Hello everyone, it’s Emma here, a proud grey draught horse with a snowy white mane and tail. You can find me in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, in a lovely little village called Hayfield, near Aberdeen. I'm here to share my experiences with you, to chronicle this wonderful, bustling year of 1948 and everything that's been happening in the world of horses!
This year, for me, is a time of immense change and exciting new possibilities. Like most of my kind, the war years left an indelible mark on our lives. Though we played a vital role in the war effort, carrying supplies, pulling artillery, and bravely facing danger alongside the brave humans, it took its toll.
For my dear friend Angus, a strong and proud black Clydesdale stallion, the war had been a real turning point. He worked tirelessly transporting troops and materials, and came back home with a limp he never quite managed to shake off. This is a testament to the loyalty and courage of horses during those challenging times. However, thankfully, it's a new era now, and a time of rebuilding for everyone.
In Hayfield, life is settling back to its own unique rhythm. We're busy in the fields, preparing the soil for the upcoming planting season, and I'm feeling particularly strong and energetic. We still carry heavy loads – harvesting oats and barley, bringing supplies to the local bakery and the village stores, and helping the farmer to repair fences and gather firewood.
Life for us horses has changed significantly since the war ended. We see fewer heavy wagons on the road, less of the clanging metal of soldiers and artillery. Thankfully, the pace is slower now, more rhythmic. There’s more laughter in the air, more time for playful nudges in the fields, and I am enjoying the gentle rustling of grass beneath my hooves as we graze together in the late afternoon sun.
The countryside around us is brimming with life. Newborn lambs gambol beside their mothers in the meadow, and the sound of happy clucking and the warm aroma of freshly baked bread waft through the air.
It feels like a new chapter has begun. There’s an air of hopefulness in the air, and a sense that something special is brewing for our kind, for our world. I am particularly excited by the recent revival of horse shows and racing events across the country! The return of the Cheltenham Festival and the Grand National is like a burst of colour and energy, bringing new challenges and, of course, the joy of friendly competition to all.
This year, however, the horses of Britain aren’t just competing for ribbons and trophies. They’re showing the world that they’re ready to face the challenges of peace with courage and strength, their hooves forging a path towards a brighter future. It is indeed an exciting time to be a horse!
I remember talking with my friend Rosie, a beautiful bay mare who worked on a nearby farm. She shared the news of the amazing new machinery that some farmers are beginning to use to cultivate their land. Tractors! They're still quite rare, and people are unsure what to make of them. Some worry about our future, about whether these metal beasts will replace us entirely. I, however, feel confident. Our strengths – our resilience, our adaptability, our intuitive nature, and our bond with humans – remain vital.
Perhaps these machines can handle some of the harder, repetitive tasks, leaving us to focus on what we do best – working closely with people. Rosie believes that we horses still hold a special place in people's hearts and minds. A connection forged over generations of shared experience, a bond of trust that runs deeper than steel. I agree.
Recently, the news also brought exciting tidings from abroad, of the Olympics in London! I can’t say I fully understand this “Olympics” business. What exactly is a “competition of athletic excellence,” especially when it comes to horses? Perhaps we’ll hear more about it soon!
And that brings us to the other exciting topic on everyone’s lips this year - the newly established "British Horse Society". This organisation aims to bring all horse lovers together - owners, breeders, enthusiasts, everyone! From educating newcomers to promoting horse care, they want to be a pillar of strength for all who love our species.
And speaking of new things, did you know about the fascinating breed emerging from the North American plains called the Appaloosa? It seems to be making its way across the ocean, captivating many horse lovers with its beautiful, unique coat patterns.
There are whispers about the first National Appaloosa Horse Club being formed in the United States. If it’s as successful as the British Horse Society, this will be another positive sign for the horse world. There's a renewed energy in the air - a focus on uniting and protecting our beloved animals. It is truly inspiring to witness!
Personally, I’ve been feeling quite reflective this year, contemplating the meaning of freedom after such challenging times. Freedom isn't just about the absence of shackles or chains. It's about feeling connected, feeling useful, knowing that we're making a difference in this world, in our own quiet way. I’ve always believed that each of us horses can play a unique role in the grand scheme of life, even if it's as simple as carrying a load, pulling a cart, or simply sharing our gentle companionship with those in need.
With the arrival of autumn, we spend long evenings in the barn, surrounded by the comforting smell of hay and listening to the stories of our elders. Tales of battles fought and won, of perilous journeys through treacherous lands, of love, courage, and enduring faith. The whispers of the wind tell stories of ancestors who braved wars and winters, and whose spirit lives on within us.
We horses have been witnesses to so much in the history of mankind. And with the promise of peace settling over the world, we're filled with a renewed sense of purpose. We look towards a future where humans and horses work together in harmony, side-by-side, not just as servants but as partners. We're not simply machines, we're living creatures with emotions and instincts, and with a shared love for this beautiful world we call home.
We may be big and strong, but beneath that imposing facade beats a gentle heart. Perhaps, that's why the love and respect for us seems to endure through time. It’s an exciting time to be a horse! The possibilities are endless, the opportunities boundless. And as we stand at the crossroads of change, one thing remains certain - the future is ours to shape, hoof by hoof, neigh by neigh.
Thank you for joining me, and be sure to follow my blog for more news and stories from the equine world. Keep an eye on EquiWorld, dear readers, and remember – there is much more to come. Until next time, be well and remember - let the bond between horses and humans always prevail!
