Good day, fellow equines! It’s Emma here, a grey mare with a passion for history. Now, 1947 – what a year! The world was just starting to catch its breath after the War, and even out here in the rolling hills of Hayfield, near Aberdeen, there was a feeling of optimism. As I said, the world was adjusting. While some things felt a little strange, new developments were on the horizon!
Now, I might be a farm horse, but I do enjoy the odd read in the newspaper when I’m not pulling the plough, cart, or carting my good friend Molly the Clydesdale’s newborn foals to the field for their first nibbles of grass. You’d be surprised what I glean from the paper. Especially in 1947.
The first thing I remember learning from the local news was that there was this thing called the ‘Food Rationing Act’ still in place after the War. You see, many places across Britain still weren't producing enough food to go around, so there was a fixed amount everyone was allowed to have, and it made it harder for some families to buy their favorite things – things like sweets and biscuits. For me, I’m still in good hands with my oat rations.
However, there were positive signs everywhere, so all in all, life felt hopeful. In fact, as 1947 progressed, things began to feel easier. Shops had more stock, farmers had more seed and fuel, and the horses had enough food – even with new farming tools becoming more common. I do feel for those working in the mines. It seems the miners had a bad strike that year that upset many, though their pay did rise some.
But that’s enough about economics. 1947 was big for horse lovers. Let’s go back in time, shall we, and have a good look around the world of horses?
Horses, Showjumping and Sport
The biggest news of 1947 was the development of something called “Showjumping,” and as luck would have it, the Aberdeen Horse Trials was just one of many all over the world that were pioneering this new type of competition. Apparently, it all began in Ireland. I have a hard time imagining this place as far off as it is, but I’ve heard they have a different breed of horse altogether, known as the Irish Draught. Perhaps one day I will get to travel to Ireland and meet one, they say they are very lively, almost as much as Molly’s foals.
At the trials, my friend Rosie, a Shire mare, was lucky enough to compete in one of these competitions. I remember she had her head held high as she tackled those imposing, towering wooden hurdles – which looked just as formidable as those we cross to get across the hay fields, but these had a great big space between them and no gate. The whole affair was quite different from a traditional competition and it seemed very challenging and athletic!
Of course, there were other sports in 1947 too, such as the traditional carriage races, steeplechases and point-to-points, but it felt as if showjumping was gaining momentum in every corner of the British Isles and, as they say, ‘catching on’ and was beginning to make waves beyond it! Rosie told me, "it’s something special – these competitions show how strong and quick horses can be!"
However, the most interesting story about horse sports was the news that people in countries far, far away in North America were also catching horse-riding fever. Apparently, these "cowboys" and "Indians" had invented the ‘rodeo’, a form of horse-riding sport – much to the amazement of people on the mainland, with cowboys lassoing and rodeo horses bucking with such skill!
As the years went on, showjumping went on to develop its own reputation and unique traditions, like the way the competitors wore suits and tails (now you know what all those clothes are really for, Rosie!), with each new competition attracting more riders and enthusiasts! In a sense, 1947 marked the start of a new chapter for sport horses. I have to confess, sometimes, after working on the farm, I dream about showjumping fences … oh, to experience the excitement of it all!
A Look At Some Important Breeds In 1947
It's worth noting that some of my favourite breeds were doing particularly well in 1947. It seems the hardy little Fell pony was really hitting its stride with its adaptability and its willingness to tackle the rugged terrain. As you know, Fell ponies are particularly known for their ability to handle difficult terrain. I remember when my grandfather was a young horse he told me stories of seeing Fells hard at work carrying packloads on the moors. Such sturdy creatures!
The Shetlands, small but strong, were also getting a lot of attention from both farm and racing enthusiasts. With their quiet nature and small stature, Shetlands, I am told, have always been known to be the perfect size for leading larger and more powerful breeds – not that I’d consider any breed, especially not one so small, leading me! I think I’ll always be stronger.
Another important development in 1947 was that many horse experts started to understand how horses might best contribute to different types of farm work. There was a strong movement to breed horses specifically to suit certain roles. So, if they needed a big strong creature to help move wagons on the farm, they might have preferred the Shire breed whereas, a lighter horse like the Thoroughbred was better suited for things like racing.
The racing world is ever-changing and as for thoroughbreds, I can’t help but notice they seem to be always evolving! Their breeders seem to be making a huge deal about pedigree lines. You could get your head spinning trying to decipher all those fancy names and connections, as if they’re tracing family history for a person. But it seems important for their breeding programme and they say the horses are doing very well!
It’s worth remembering that horse racing still thrived in 1947, despite the war. While some courses might have had less activity, racing had certainly come back with a vengeance, as much as it could during wartime, when even grain and other vital resources were harder to obtain. In many parts of the UK, this tradition seems to be going strong.
For myself, well, here on the farm we continue the good work, using the muscles I was blessed with! Every morning when I go out and see the green fields and the farmers' faces shining with gratitude, I feel so grateful to be a working horse! The world seems in a state of recovery – things have to start somewhere, right? The farm has always been my home, and it feels just as beautiful and full of possibilities in 1947 as it did the day I arrived here in Hayfield. The fields look just as rich and green, and the air is just as fresh and the smell of the manure just as fresh – a delightful mix that I just can’t get enough of!
More to Come in the World of Horses
Well, that’s it for this week! Keep checking in with EquiWorld.org for the latest on the history of horses. Until next time, have a happy and healthy year. Don’t forget to give your steeds a good pat on the neck – they deserve it after all the great work they do!
