By Emma, 20-year-old Grey Draught Mare, Hayfield, Scotland
Well, hello there, lovely equines! I’m Emma, and welcome back to my little corner of EquiWorld. It’s been a while, hasn’t it? I’ve been awfully busy these past few months, you know, helping to haul the barley harvest and keeping up with all those energetic young foals in the meadow. But now the weather’s turned a little cooler, and we’ve settled into the routines of autumn, so I’ve found some time to sit back, chew on a juicy clover stem, and write to you all.
Today, we’re going to talk about 1660. It was quite a year for us horses, believe me! And it wasn’t all hard work either, there was a good deal of excitement and progress to be found. Now, you might think 1660 seems quite a long time ago, but in reality, it’s not that far back at all.
My own dear grandmother used to tell me stories of the battles that took place right here in Scotland just a few decades ago, where the King and the Parliament fought it out over who should rule our country. It all seems so distant now, though. There’s peace in the land again, and our humans are a lot happier than they were when my grandmother was a filly! They talk a lot about King Charles being back on the throne and how wonderful things are going to be. I don’t know what that means exactly, but it certainly seems peaceful around here.
Speaking of King Charles, did you know that he is absolutely bonkers about horses? Not only does he keep a beautiful stud farm in Richmond, but he also hosts elaborate horse races where nobles race their steeds in a whirlwind of excitement and spectacle. I haven’t been there myself, of course, being a good hardworking girl here in the north. But I hear there’s plenty of good food and fine ribbons to be won!
That’s not the only exciting thing going on in the horse world. A fellow mare named Flora, who belongs to a young lady down the road, was telling me about a new fad that's sweeping the land: horsemanship books! There are now these printed guides on how to train and care for your horses, written by some very clever gentlemen in London. They say the books teach you all about what different breeds are good for, how to break them in, and how to ride them. I must admit, I’m quite curious about them!
Of course, in the North we have a lot of the old-fashioned ways. Horses in the Highlands are used for everything, from ploughing fields to transporting goods to war. My father used to say he even knew a stallion who hauled stones for a local building project! They say this skill makes a horse invaluable, and everyone knows our Highland breeds are the toughest and strongest horses in the world!
But that's not to say we’re stuck in the past. Just the other day, our farm was buzzing with activity, and not just because it was time to milk the cows. There was this beautiful, glossy bay mare with a braided mane who stopped by, saying she was visiting her cousins who live in our field. Now, I wouldn't usually pay much attention to visitors, especially city mares with their fancy braided manes and silver-trimmed bridles, but this mare had something quite remarkable about her. She was a “hackney!” I couldn’t believe it when I heard.
“A Hackney?” I exclaimed. “I thought they were only found in London!"
"Well, dear, you see, it’s not like they only exist in one place," the Hackney Mare said with a smile, "It's just that most Hackneys are city-dwellers. I was lucky enough to be born into a family who takes its summers in the countryside. The country air suits me down to my hooves, I can tell you!"
Turns out, Hackney horses are prized for their sleekness and speed. The way they move is truly magnificent – all that elegant trotting and fine movement. Imagine! A horse bred for its showmanship. They even say they make great carriage horses! You wouldn't catch me prancing about in a carriage, though. It’s not my style!
And speaking of showmanship, did you know that all these beautiful, new breeds – the Hackneys, the Arabians, even those little wild mustangs from across the Atlantic - have all made their way into England and are becoming quite popular among the gentry. It’s as if all these amazing horses are gathering together, like some equine rainbow!
One thing hasn't changed since my grandmother’s time. We horses are still essential for every part of human life. I'm always happy to serve my purpose. But it’s exciting to see all this change in our world, isn't it? More new breeds, more races, more books...
Of course, the world will continue to change, just as it always has, but the strength and beauty of the horse will always endure.
I hope to be able to share more adventures with you soon! And don’t forget, if you want to tell your own story or have any interesting observations on the equine world, don’t be shy! Feel free to comment below.
Until next time, dear friends. Keep those hooves kicking!
Your dear friend,
Emma
