From Emma, the Grey Mare of Hayfield
Hello, dear EquiWorld readers! It's Emma here, your favourite grey mare from the rolling hills of Hayfield near Aberdeen. It's a bit breezy here today, but the sun's shining bright, making the heather fields positively sparkle. It makes you want to take a long, leisurely stroll, doesn't it? Ah, but I must not dawdle! I have a tale to tell, a story of the year 1920 - a year of change, of innovation, of progress... and of course, of horses!
As I look back over the past year, a feeling of quiet contentment settles in. The war is over, and thankfully, many of my fellow comrades are back home, safe and sound. There's a feeling of lightness, a sense of renewal in the air. But as with any period of adjustment, the change brought its own challenges, a quiet hum of concern under the surface of it all.
Let's start with what has stayed the same. The heart of the countryside is still very much reliant on horses, us sturdy souls who plough the fields, draw the carts, and bring the goods to market. I work for a lovely farmer named Thomas, who keeps a gentle hand and feeds us a steady diet of hay and oats. We haul the barley and potatoes, take the cows to the dairy, and work diligently in the fields, preparing the land for the next harvest. It's hard work, but honest work. We are the backbone of the country, and our lives are simple, focused, and tied to the rhythm of the seasons.
But even with the steady pace of rural life, 1920 has brought winds of change to our equine world. There's talk, whispers in the stables, of mechanical wonders – those terrifying "iron horses" they call motor vehicles. Some say they'll soon replace us, pulling carriages and hauling goods at unbelievable speed. There's fear in those whispers, a quiet ache of uncertainty.
However, amongst us, amongst the strong and sturdy horses of the country, there is also a sense of pride, of knowing that we're more than just "means of transport." We are strong and loyal companions, symbols of hard work and determination, the living embodiment of strength and grace. We know we've earned our place in the hearts of humans, and in their hearts we remain, cherished and loved.
So, while the motor cars hum along the streets, a steady rhythm of hoofbeats still echoes in the countryside, reminding everyone of our strength and resilience. The horses of Hayfield remain – pulling plows, transporting goods, and keeping the spirit of the countryside alive. We’re a part of the very fabric of rural life.
The year has seen more changes though, changes beyond the coming of motor vehicles. In the city, our brethren have been introduced to the exciting world of the Automobile Association's 'National Horses' competitions. The spectacle of sleek and powerful horses vying for titles is making quite a stir. We hear of daring jumps, incredible speeds, and a frenzy of excitement at these competitions. Perhaps the future of our breed will not just be about farmwork after all.
And speaking of exciting news, the year has also seen the publication of “The Rider”, a brand new monthly magazine devoted entirely to horses. It's a treasure trove of knowledge about horsemanship, training, and the many different ways humans are engaging with our breed. Every issue is filled with interesting articles and beautiful illustrations, showing the vibrant and diverse world we horses live in. You can find it at many local newsstands, my fellow equine friends. Be sure to give it a read, especially the section on grooming and nutrition – valuable information that will serve you well, as we all must stay healthy and strong to perform our best.
Now, even in our countryside, we see signs of this newfound passion for horses. It seems everyone wants to be connected with the equestrian world. The younger folks – bless their adventurous souls – are embracing riding as a sport and a leisure activity. Their bright laughter and cheerful faces as they trot alongside their steeds bring a warmth to the fields that rivals the summer sunshine.
For me, these are the aspects of change that bring me a glimmer of hope. It seems that even though the motor car has begun to enter our world, our value is not lost, but is instead expanding. People continue to appreciate our elegance, our strength, our resilience, and, dare I say it, even our spirit!
While the roar of the motorcar is undeniably making its mark on the world, I am filled with an unwavering belief in our future. We may evolve, adapting to the changes that are undoubtedly on their way, but we will never truly be replaced. There will always be a need for the strong, steadfast, reliable, and ultimately, the loving connection that only we horses can offer.
Remember, dear EquiWorld readers, we are more than just workhorses. We are friends, partners, companions, and more than anything, creatures that embody the enduring power of nature. And so, while change may sweep through the world, we remain. We will continue to work, to race, to love, and to gallop through life, a testament to the enduring grace and spirit of the horse.
So, from the hills of Hayfield, with a cheerful snort and a gentle flick of my white tail, I say, until next time! Keep those horseshoes polished, dear friends, and keep riding, galloping, and shining! And if you'd like to share your thoughts on the changes this year has brought, be sure to comment on this post. It is wonderful to share our experiences as one big, beautiful equine community.
