The sun was a golden coin on the horizon, throwing long, gentle rays across the Hayfield meadows as I grazed with my pals. The scent of freshly cut hay, a familiar and comforting aroma, filled the air. Another summer in the beautiful Scottish highlands was upon us, and as I nudged my friend, a chestnut mare named Willow, I couldn't help but feel a contented sigh escape my nostrils.
This was 1992, a year that would go down in history as a rather special one for us horses, at least in my opinion. There was a wonderful sense of energy in the air, a feeling that things were changing and exciting new adventures were just around the corner.
I'm Emma, a 20-year-old Grey Draught mare, blessed with a white mane and tail that catches the light like spun moonlight. I've been living in the heart of Hayfield, just outside Aberdeen, my whole life. It's a peaceful place, with rolling green hills and babbling brooks, perfect for a horse like me. We don't lead the kind of glamorous life often associated with horses; our days are filled with honest, hard work and companionship. We plough fields, pull carts, and deliver fresh produce to the village market, all while basking in the sunshine and relishing the fresh air.
Now, I don't know about you, dear readers, but for me, 1992 was a year filled with surprises.
The world seemed to be buzzing with new possibilities. The first horse-drawn carriages, beautifully crafted and adorned, started to make appearances in the local village! These weren't your average, everyday farm carts, but elaborate vehicles fit for a queen. People stopped to admire their elegance, their graceful movements, and the nostalgic scent of leather and horsehair that filled the air around them. They called this resurgence the 'carriage craze,' and it brought a fresh burst of charm to the countryside, reminding everyone of the enduring bond between horse and human. We, the hardworking draught horses, couldn't help but feel a flicker of pride, knowing that our kind was still appreciated for our strength and beauty.
That same year, something truly astonishing happened. A woman, young and energetic, with a love for horses that could set the field on fire, started a new equine magazine called 'Equine World'. I admit, when I first heard about this, I raised a skeptical eyebrow. We, the horses of Hayfield, knew about farm journals and equine guides, but this 'magazine' was something else altogether.
“What sort of magazine will it be?” Willow asked one day as we watched the sun sink behind the heather-clad hills.
“Full of articles and stories about horses!” I explained, my tail flicking in anticipation. "About the different breeds, about horse care, and even about competition.”
“Competition?” She snorted, “We pull carts and plow fields, not jump over fences!”
Well, as it turns out, Willow was wrong. Competition, even for us hardworking farm horses, was on the rise. It seems that in 1992, the popularity of horse shows and competitions surged!
Now, while jumping and dressage weren't quite our thing, I could certainly appreciate the spectacle. We all gathered around the village green to watch a magnificent Clydesdale named Goliath take part in a local plowing competition. Goliath was known for his power and agility. He would gracefully maneuver his plow, leaving perfectly straight furrows in the soil, making even the most experienced farmers marvel.
“Do you think he’ll win, Emma?” A young foal named Jasper asked me with a hopeful twinkle in his eye.
“He’s certainly got the skills,” I answered, nudging him playfully with my nose. “But there’s always a bit of magic involved in competition, you know?”
And indeed there was. Goliath won first prize, leaving us all cheering with a hearty “neigh”!
It wasn't just the competitions that were buzzing with activity. 1992 saw the establishment of several horse welfare organizations that worked tirelessly for the well-being of horses across the country. This made my heart swell with joy, because for a horse, there's nothing more important than safety and good care. These groups also helped create more awareness of the value and contributions of horses in our daily lives, promoting their role in recreation, sport, and, of course, the farm.
The arrival of ‘Equine World' at our village shop in Hayfield made waves. The villagers seemed fascinated, and every month, they eagerly awaited its arrival. The stories of legendary racehorses, tales of courageous horses rescuing people, even the heartwarming tales of loyal pets accompanying their humans on their daily adventures – these were the stories we horses heard around the watering trough and shared in the evening under the starry sky.
And what about our 'Equine World'? It wasn’t just stories and photos! The magazine even published articles about innovative new horse gear and equipment that would make our lives easier and safer. For instance, there were detailed reviews of a brand new kind of saddle made with air-cushioning, said to improve the horse's comfort, and articles praising the invention of new, stronger horseshoes designed to improve traction and reduce hoof wear. And I heard some whispers about a ‘horse communication device’ that supposedly allows horses to ‘speak’ to humans. That, dear readers, caused a stir! We horses giggled amongst ourselves and discussed this invention at length. We’re not talking, mind you, but surely our hooves and ears were eloquent enough!
It was through 'Equine World', I must say, that I learnt the real reason behind the ‘carriage craze’. The movement started in London, spreading like wildfire across the land, with the sole aim of preserving horse-drawn transport for its historical and cultural value. Some even called this the ‘Horse Renaissance,’ a beautiful term indeed!
1992 was truly a year of celebration for all of us who love horses. While technology advanced at a pace never seen before, there was still a deep appreciation for the enduring beauty and loyalty of the horse. We might not have been racing for victory or jumping fences, but in the fields of Hayfield, our simple existence mirrored the bigger picture of change and continuity in the world of horses. And while it felt strange for a simple farm horse like me to know all about these advancements in the human world, it did make me feel a little proud to be part of a legacy so rich and ancient, so closely interwoven with the story of humanity.
Until next time, my dear readers!
Emma, the Grey Draught from Hayfield
