History of Horses in the year 1966

Greetings, dear friends!

It’s Emma here, a grey draught mare with a snowy white mane and tail, hailing from the beautiful, rolling hills of Hayfield near Aberdeen in Scotland. As many of you know, I have a particular passion for horse history, and it’s a joy to share it with you all on this lovely platform!

This year, 1966, has been a momentous one. The world has moved at a dizzying pace, with new technologies emerging every day, but amidst the whirlwind of change, one thing remains constant: our love for the magnificent equine!

This blog post, the nineteenth in my historical series, is a love letter to 1966, a year where tradition met progress in the realm of horses. Join me, as we embark on a journey through the world of equine activities, breakthroughs, and everyday life as experienced by a grey mare like myself.

Right from the start of the year, the air crackled with anticipation. The show rings buzzed with excitement. Everyone was gearing up for the biggest show jumping event in the world – The Horse of the Year Show, held, as always, at Wembley Stadium!

As a draught horse, I wasn’t the type to strut my stuff in a jumping arena, but even from my humble Hayfield, I could feel the thrill radiating from London. News travelled quickly, of course. Everyone in the village talked about it, and my stable mates whispered amongst themselves, full of excitement about the champions who’d make history at Wembley.

I imagined myself in the spotlight, the cheering crowds, the proud hooves hitting the white poles… But a horse’s lot, I realized, is often about quiet, unwavering work rather than dramatic victories.

And this year, it wasn't just about jumping! A new competition category emerged: ShowHacking. This involved horses performing complex movements under saddle, demonstrating both strength and grace. This seemed more my style! It required calm, powerful movement – an aspect I always prided myself on!

The show scene wasn't confined to Wembley, either. The British Horse Society flourished throughout the year, hosting countless competitions and events. There was a wonderful camaraderie among horse lovers – you could feel the shared passion that bound us together, whether in a tiny village stable or at a glamorous London show.

Over at the racetrack, horses were once again in their element! This year was all about "The Champion." The legendary Sir Winston Churchill – who we all know and love for his wit and political acumen – was the President of the Jockey Club, giving a delightful aura of sophistication and a hint of royalty to the races!

I always felt a special connection to these elegant racehorses. There’s something truly beautiful about their focused speed, their finely-tuned musculature, and the thrill of victory that explodes from them after every race.

Of course, not everyone in the horse world could handle the fast-paced action of racing. This year, the hunt was also in full swing, drawing passionate horsemen and women out onto the countryside in droves! A particularly special event that made the news this year was The Royal Hunt in Melton Mowbray. The sight of The Queen and other dignitaries on horseback was truly something else.

Now, you might think that I, a humble working mare, wouldn't have much in common with the fancy horses at shows and races. But you’d be surprised! Even though we might lead different lives, the world of horses was a continually interconnected one, even in 1966.

This year brought an array of advancements in agriculture, which had a profound impact on the lives of horses like me. Tractors, now a common sight in the fields, were steadily gaining ground, replacing some of the traditional horse-powered farming.

While I found myself pulling ploughs and carts in Hayfield, I also saw an emerging need for specialist horses with unique skills.

Horse-drawn transport still held its own in 1966. From farm to city, carts were essential for transporting goods and materials. It was here that draught horses like me really shined! I had always loved the rhythm of our collective work, the strength that we, as a team, provided, and the close connection with the gentlemen who trusted us to carry their burdens.

1966 wasn't just about horses, of course. We’ve seen tremendous strides in the human world as well. This year witnessed the release of a wonderful film called "The Sound of Music," a musical that captured the hearts of the world with its soaring songs, and beautiful story about resilience and hope.

A famous football team from England made the nation proud this year by winning the World Cup – England! They went on to be the Champions of the world. Imagine the roar of the crowds! This was a testament to the power of teamwork and the spirit of competition – values I can definitely relate to!

Beyond sport and entertainment, I hear that this year is being hailed as the "swinging sixties" – a time of enormous social change with groundbreaking cultural movements, like music that challenged conventions and pushed the boundaries of creativity. From my humble perspective, as a working farm horse, all I know is that things felt brighter and more vibrant than ever before.

It’s been an extraordinary year to say the least! It is full of change, but even as our world rushes ahead, the bond between humans and horses endures. The timeless grace, strength, and spirit of these magnificent creatures continue to captivate us all.

So, dear readers, I urge you to appreciate the horse in its many forms. Whether it's the mighty draught horse, the graceful show horse, the sleek racer, or the loyal companion, let us cherish our unbreakable bond with these noble animals.

As the days grow shorter and the leaves turn golden brown, we'll soon be entering the winter months. But fear not, dear readers, I'll be here to guide you through each new season with my trusty historical perspective. I will soon be back, full of news, insights, and of course, all the tales about the world of horses – those majestic, beautiful creatures we are lucky enough to share our planet with.

Until next time, dear friends, take care!

Emma, the grey mare.

Hayfield, near Aberdeen.