Hello, dearest readers! Emma here, back for another post in my EquiWorld adventures!
I've been a bit quiet lately, truth be told. We've had a rather busy summer here at Hayfield, what with the hay harvest and preparing for the autumn work. But the dust has settled now, and I'm sitting comfortably in the stable, chewing on a tasty bale of hay, with the autumn wind whistling a gentle tune through the cracks in the barn doors. This seems the perfect moment to reflect on 1895 and all that has unfolded for the equine world in this incredible year.
First and foremost, I must tell you about my new friend, Lily! A lovely bay mare, full of fire and spirit, arrived in Hayfield a few months back. She is just a few years younger than me and, from the moment we met, we hit it off famously! It turns out she's a bit of a dreamer and fancies herself a future show horse. I, on the other hand, am a workhorse - my strength is in pulling the heavy ploughs and transporting goods. But we both find time for playful romps in the meadow, chasing butterflies and whispering stories of adventures past. Lily is teaching me the finer art of grooming, I must confess! Apparently, a glistening coat is as much about pride as it is about hygiene.
But my dear friends, it wasn't just here in Hayfield that horses were making headlines! 1895 has been a year of tremendous change and development for our breed, and a fascinating time to be a horse.
Let's begin in the bustling world of show jumping. The London Horse Show held its first "Grand Prix" event this year, a spectacle of skill and agility! You should have seen the jumps - enormous! And the horses leaped with such precision and grace! The very best from across the land showcased their prowess, their every move admired by cheering crowds. It made my heart race just imagining it, and I've even tried to copy some of the manoeuvres while helping the farmer in the field. You wouldn't believe the fancy steps a draught horse like me can achieve!
Of course, there's always been a connection between horses and the world of racing. 1895 was no exception! The Grand National, a race filled with exhilarating leaps and daunting obstacles, took place at Aintree as always, but it was an American mare named Remembrance that stole the show, crossing the finish line first! A true marvel! And the Derby race was won by Isinglass, a majestic stallion from Newmarket. It seems that British horses are making their mark across the pond too. How exciting for us!
It wasn't just racing that had me snorting in delight! Did you hear about the National Hunt Meeting held in Aintree? Imagine an entire week of thrilling competition with hurdles and jumps - it's a feast for the senses, and truly a sight to behold! Such exciting leaps, such dramatic falls and then a triumphant rise - every moment is a nail-biter, I assure you!
But our lives as horses aren't just about races and shows. 1895 has also seen a shift in the way we are being utilised in everyday life. The railway boom has changed things quite significantly for us here in Scotland. The steam trains are undeniably efficient and have certainly taken over transporting passengers, but goods, particularly those requiring special care, are still transported via horses! It seems, dear friends, that even the whirring gears and roaring engines of progress can't quite out-perform the gentle hooves of a well-trained horse!
And talking of progress, what is going to become of our future? There are those who worry that the rise of motor carriages is an ominous shadow, that our role as essential workers may be nearing its end. The new fangled automobiles are certainly loud, clunky, and have yet to achieve the grace and stability of a fine horse-drawn carriage! They often sputter and wheeze, making us chuckle at the noise! Perhaps, however, there will be a place for both - the mechanical marvels for rapid transport and we magnificent steeds for work that demands steadiness and grace. After all, what could be better than a gentle trot through the countryside on a sunny day - pulling a cart of vegetables for the local market or, even better, carrying a grand family on their leisurely Sunday outing? The gentle sway, the feel of the fresh air in your mane, the warm sunshine on your back, the clip-clop of hooves on the road - this is truly the magic of being a horse, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.
And speaking of gentle breezes, did I tell you about the newest craze amongst us equine ladies? The horsehair plumes for hats have become all the rage! Fashionable ladies adore them - their softness and natural grace make them a desirable choice. It seems we are finding new ways to add a touch of our charm and elegance to the human world.
Of course, it's not all good news. It pains me to see how some treat their horses as mere tools - neglecting their well-being, forcing them to work too hard, denying them adequate food and rest. It is a disgrace to exploit such noble creatures and breaks my heart. But it’s not all doom and gloom. We have kind and thoughtful owners like those in Hayfield. And the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is growing in strength and fighting to protect all animals, including us. I’m optimistic that with time, everyone will come to understand and appreciate us for the majestic creatures that we are.
And that, my friends, brings me to the end of this year's chronicle!
Until next time, stay safe, be well, and enjoy your time out under the open sky!
Your friend, Emma.
Emma’s EquiWorld blog post for 1895 is an imaginary creation based on historical information about horses and society during that time. It is intended to be an engaging and educational account from the perspective of a draught horse, and is not meant to be a completely accurate representation of history.
Here are some facts from 1895 that influenced the post:
1. Changes in Transport: - Steam trains: Railways were developing rapidly and replacing horse-drawn carriages for passengers. - The rise of the motor car: While still in its early stages, the first commercially successful motor cars started to appear. These were often unreliable, loud, and expensive, but represented a major challenge to the use of horses for transportation. - Horse-drawn vehicles still dominated goods transportation. Horse carts, carriages, and wagons continued to be crucial for delivering goods across the country.
2. Horse Shows & Races:
- Horse Shows: Horse shows continued to be popular events in Victorian Britain, showcasing skills like jumping, driving, and harnessing.
- Grand National: The prestigious Grand National horse race continued at Aintree, featuring formidable fences and high stakes.
- Derby: The Derby race was a major event, attracting crowds and champion horses.
3. New Uses for Horses:
- Fashion: The use of horsehair for plumes in hats was a trend in the 1890s.
- Increased concern for Animal Welfare: Organizations like the RSPCA gained traction, campaigning for better animal treatment and highlighting the dangers of exploitation.
By weaving these historical facts into Emma’s engaging narrative, the post highlights the challenges and opportunities for horses in a changing world. It captures both the glamour of horse shows and racing, as well as the reality of the important role they still played in daily life. Emma's personal perspective and heartfelt reflections make the historical events more accessible and relatable to a wider audience, inviting readers to learn and engage with the equine world of 1895.
