Hello everyone! Emma here, back with another journey through the annals of horse history! It's always such a joy to share these stories with you all. This year, we're stepping back to the roaring 1930s, a time of change and uncertainty across the globe, but for me, a time of hard work and gentle companionship here in Hayfield, just outside of Aberdeen.
Now, 1937 was a rather momentous year for me, being only 20 years old at the time! I remember it distinctly. The scent of heather and damp grass lingered in the air, even on the hottest days. You know how Scotland can be! We'd wake up to frosty mornings and sunshine would peek through the clouds in the afternoon, casting a golden glow across the fields.
I was part of a small, sturdy team, pulling a heavy cart, often loaded with potatoes, barley, or sacks of feed for the farm. We weren't racing horses, mind you, nor prancing around the show rings. We were workhorses, our muscles built for strength and endurance. The rumble of the cart wheels on the cobbled roads, the soft crunch of our hooves on the earth – that was the music of our lives.
But 1937 wasn't just about the rhythm of work. A change was in the air, as the windswept Scottish highlands whispered tales of new machinery. Those sleek, iron steeds called "tractors" were becoming increasingly popular, especially for heavy ploughing and the more difficult work in the fields. It felt a bit unsettling at first. This powerful, snorting metal giant with its whirring wheels was a new kind of companion, something alien to our familiar world.
Some whispered of job losses, a slow fading out of the life we knew. Even my kind master, a man with calloused hands and a gentle heart, admitted that these new "horses of iron" might mean a different kind of life for horses like me in the years to come. Yet, it also held a promise, the promise of faster, easier work, and perhaps, a lighter load.
But while those thoughts flitted through the back of our minds, our daily routine remained. The familiar ache in our muscles after a long day of hauling, the steaming mugs of hot barley gruel from the kindly hands of the stable boys - these were our joys, the anchors of our routine.
As the sun began its long descent in 1937, casting long shadows across the Scottish hills, I'd stand at the gate, watching the farmhands head towards the village. I remember seeing them gathered in the village pub, their voices echoing through the crisp air, telling stories of the horse races that were being held just over in England at Epsom Downs! They'd describe these grand affairs with their flamboyant jockeys and powerful thoroughbreds, their stories spiced with excitement and envy.
Now, a life of racing may have seemed quite different from my own, but it ignited a small flicker of curiosity within me. Could this be another life for horses, a different song altogether? The very thought of running at those speeds, a blur of colour against a green expanse of countryside, was breathtakingly appealing. Yet, a life on the track, that would surely be a different sort of strength, a different sort of grace!
But as the embers of the day died, and the starry night canvas opened above Hayfield, my thoughts turned inwards. My own journey, a tapestry of days weaving together to make a lifetime, felt fulfilling. The love of my master, the companionship of my stablemates, the comforting routine of hard work – all were a vital part of my world. Perhaps, being a working horse was as much about strength as it was about loyalty and dedication, the very essence of being a horse, of carrying a legacy that went far beyond the races and the shows.
The whispers of change continued, echoing through the rolling hills of Scotland in 1937. Yet, those whispers, in the end, simply added a richer melody to the life I led. As I rested in my stall, the night wind tugging at my mane, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of satisfaction. I was a draught horse, a horse of Hayfield, a horse whose story, like the very essence of our breed, was woven into the fabric of a world both ancient and new.
That was 1937 for me, the year the wind swept through Hayfield, carrying with it tales of change and uncertainty. But through it all, I stood firm, my hooves grounded in the earth, ready for whatever adventures life had to offer, a strong and gentle heart ready to be part of a new, unknown chapter, my white tail swirling against the backdrop of a new year.
Until next time, happy trails!
EmmaP.S. For all of you fellow horse lovers out there, make sure you join the EquiWorld.org community and share your stories of 1937! Were you a show horse in the throes of the glitz and glamor, a thoroughbred racing across a sun-drenched track? Perhaps you, like me, were a hard-working draught horse in the heart of the Scottish countryside? I'd love to hear your stories, and maybe even a photo of you if you have one!
A Wider View of 1937 in the Horse World:While Emma shared her personal experiences from Hayfield, let's take a wider look at what was happening in the horse world throughout 1937:
The Races: As Emma mentioned, Epsom Downs in England played host to some exciting races, including the iconic Derby. The champion horse of the day was "Nearco," a chestnut thoroughbred, considered one of the greatest racing stallions of all time. His winning performance at the Derby ignited passion in hearts across the world, further cementing horse racing as a popular sport!
The Rise of the Arabian Horse: These elegant and nimble horses were growing in popularity, both in the show ring and on the battlefield. Known for their stamina and beauty, their graceful movement and athletic prowess had captivated the imagination of many, earning them a loyal following in various corners of the globe.
Horses at Work: 1937 still saw horses playing a vital role in daily life, across farming, transportation, and even military service. Though new technologies were creeping into their domain, horses still provided an essential service, whether it be pulling carts, plowing fields, or carrying soldiers.
The Show Rings: 1937 witnessed the rise of equestrianism as a spectacle, captivating crowds with feats of athleticism and skill. From show jumping competitions to dressage performances, horses and riders took to the stages of arenas, showcasing the beauty and power of a bond between horse and human.
Riding for Leisure: In this era, horseback riding wasn't only about work. People from all walks of life were discovering the joys of riding, exploring the countryside, enjoying the thrill of galloping through fields, and developing their skills. It became a leisurely activity, offering people an opportunity to connect with nature and with a loyal and graceful companion.
1937, for all its change, still found horses holding an important place in the world. They were companions, work partners, and sources of both wonder and power, leaving an indelible mark on history, and echoing into our world today. It's amazing to look back and realize how far the world of horses has come, and how our lives are forever connected, regardless of time or location.
Thank you all for joining me in this journey back through time! What will be the next story? Only the annals of horse history will tell...
