Well, my dear EquiWorld readers, here I am, Emma, the grey mare from Hayfield, and 1911 is upon us! I can't quite believe a year has already gone by - it's a whirl! Let me tell you, it's been an extraordinary year for us equines, filled with both exciting advancements and timeless traditions.
The wind whistles through the gorse bushes on the moorland here in Hayfield. It's crisp autumn air and reminds me of those exciting days of the Highland Gathering. The aroma of bonfires and the sound of bagpipes still echo in my mind. My fellow steeds and I performed splendidly in the parade, our hooves echoing on the cobblestones of the town square, carrying our riders with pride and grace. There were shire horses with their strong, powerful strides, noble Clydesdales, nimble Welsh cobs, and the graceful, lithe Arabs - what a display!
It's truly fascinating, watching these traditions change with each passing year. You see, in the days when I was a young foal, the Highland Gathering was a grand affair with many noble families attending. These days, however, the crowds are a little smaller - though perhaps it's just that more of us have taken up their seats in the new trams in town. Yes, indeed! I see the motorcars every day, and our work at the local stables has evolved, with less and less hauling, more and more deliveries of packages and luggage to the station to catch those sleek machines. It is a wonder, but even so, I believe the traditions we cherish in this region will never die. The spirit of our forefathers is strong in every horse that graces these highlands, and their legacy will carry on, even as the world around us races on.
The change isn't always easy, though. It’s a strange time for our kind. Just recently, I saw a fellow, a lad no older than myself, carrying a parcel strapped onto a motorised bicycle. Now, wouldn't that be a sight for our grandparents! They wouldn't believe their hooves were made for such things!
While some see progress with these machines as an unwelcome force, I say let us embrace it with an open mind. The change may bring about new challenges, but there’s also opportunity to grow and learn. In the world of horsemanship, it’s like adding a new trick to our repertoire, a new step to our elegant walk. Who knows? Perhaps a horse-powered carriage would make an even finer spectacle pulled alongside one of those new contraptions!
However, that’s a topic for another blog entry.
And now, where was I? Ah yes! It's hard to keep track sometimes with all that is happening! As I said, it’s a fascinating time to be alive. But beyond these new advancements, there are still many, many traditional aspects to our world. Take for example the Royal Ascot - that is always a thrilling event, with carriages dashing across the green and a sea of beautifully adorned women with hats reaching for the clouds. What an image of refined beauty, grace, and elegance! It is events such as Ascot that keep us close to our ancestral roots, a world of pomp, parade, and unwavering dedication to our craft.
Did you know, my dear EquiWorld readers, that 1911 was a landmark year for Royal Ascot? It marked the first occasion that an "autocar" – yes, you guessed it, a motorised carriage – graced the Royal Enclosure. Just imagine that! I felt quite an urge to give it a sniff as it pulled in, a sleek and impressive beast, albeit not a fellow steed!
And speaking of significant happenings, the recent Horse Show at Olympia in London has captured the imagination of horse lovers across the world. Every year it seems, more people are drawn to its enchantment – a whirlwind of excitement, acrobatic performances, breathtaking displays of athletic prowess, and the constant clatter of hooves and cheers of spectators.
I had the chance to visit this wondrous show two years back – well, just to have a sniff around, and a delicious bit of grass, of course. But let me tell you, it was a breathtaking spectacle!
And don’t get me started on the Queen Alexandra Stakes, the annual race for mares in Ascot! The first race of its kind – a true testament to the strength, beauty, and incredible spirit of female horses. To witness such racing events is to understand the innate power within us and the thrill of reaching that elusive finish line, every ounce of energy pushing us forward.
It’s incredible to see so many new faces amongst our equine community - those noble creatures born from new breeds, and those carefully trained thoroughbreds reaching astonishing speeds. We may each be different in size and appearance, but at heart, we share that same wild energy and love of freedom - it truly is our bloodline.
Just last week, while working on a delivery to the local grocer, I saw a magnificent black stallion standing proud at the far end of the meadow, his mane flowing like a silken river in the afternoon wind. He looked as though he was born of myth and legend - I just couldn’t resist a playful flick of my ears and a proud nod in his direction. Such a powerful creature, truly magnificent, with a gaze as deep as the night sky! He might be from a distant land, a traveller with stories etched in his muscles and tales written in his stride. Oh, how I yearn to hear them!
Speaking of journeys, I’ve had many opportunities to stretch my legs and travel over the past year, too. This is the third year running that the hay harvest at the local farm has called upon us to help transport the newly cut hay – a journey to a large hay barn located at the foot of the Cairngorms, where stacks of straw rise to the heavens, the smell of summer sun and fresh, green hay lingering in the air.
We spent weeks transporting the hay – it was a gruelling task, indeed! We worked tirelessly under the hot sun, sweating and panting, and it is true, there were a few instances when my legs longed to lie down and rest. However, it was always worth it when the farmers cheered for us at the end of our day.
And then there was that incredible journey I took to Edinburgh! What a whirlwind that was! It was to take part in the grand parade for the Lord Provost, a procession celebrating the city's history and the role of our beloved steeds in everyday life. To see the vibrant, crowded streets and the endless faces, the echoes of the pipers, the roaring crowds cheering us on – well, I can only say it was truly a spectacle I shall never forget.
And who could forget the new carriages designed for the more discerning lady? The horse-drawn "Autocars," as the folk in town are calling them. Fancy that! Those elegant, yet somehow modern carriages that I keep seeing dashing around town. Some may disagree with this union of tradition and advancement, but honestly, it's a beauty!
One could argue that our role is being redefined - an exciting proposition, wouldn't you say? Yes, I may be a draught horse from a small town in the Scottish Highlands, but I like to think that we, the horses of the world, are adapting and growing alongside these developments, retaining our integrity, while embracing new chapters in our equine history.
As a seasoned grey mare with my head held high and heart full of grace, I am thrilled to share my life and my observations of this ever-changing world with all of you. As I have stated before, it is truly a remarkable time to be alive - the future holds such potential.
Until next time, my dear EquiWorld readers, keep your ears perked up and eyes open to all the wonder and change the world has to offer!
Your loving, Emma.
