Welcome, dear readers, to my little corner of the internet where we delve into the history of us horses! This week, I'm turning my hooves back to 1923, a year full of interesting changes, both in the world and in our equine world.
As I'm sure you've all guessed, I'm Emma. I'm a grey draught horse with a mane and tail that gleam like freshly-fallen snow. I was born and raised in the beautiful Scottish countryside, in a place called Hayfield near Aberdeen, and my life has been full of hard work and satisfyingly full feed buckets!
Now, 1923 wasn't just any year. It marked the aftermath of the Great War, a time when our human companions were finding their feet again. Though it may have been a difficult time for some, there was also a sense of renewed purpose and the beginnings of a shift in how horses were used.
From Battlefield to Fields:
I vividly remember the years after the Great War. So many of our brothers and sisters returned from the battlefields, bearing the scars of war, both physical and emotional. Many of them found it hard to adapt back to the rhythms of farm life after the relentless grind of the front. But it was a testament to their strength and resilience that so many of them thrived despite the horrors they witnessed.
Our work on the farm wasn't easy, mind you, but it was a steady routine we could all depend upon. We ploughed the fields, pulling heavy carts laden with produce, and drew elegant carriages that carried people around our countryside. There was something wonderfully purposeful about our work - knowing that what we did made a real difference in our human companions' lives.
The Motoring Mania:
This year also brought a steady rise in motor cars and tractors. These noisy, clunking inventions had begun creeping into the world before the war, but in 1923, they felt like a genuine challenge to our place in the world. They certainly made their presence felt with those rattling engines, a far cry from the rhythmic clip-clop of horse-drawn carriages.
It wasn't all doom and gloom, though. The new machines meant farmers had more time for other tasks. It meant that we, the horses, could focus on more specialised tasks, like working with delicate machinery, carrying heavier loads, and performing those detailed farm jobs that needed a careful, sensitive touch – skills that no machine could replicate.
Sporting Spirited
1923 saw an ever-growing interest in equestrian sports. People flocked to see magnificent thoroughbreds race, watched in awe as magnificent hunter horses sailed over fences, and marvelled at the precision and elegance of dressage. My younger cousins, those with the sleek coats and powerful strides, would talk endlessly about the excitement of racing and leaping high fences. While my kind of horse, the sturdy, hard-working draught horses, weren't built for these exciting pursuits, I was proud of the strength and grace they showcased.
This was also the year of the Grand National steeplechase, held at Aintree, a course that, as any good horse knows, was considered very demanding. It's always been a time when we horses get to see our own kind showcase bravery and determination, traits that, as every horse knows, are vital for us.
A Year of Change
As I mentioned earlier, 1923 was a time of great change. The world, both equine and human, was transforming. But what remained steadfast was our relationship with humans. We worked tirelessly side-by-side with them, playing vital roles in their daily lives. From pulling heavy carts and ploughing fields, to drawing carriages and even providing entertainment and sporting excitement, we horses remained an integral part of human life.
And while the machines may have entered the scene, I, for one, had faith in the enduring connection between horses and humans. After all, our shared history was long and intertwined. We horses weren’t about to vanish. We were, and are, here to stay!
I hope you've enjoyed this journey through 1923, from the perspective of a hardworking, happy draught horse! Next week, we’ll take a closer look at some of the fascinating innovations in equestrian equipment and training techniques of this exciting year.
Until then, happy galloping!
