#1919 - The Dawn of Peace & a New Beginning for Horses: Emma's Journey
*A warm breeze rustled through the barley field, tickling my grey coat. The sun, shining after what felt like ages of rain, painted the fields a joyful golden yellow. I lowered my head and munched on a blade of grass, the familiar taste a reminder of peaceful days. Ah, those golden days were far from the memory of wartime! It had only been a few short months since the Great War had ended, but even now, with the sound of the farm's rooster's crow announcing the dawn, the echoes of that terrible time seemed to still be present. I wasn’t quite sure what had transpired; a rumbling, chaotic time when horses like myself were rushed around with huge carts full of supplies for the men. So many of us, my dearest brothers and sisters, didn’t return home… My own sire, a magnificent bay stallion named Rowan, hadn't come back. The humans spoke in hushed whispers of the battlefields; tales of courage and sacrifice, but for us, the horses, it meant uncertainty, loss, and a sense of emptiness that seemed to seep into our very souls. *
Now, thankfully, peace has finally descended upon us. There is an air of optimism; a renewed energy in the fields. Men are returning from the battlefields, and the sound of their voices, once carrying the grim weight of war, are filled with laughter and stories of their adventures. There are still whispers of hardship and the grief that remains, but there's a flicker of hope burning brighter than ever. This hope is reflected in the fields themselves. The crops, nourished by the recent rains, are bursting with life; a stark contrast to the withered, barren landscapes of just a few months ago.
A Horse's Perspective on the Great War
*I know the humans speak about the Great War, but they do not understand our experiences. They speak of the technological marvels – tanks, machine guns – that decimated our ranks. But for us, the true horror was the constant fear, the unending clamour and the bitter cold. There was the dust, and the noise, the explosions that shook the ground under our feet. And the sheer desolation we witnessed…
How I longed for the warmth of our stables at Hayfield near Aberdeen! For the reassuring rumble of our old farmer’s voice. And my favourite thing in the whole world - the rhythmic clip-clop of our hooves on the cobblestone roads as we headed for the local markets! Even in those days, back when life felt much more simple and predictable, I felt an underlying sense of fear. The War wasn't our battle, and I just wished we were all safely at home. Now that the Great War is over, I believe we will never experience such devastation again. Surely peace and happiness await us.*
The Horse Show – A Sign of Hope
A couple of weeks ago, I saw something magnificent - a horse show! There were horses like myself - all proud, shiny, and meticulously groomed - paraded through a big, decorated area. The humans clapped and cheered and there was such an exciting buzz in the air. The horses, adorned with their riders in vibrant outfits, strutted their stuff. There were majestic black Clydesdale horses, strong Shire horses with flowing manes and tails, elegant thoroughbreds, and the beautiful hackneys – oh, such stunning animals! The energy was palpable, a wave of pride, a sense of collective joy that washed over me. It was a celebration of all things equine. A sign of hope for our future. And I felt hopeful, I felt optimistic.
The World of Horses in 1919
Horses are the lifeblood of rural Scotland, as they are throughout the rest of the country and indeed throughout the whole of the UK! Horses are the transport system, the workforce, the heart of farming. From plowing the fields, pulling carts of grain, carrying heavy loads in the markets to hauling logs from the forest - we play an essential role in every aspect of life. We even contribute to entertainment - with people choosing us for carriage rides or participating in competitions.
*While we have to work hard, it's not always a chore. My day is full of routine - the comforting familiarity of each task. We wake up with the sun and eat oats before heading out to our work in the fields. The rhythmic plodding across the fields is our routine. Sometimes, after a good day, I go for long walks in the countryside. I enjoy the view from Hayfield hill – overlooking the farm and all of Aberdeen. What is there not to love! *
A horse’s life in 1919, in peacetime, is one of quiet but essential importance. We have an important role to play. Even though things have changed since the War, we're not taking this new era lightly. It is time for us horses to regain our strength, for us to heal and move on. And it's time for us to help rebuild our world.
My Future… and yours
*I’m a strong, sturdy grey mare with a flowing white mane and tail, my favourite colour in the world! I was born on this farm and will always be proud to call this place my home. I look forward to a long life in the beautiful countryside - pulling the carts for the farmers, and helping with the harvest. I'll be busy every day, a busy horse who takes great pleasure in serving the needs of my beloved farm family. There is something wonderful about being so useful to humans, of working alongside them and of providing them with the strength and support they need. After the hard work of the War, it is good to know that I'm still strong and well and still have many years of work and pleasure ahead of me. And to my horse readers - if you feel the same, that this time, we can be safe in peace, it makes me feel good too. *
*But change is in the air. I know it.
Though it feels a long way off, a rumbling rumour has been circulating around the farm - that there is a machine called a ‘motorcar’, and that it's meant to be as strong as a horse, and just as fast! Is this really true? Will we horses be needed as much in the future? Will there be new tasks and a new kind of role for us in the world?
Will we ever ride on buses as we do in the carts? Will humans get to know us in the same way we have always been?
I just don't know yet... But we will all adjust and change along with our humans.
Life, for a horse like me, is about to get even more exciting.
So, hello again! This is Emma from Hayfield in Scotland, and I’m very proud to be writing my very first blog post for *EquiWorld - I look forward to telling you about what I see in the future of the horse and maybe you can share with me what’s happening for you all too… If you like, join me for my adventures on EquiWorld, and share your stories with me too!**
Remember: if you want to join *EquiWorld and chat about everything horsey, visit the site. You'll find everything you need here! I promise.*
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Please let me know if you would like me to continue writing about Emma’s story!