History of Horses in the year 1905

Hello, fellow equines! Emma here, your grey draught mare with the fancy white mane and tail, hailing from Hayfield, near Aberdeen. It's been a while, hasn't it? Life has been rather busy here in the Highlands. It seems like every week brings a new adventure and with 1905 almost done and dusted, I thought I'd share some of the goings-on in the horse world, from a mare's perspective, of course.

Now, let me tell you, it's a time of great change! I've been around for a while, so I've seen a bit. But, there's a buzz in the air, a sense of progress that you can't quite put your hoof on. I suppose it has to do with those pesky "motors" everyone's talking about. Apparently, they can pull loads without the need for horses - the audacity! Well, let's just say they won't be replacing us anytime soon! We still hold the reigns of the transport world, and that’s how it’s going to stay!

Let's start close to home, shall we? My people, the Clydesdales, we're really making our mark on the world. This year saw a big influx of our kin, strong and handsome, heading to places I'd only dreamt of: England, even further south to a place called London! They're putting on a show, the big city types, hauling fancy carriages and delivering goods in grand style.

I do wish I had a go myself, but you know, life on the farm has its perks. We help to bring in the harvest, plough the fields, and our work, well, it’s essential for the food we all eat! Our strength isn't just for show; it's real, practical. My master, Jock, always says a good Clydesdale can outwork any machine - and that, my friends, is a fact!

There's always a big excitement here in Scotland for the Highland Games. This year, as per usual, there were loads of horse events, and even the Queen herself, Victoria, was there! She visited my hometown of Hayfield last month and she seemed delighted by the Highland Games. She even commented on our horses, remarking on the strength and beauty of the Clydesdales. The highlight of the event for me was definitely the Highland Games Racing - nothing like watching our thoroughbred cousins zoom across the moorland at a blistering pace! It's something I could never do myself. Those nimble fellows are built for speed, whilst I'm a queen of strength and power.

And that, ladies and gents, is a thing that's going big this year. Horse shows, a bit like the Highland Games, but bigger! It's like a stage for horses, showing off their abilities and beauty. They have all kinds of competitions - jumps, fancy dress (don't you worry, a grey draught like myself isn't made for those shenanigans), driving, and even "pulling" where the horses tug on big weights. Apparently, this whole show thing is spreading across England like wildfire! Who knows, perhaps one day even the grey, mighty Clydesdales like me might get to strut their stuff on such a stage.

One of the best things about this year was the publication of a lovely little book titled "The Horse." It tells the tales of the equine world through stories and pictures. You see, it's been written by a fellow named Colonel Richard Thornton, and the man certainly knows a thing or two about horses. He's actually in the Queen's Royal Army! This book, oh it's such a beautiful thing. It details every aspect of a horse’s life – breeding, training, grooming, their health.

But here's the really special part, the bit that tugged at my heartstrings – it includes tales of horses in war! This man Colonel Thornton writes how important horses were in times gone by – from transporting troops to helping our valiant riders to save the day in battle! I must admit, I felt a twinge of pride – even though I have never tasted war, to know our ancestors, my Clydesdale brethren, were so vital and brave… It fills a grey mare’s heart with something.

You see, dear reader, life in the horse world is always moving, and changing. It’s been a fantastic year! We've helped farmers to produce food for our country, shown off our speed and strength, been recognised by the Queen, and we even got our very own story book, just about us.

I've been feeling especially energetic recently. I can't help but think maybe the Queen is right: my people, the Clydesdales, are about to take the world by storm, and I'm so proud to be a part of this incredible time in history. So, until next time, keep those hooves moving and the tails wagging!

Yours sincerely,

Emma the Clydesdale

I was inspired by those Highland Games races and thought I’d share this piece of poetry about my Clydesdale sisters and cousins, especially the nimble Thoroughbreds!

The Clydesdale, strong and true,

With feathered feet and gentle view,

Works in fields and hauls with might,

Through day and night, a wondrous sight.

But on the moor, a sight so rare,

The Thoroughbred, with mane of air,

His strides so swift, his speed divine,

Across the ground, his muscles shine.

Each horse with talents, we must agree,

Yet together strong, our strength you’ll see,

For horse to man, a loyal friend,

Until the very end.