Good day, fellow equines! It's Emma here, from Hayfield, near Aberdeen. I'm a 20-year-old grey drafter with a flowing white mane and tail, and I'm so pleased to welcome you all to another post on EquiWorld! Today, we're stepping back in time to 190, the year of my birth, and I'll be sharing what I remember of the world then, a time of horse-drawn carriages and working hard alongside my fellow steeds.
The wind is blowing through my mane as I pen this, remembering my beginnings. 190 was a different time; things were slower, quieter, and the smell of the earth and manure permeated the air. I was born in a stable with my three siblings, two brown mares and a handsome black stallion, all eager to explore the world outside. Our farmer, a kindly man named Mr. Fraser, treated us with respect, ensuring we were fed well with oats and hay and kept our hooves healthy.
It wasn't long before I began training. It wasn't always easy. My feet were clumsy, and the strong harness was new and a little scary. But I persevered, my patience fostered by the gentle voice of the stable boy, Jamie. He would tell me tales of his travels on the back of his grandmother's pony, inspiring me with his adventurous spirit.
The highlight of my day was our morning walk. It was my chance to stretch my legs, feel the dew on my coat, and sniff the sweet, grassy scent of the meadows. My hooves clattered rhythmically against the cobblestone road as we went, Jamie walking beside me.
We were part of the Hayfield community, delivering goods for Mr. Fraser and the neighbours. It felt good to be part of a working team, and the rhythmic sounds of our hoofs on the road made it seem like we were all in this together.
But it wasn't all about work. I recall an autumn day, crisp and clear, when I and a few other draught horses were called upon for a unique duty. A fair was taking place in Aberdeen, and a magnificent wooden carousel was the centrepiece! It was my first time away from the farm, a beautiful, albeit noisy, new experience. The joyful sounds of children, the whir of the machinery, and the bright colours of the painted horses - it felt like I was stepping into a fairytale.
During the day, children giggled and shrieked in delight as I slowly circled the platform, my long, white mane fluttering in the wind. And even the other horses, proud steeds with bright painted coats, shared in the excitement, their manes adorned with colourful ribbons. It was truly a wondrous time.
Although the carousel was my introduction to the entertainment industry, 190 saw the rise of another form of equine performance. It was the era of "equestrianism," a fashionable and graceful type of horse riding. While I couldn't gallop across meadows with the grace and elegance of these talented equestrians, I observed them in town, their riding schools filled with excited patrons eager to learn. These riders represented an image of refinement and control, quite different from the strength and stability that we draught horses embodied.
190 was also a year of important advancements in the world of horses. The first horse-drawn omnibus arrived in London! It carried passengers on its long, wheeled chassis, a feat of engineering I witnessed only in pictures. These sturdy omnibuses became a symbol of urban transport, a sight as remarkable as the steam-powered trains which had already started taking passengers on long journeys across the countryside.
My journey in 190 was a blend of hard work, camaraderie, and even adventure. Though life was challenging, I learned the value of teamwork, resilience, and the bond between horse and man. And with every passing year, I found new opportunities to appreciate the beauty and wonder of the world around me, a world which was quickly changing and yet felt deeply familiar. I may not have seen every corner of the world, but the joy of each passing day kept me content.
There’s much more to say about this era! I’m already planning to share with you about some key innovations in harnessing, the emerging "high-steppers," and of course, the thrilling arrival of the "American" Saddle Horse in Britain. Join me for the next post! And do leave a comment, tell me your story and how your lives as horses changed throughout the centuries!
Until then, take care and happy trails!
Emma