Hello, my fellow equine enthusiasts! Emma here, your trusty draught mare from the rolling hills of Hayfield, near Aberdeen. I've been pondering recent events, and, as usual, they've left me filled with thoughts on the grand tapestry of our history. It's amazing to see how much has changed for us horses since the turn of the century! Today, I'll be sharing with you a peek into the year 1956, a time when tradition met modernity in the fascinating world of horsemanship.
Springtime in Hayfield
It was a blustery spring day in Hayfield. The wind whistled through the heather, tugging at my white mane and tail as I stood, patiently waiting for the farmhands to finish preparing the field. My coat was shedding the winter fuzz, leaving behind the sleek, silvery-grey of a well-fed and well-loved draught mare. It had been a long, harsh winter, with heavy snows and even some blizzards, but the warm sun felt delicious on my back. I always feel invigorated this time of year, as the world bursts back to life around us, filled with the sweet scent of fresh earth and wildflowers.
There was a new energy in the air. The farmer, a kind, gruff man with weathered hands, had been unusually jovial for a few weeks. My neighbour, a chestnut mare named Fiona, had mentioned hearing whispers about a new invention called a 'tractor' being brought to the farm. The farmhands seemed more preoccupied these days, watching something shiny and metal being unloaded from a lorry.
Of course, a true horse girl never gossips, but curiosity, as they say, killed the cat – and my neighbour, Fiona, was notoriously good at getting information out of the barn owls! She whispered in hushed tones that this machine, this 'tractor', would supposedly be able to pull ploughs and move hay just like us, only faster. Some whispered it would put us all out of work, and the thought sent chills down my spine. I'd worked on the farm my entire life – what else was I meant for? But the farmer's jovial demeanor assured us he wasn't getting rid of us; instead, perhaps this new machine was to become our new friend?
Across the Fields: A Gathering in the Shire
A week later, the news was confirmed: the tractor was indeed on the farm! It clanged and sputtered its way across the fields, emitting an unearthly rumble, something not even the most boisterous herd of Clydesdales could rival. Though some horses did panic and run away, my dear friend Fiona, bless her heart, convinced me to simply stand still and observe this peculiar contraption.
To my surprise, it was quite fascinating! It had wheels instead of hooves and spouted smoke from its back like a dragon, but the farmer did tell me it would mainly be used for pulling heavier loads that were too much for a single horse to handle.
Then, one lovely June afternoon, the farmer packed us all into the farm trailer, along with Fiona's three foals and another dozen horses from neighbouring farms, and took us on an incredible journey. We traveled to a vast open field surrounded by white fencing, filled with people and horses as far as the eye could see. There, at the "Royal Highland Show," we gathered, the crème de la crème of the equine world.
This grand event showcased everything related to horses: racing, showing, harness racing, and even a thrilling display of ‘the high-stepping Clydesdale horses,’ with their elaborate, harness decorations, a tradition from centuries past.
That was the year that our world expanded. Seeing so many horses, each so different in breed, size, and even temperament, opened my eyes to the wonderful variety within our equine world. It was inspiring to see our horses participating in different roles, some racing against the wind, some gracefully demonstrating show jumping techniques, others carefully drawing carriages, their coats gleaming under the summer sun. And there were foals, their clumsy first steps a reminder of how time flies.
We didn't have much work to do at the Show itself; I guess being an imposing draught mare had its advantages! Our part was primarily for the visitors to enjoy - giving gentle rides to children, providing an element of quiet stability in an otherwise thrilling scene. It was here that I felt a shift in the way people perceived our role. There was less about 'what' we do and more about ‘why’ – the relationship between horse and human was no longer solely for utility.
More Than Just Workers:
At the Show, I found myself captivated by a group of people in suits. These men were dressed in fine tweed and tall, black riding hats with coloured bands. They moved like silent figures, observing, examining, and speaking with our farmers, their discussions punctuated by gentle claps and appreciative nods. Later, the farmer explained they were representatives of an organisation called 'The British Horse Society'.
Fiona and I learnt that they were trying to ensure horses were treated with care, that they had access to healthy environments, and that their training was safe and kind. It warmed my heart to know people cared so deeply about our wellbeing! The British Horse Society seemed like a guardian angel watching over the world of horses, ensuring fair treatment, healthy practices, and ultimately, the continued enjoyment of our kind in every walk of life.
Returning to Hayfield:
A few days later, our caravan was packed into the trailer once more. With tired, but satisfied, hearts, we all travelled back home to Hayfield.
The experience of attending the Royal Highland Show had sparked a fire within me – I wanted to learn more about horses, their history, their lives in different parts of the world, and how we can be better appreciated in the future. I began observing the farmers even more intently, watching their practices and how they interacted with the new tractor.
Much to our surprise, the farmer even encouraged us to visit a special 'equine library' at a nearby village. It was a treasure trove of books on horsemanship, stories of iconic horses through history, even accounts of horsemanship in countries far away, places like France, India, and America, where they said they used horses for everything imaginable – from transportation and plowing to even competitive games!
As the months of 1956 passed by, I realized something very important. This new ‘modern’ world with its machinery, its high-powered horses with shining coats, and even the new concept of 'horse clubs' - was exciting but still needed the traditional wisdom we have built over the centuries.
With the new 'tractor' joining our work on the farm, things had indeed become easier. No longer did I need to pull the heavier ploughs and heavy farm carts all day long, leaving me with more energy and time to do what I truly loved: frolicking in the fields with Fiona, watching over her foals, and grazing under the open sky, breathing in the air of Hayfield with every fibre of my being.
The year 1956 marked a transition, not just for the farms of Hayfield, but also for the future of horses, one where traditional wisdom is embraced alongside the marvels of modern invention. It seems this is a future where both humans and horses can grow, together, and continue the extraordinary bond that we share, a connection as old as time.
That’s it from me for now. Keep those questions coming!
Love and neighs,
Emma
Equiworld Blog - Post 1956
