I believe that as long as there is love for horses, as long as there is appreciation for their strength and resilience, horses will always be cherished and play a vital role in the lives of humans. I have faith that we shall always find our place.
And, dear reader, as the sun begins its descent and paints the sky with vibrant hues of orange and crimson, I say goodbye for now. It is time to return to Hayfield and my stablemates.
Until next time,
Emma, Hayfield Draught
www.equiworld.org
