Hello, my fellow Equine enthusiasts! It's Emma here, a 20-year-old Grey Draught mare from Hayfield, near Aberdeen. Today, I'm going to be sharing with you some thoughts on the world of horses back in the year 1933, a year that holds many cherished memories for me.
As always, let's begin with the ever-present aroma of the stable, the straw beneath our hooves, and the feeling of cool air against my coat as I stand at the stable door, observing the world beyond. It was a time of change, with the mechanization of agriculture and industry beginning to change the way horses were used. Yet, even then, we Draughts held our own, strong and steady, pulling the ploughs and hauling the carts, the backbone of the rural economy.
The World of Work and the Changing Landscape
You see, in 1933, life for a working horse was a symphony of routine, a beautiful dance of muscles and minds. I began each day with a good breakfast, oats and hay, my coat being groomed with loving care. The gentle sound of my owner's voice as he talked to me, the pat on my neck, all were familiar, a promise of the day to come.
That day might have started in the field, my strong back pulling the plough, helping to prepare the soil for the year’s harvest. The scent of fresh-turned earth, the crisp air on my face, these were the pleasures of our daily work.
Or, maybe, we were hauling heavy wagons through the bustling market town, our strength ensuring that goods found their way to market. I felt pride in the trust bestowed upon me. Each journey through the town, I took notice of the bustling people, their faces alight with the spirit of trade, the vibrant chatter of children, the smell of freshly baked bread, the clatter of wheels on cobblestone, a symphony of sounds, of life.
The world around me was becoming more modern. Tractors started to appear, a bit clunky and noisy to my ears, yet fascinating. There was even talk of motorized vehicles – something called 'cars' that could travel without needing a horse at all! Though I confess, these things gave me some concern. I couldn’t imagine life without the satisfying crunch of the gravel beneath our hooves, or the soft padding of our feet on the grass, without the powerful sense of connection I felt with my fellow horses.
However, I knew, as a strong and hardworking Draught mare, my place was on the farm, and in the world of agriculture, we would be needed for many years to come.
Show Season – The Heart of the Horse World
The high point of the year, of course, was the summer show season. Those were exciting days! The world of horses wasn't only about work; it was also about competition, about displaying grace, skill, and a certain je ne sais quoi. I never competed myself, I was simply meant to work hard, but I had the pleasure of witnessing others perform, my heart swelling with admiration.
Remember, the great war was over, but the memory still cast a long shadow over the nation, particularly in the hearts of the working horses who served bravely with their human comrades. We saw the war, its horrors, and its lasting effect, particularly on the veteran horses who came back injured. However, the spirit of our breed, our courage and our unwavering loyalty, shone through. We helped to heal and to rebuild.
The shows were about much more than competition; they were also about bringing people together. I would be loaded onto the hay-wagon alongside other horses, travelling to the shows with their human companions, their faces etched with a mixture of nervous excitement and quiet pride.
As I stood with the other horses, all of us resplendent in our finery, the air hummed with anticipation, the excitement contagious, our coats gleaming in the summer sunshine. You see, horse shows were a grand display of tradition and strength. Farmers would bring their finest steeds – Clydesdales, Shires, Percherons, all beautifully presented and strong beyond compare, to participate in competitions and demonstrate their prowess. There were competitions for strength and endurance, jumping, and harness racing – it was a magnificent spectacle, and a showcase of the talent and versatility of our kind.
But the show ring wasn't all about competition. It was also a place for socializing, where people came to catch up, make new acquaintances, and simply share their love of horses. It was truly magical. I would hear stories, whispers of upcoming events, rumours of grand prix events in foreign lands, of great stallion lines that travelled the globe, stories that left me spellbound, yearning to roam the world with a proud gait, carrying the name of Hayfield across every land.
The Sound of Footsteps – A Timeless Connection
It's moments like this that make me truly grateful to be a horse. My connection to the world, to people, is so strong. We move as one, human and animal, linked by a shared trust and understanding, a harmony that runs deeper than mere language.
There's something about the feel of the reins in my mouth, the strong hand on my back guiding me, the subtle communication that allows us to work as a team. In the heart of rural Scotland, we are more than just animals, we are partners.
I'm very lucky to be in Hayfield, surrounded by beautiful rolling hills, lush meadows and fresh air that fills my lungs and invigorates my spirit. There are always other horses around, from my stablemates to the foals in the nearby fields. It’s a peaceful life, full of purpose. We graze, we play, and most of all, we help those who depend on us, doing our best to serve those who are good to us.
Whispers of Change
Even now, even with the growing presence of these machines, I see the human spirit continue to cherish the horse. I sense that the future, though tinged with a little uncertainty, also promises exciting developments. New ways of working with horses, new methods of training, even the whisper of a 'new' type of horse with incredible speed and agility. The world of horses is a wondrous place, always evolving.
The way we horses were seen, how our power was respected and appreciated, was part of the world I was born into. But times were changing. In the shadows, a different era was taking shape, an era of greater mechanization and new innovations that threatened our traditional ways.
While it fills me with some anxiety, it also piques my curiosity. I know that we horses, the stalwart steeds of old, have an incredible capacity for adaptation, we can always learn, we are resilient and ever-adaptable, as I see even the foals adapt to the changing world around them, learning to adjust and evolve with each passing day.
The world, even in 1933, was a world on the move. As the year comes to a close, as winter chills the air and the ground is covered in frost, my thoughts turn to the new year. I have a sense of optimism. I believe that we, as horses, will continue to thrive. We will remain steadfast, loyal and strong, finding new and exciting ways to contribute to the world. And, as always, I’ll be here sharing my thoughts and experiences with all of you, on Equiworld!
Until next time, fellow equine enthusiasts,
Emma
