History of Horses in the year 1935

Hayfield, Scotland - 1st January, 1935

The crisp winter air whips at my grey coat, sending a shiver through my bones. The fields are shrouded in frost, sparkling like a million diamonds. I stand in the stable, gazing out at the familiar landscape, my long white mane and tail flowing in the gentle breeze. The world outside may be frozen in winter, but in the barn, the scent of hay and oats and the sound of clinking harness always make me feel safe and content. It's the New Year, 1935, and I can't help but feel a little hopeful. After all, what awaits us in this coming year?

Today I thought I would share my thoughts about 1934 - a year that felt like a whirlwind, much like my life, with all the challenges and delights it brings. A year filled with so many memories for us horses.

There's a story I keep thinking about from last year, about a show in London, a prestigious event. You see, they decided to create something called 'The National Equine Society', to promote the benefits of horses to the public. They hosted the first ever 'National Horse Show' – something about 'Britain's Horse and the Motor Car', a bold statement about our place in a changing world.

My friends in the big city were involved, with their lovely sleek coats and trained movements. I’d heard of their adventures, and some even performed thrilling acts, like vaulting and harness racing. I can imagine how excited they must have been - and maybe a little anxious, too, for there was another event happening around the same time: the 'British Horse Society' launched a whole series of events around the country. There was a great deal of excitement amongst the show horses, as the shows would help promote and support the different breeds and riding disciplines, helping keep us relevant in a fast-changing world.

Some friends confided in me that, in some places, horses were struggling - new motor cars and tractors meant fewer of them needed on farms. There’s been much discussion about what our future will hold – some folks said they were worried we were being replaced, even made redundant! It was an unsettling thought, one that brought a few furrowed brows and nervous whinnies to the barn.

There is talk, too, about new techniques for shoeing, new methods for harnessing, and even something called a “horse power” measuring system. All these changes bring some excitement, and a lot of apprehension.

While all this was happening in the big city, here in Hayfield, our lives were calmer. The routine stayed much the same. We worked hard in the fields, helping with the crops and assisting the farmers with all their chores. I often pull the wagon with a strong team, pulling heavy loads of hay and sacks of grain to the barn, my strong muscles carrying us through the tough days, even in the winter snow. I know the routine like the back of my hoof – I know every bend of the roads and every path in the fields around Hayfield.

And that's something that fills me with quiet contentment. You see, it is more than just hauling things – it is a way of life. We understand the rhythms of the earth, the subtle language of nature, the bond between ourselves and the land, the seasons, and those we work with. It's a peaceful life, perhaps a quieter one compared to the life of a city horse, but it has a different kind of beauty – the gentle rhythm of a slower life.

It's in this space I find my joy, my strength, and a quiet sense of connection with my surroundings. It’s my little bit of peace, a safe haven amongst all the change swirling in the world beyond.

The year brought something special. In June, King George V died and there was much sorrow and mourning amongst the horses, and many a black drape appeared. The King had a great love of horses, especially his magnificent racehorses. He brought his own love of horses to the country, inspiring many people.

And now, in his stead there stands King Edward VIII. I was pleased to hear that he shares this love for horses. He's even started up something called The Royal Windsor Horse Show - that sounds rather impressive, doesn't it?

I’m not a show horse, not one of those beauties with perfectly flowing manes and tails. But that doesn't mean I can't feel proud to belong to a species so vital and treasured in Britain.

I know things are changing. People say they need less of us now with these machines, and new horses, too. We have these things called "thoroughbreds", a breed built for speed, meant for the racecourse. Then there's another new breed, the "quarter horse," named for their speed on quarter mile races. They have been quite popular on the farms, for the strong but compact muscles that help them perform hard labour.

It makes me think a lot about the different kinds of horses - from sturdy workhorses like me to nimble show horses and sleek racers. I like knowing that the world of horses is always full of wonder and variety, even with these changes, and new faces on the scene.

Despite all these changes and uncertain times, I remain hopeful. 1934, even with its challenges, had much beauty. It was a year when we still counted for so much. The sound of horses' hooves on cobblestones, the feel of harness against our shoulders, the shared effort with the men we work alongside, the rhythm of our work - these are the things that continue to bind us to this earth and its people.

I have no way of knowing what 1935 will hold for me, for the horses of Hayfield, or for our species as a whole. But as the New Year dawns, I look forward to the familiar sights and sounds of our lives, to the shared joy of work, and the deep contentment that comes from belonging to something larger than myself.

After all, we are horses, creatures of strength and endurance, with hearts full of resilience and love for our work. And I for one believe that there will always be a place for us in this world.

So, with a grateful nicker and a hopeful glance at the rising sun, I bid you a warm welcome to 1935. May this year bring joy, laughter, and a sense of peace to us all.

• Emma, a grey draught horse with a white mane and tail, from Hayfield near Aberdeen, Scotland