Neigh-day, fellow equestrians!
Emma here, your friendly grey draught mare from the beautiful countryside of Hayfield, just outside of Aberdeen. As always, I'm so happy to be sharing another year of horse history with you on EquiWorld.org. It’s been a year filled with excitement and change here in Scotland and across the globe, and, as always, the horse is at the centre of it all.
This year, 1929, feels especially significant, with a mix of joyous celebrations and glimpses of the coming storm on the horizon. As a seasoned draught mare myself, I know a thing or two about pulling through hard times, and this year certainly hints at a test of resilience for both man and beast.
The Scottish Highland Games: A Festival of Strength and Spirit
The Scottish Highland Games are an annual highlight, and this year was no exception! I helped pull a cart full of goods to the games in the local town, where the air buzzed with anticipation and excitement. The atmosphere was truly electric, a flurry of kilts, pipes, and cheers! It was the highlight of summer, with crowds of people drawn in to witness the feats of strength, the nimble Highland dancers, and the impressive athleticism of the horses.
The Kings Cup Race at Royal Ascot
My friends and I in the stable often discussed the magnificent horses that raced at Royal Ascot. This year, the King's Cup Race was particularly thrilling. The spectacle of speed, elegance, and skilled horsemanship was something we all marvelled at. It was a beautiful display of grace, a celebration of all that’s excellent about our breed.
The Dawn of the Automobile
A few of us older horses remember the day when our brethren were the only mode of transport, and the sight of a horsedrawn carriage was commonplace. But change is afoot. I’ve witnessed the rising popularity of the horseless carriage - a loud and strange contraption, I must confess - though it seems some people are taking to it with a fervor that’s quite worrying. While I’m glad for their faster speed and the lack of manure on the roads, there's something rather majestic about being harnessed to a cart, with the rhythm of your hooves beating against the cobbles and the sun on your coat. We are the embodiment of history and tradition, the heart of these land, and I trust that we will still hold a special place even in the face of change.
An Echo of the Future
Speaking of change, the first year of the Great Depression in America is a heavy weight on the hearts of those around me. Although things haven't yet changed much for us horses here in Scotland, whispers of hardship and scarcity spread across the land. The price of hay has gone up slightly, and my fellow stable mates mention concerns about feeding their families in the winter.
Despite the uncertain times ahead, we horses remain adaptable creatures, known for our resilience. I am filled with hope that with our steadfast spirit, the spirit of collaboration, and a good dose of strong Scottish grit, we will weather whatever storms come our way. After all, I am Emma, and I am made of stuff stronger than the most blustery wind!
From One Mare to Another…
This is your daily dose of equi-news! Let me know in the comments what your horses are up to. Is your stable preparing for winter, or are you training for local shows? And have you experienced the changes brought on by these new contraptions, the “motorcars” they call them?
Until next time, my dear equestrians, I wish you happy rides and bright spirits.
Stay safe, be well, and neigh often! Emma
