History of Horses in the year 1931

Greetings, dear readers! Emma here, writing from the rolling fields of Hayfield, just outside Aberdeen. It's a fine day today, the sun warming the heather and the wind whispering through the barley fields. The air is full of the scent of fresh cut hay and the joyful neighs of my fellow equines. This is the kind of day that makes me appreciate my life and I thought, what better day to write about a year that saw tremendous change for our horse brethren: 1931!

The world was in the midst of a change, still reeling from the Great War, but life for many of us went on, filled with hard work, joyful gallops and a spirit of camaraderie. As always, I love a good yarn and as it's the centenary of this momentous year, I wanted to share a bit of what 1931 was like from a horse's perspective, if you will.

It may be hard to imagine these days, with your sleek, steel horses that glide across the fields, but 1931 saw a new force entering the world of agriculture: the tractor. Now, I am not one to judge. These mechanical beasts were efficient and quick, a welcome relief in some situations. And yet...a pang of sadness, a whimper of worry for those of us whose livelihoods revolved around pulling ploughs and wagons.

My good friend, Barnaby, a Shire horse with a thick mane and a grumpy demeanor (and a love for oats, don't get me started), worried about his future. "They're replacing us, Emma! Those chugging contraptions will take our jobs!" he’d whine, stamping his hooves and kicking up the dust.

However, I wasn't so sure. As I saw those chuggers pulling heavy loads and breaking new ground, a part of me felt a sense of...freedom? Imagine, not being chained to a harness for 8 hours, no aching shoulders from hauling a cart laden with stones. The tractors could take over the harder work, freeing up our time for more leisurely pursuits. A chance to just run and graze under the sun, to spend more time with our families, and maybe...just maybe, to have more time for playing and exploring the rolling hills of our countryside.

Of course, the world isn’t black and white. Many a good horse lost their place to these new machines, and we all felt the ache of loss. But even for Barnaby, a deep-seated worry started to give way to an intriguing curiosity. Perhaps we were not about to be made extinct after all.

But you know, 1931 wasn’t all about anxieties. The horses were still an important part of society! We still saw those glorious lines of magnificent Clydesdales pulling heavy draught carts in the city streets. We saw horses pulling the milkman's van in the mornings, those milk cans clattering cheerfully on their journey. Even though automobiles were becoming increasingly popular, horses still had a key role to play, be it transporting goods or people around towns.

It was that same year, in 1931, that a great race took place - the Grand National! Dozens of gallant steeds battled it out in a whirlwind of speed and spectacle. Can you imagine the energy, the passion, the sheer joy of being a part of such an event?

Horses still pulled carriages for the wealthy and played a vital role in maintaining our police force. There were countless riders and shows, showcasing the beauty and agility of our equine cousins. The cavalry still had horses, and although it was less essential for transport, their role in maintaining peace and stability in the world was immense. So, even in the face of modernization, the horses weren't simply relegated to the annals of history. We were evolving, taking on new roles, embracing the change.

You know, dear readers, 1931 was about more than change. It was also about love, compassion and a deep sense of belonging. Our farm, Hayfield, was bustling with horses of all sizes, colours, and temperaments. We all had our tasks and routines but the true joy lay in our shared bond, our mutual understanding, a kind of unspoken language of snorts, neighs and gentle touches.

It's true we horses can be skittish or grumpy sometimes (looking at you Barnaby!), but we also are fierce in our loyalty, comforting each other when times get tough, celebrating the good days together, sharing our food and even our water. Our community, a symphony of horses, filled with playful kicks, a rhythmic clacking of hooves, a cacophony of joyful neighs. That was Hayfield in 1931 - a haven of warmth and fellowship, the rhythm of our lives pulsing with love, and that feeling of togetherness.

The hayloft in winter was our communal space. We would gather for warmth and a gossip, or just enjoy the comfort of each other’s presence. That's what a community feels like, even to a horse.

And what did we learn from 1931? It was a time of transformation, where the lines of the past began to blur and the future held its breath, awaiting what would be unveiled. Yet, even as new technologies replaced us, the horses held strong. Our innate abilities were valued, we were still revered for our strength, our resilience, and our unwavering connection with nature. We proved that even as the world was evolving around us, our spirit remained alive and well.

And, a little message to the horse community of today... 1931 was just one year in a long history, filled with many chapters, with challenges and triumphs, and we as a community adapted and learned to grow. Today we are facing another set of changes. New methods of agriculture, advancements in medicine, new ways of living, even a greater awareness of the value of equine companionship in our lives. But if history teaches us anything, it’s that the horses will rise to meet those changes. We will evolve. We will adapt. We will persevere. For we are resilient. For we are horses.

Until next time, readers, may your fields be green, your waters pure and your days filled with sunshine and good neigh-bours.

Emma

From Hayfield, Aberdeen, Scotland