Hayfield, near Aberdeen, Scotland
Good morning, dear readers! It's Emma here, your trusty draught mare with a penchant for good oats and even better tales. Today, we're diving deep into the world of horses in the year 1820 - a year that saw some real changes and progress for our equine kind!
Let's kick off by mentioning that I'm now 20 years old - a prime age for a sturdy mare like myself. I work the fields here in Hayfield with my fellow horses, pulling the plough and helping to harvest the crops that keep this wee village alive. I've seen many a sunrise over these fields, and witnessed the seasons turn in their timeless cycle. I am, if I do say so myself, quite experienced when it comes to understanding the life of a working horse.
This year feels particularly special. Perhaps it's the fresh dew-kissed grass, or the sweet scent of the peat fire in the stables, but I feel a shift in the world around us. The talk amongst the other horses in the village - from the spirited colts to the wise, elder geldings - whispers of change and invention.
And you know what? I have to say, it's mostly good change!
The Wonder of the Iron Horse
One of the most exciting developments in 1820 is the emergence of steam engines, specifically the “steam locomotive.” This strange contraption, powered by the heat of coal, has been causing a stir in the human world for quite a while now, and even though some see it as a threat, it’s more than just a shiny metal machine.
Let me explain: people in cities and towns across the land are finding this steam engine pulls heavy goods on wheels - goods that we horses usually pull! Now, the humans have invented this thing they call "railway" with special lines made of iron for these engines to run on. A lot of people in our equine family are worried - we’ve always been the main force of transport. But it seems the steam engines, these iron horses, are only able to travel on the special rails. They're not coming to steal our jobs just yet, just replacing some tasks, for example, heavy, long journeys.
Improved Horse Care
But don’t think this means the human world is moving away from horses completely. Oh, no! 1820 has also been a year for exciting new developments in horse care! The human vets are experimenting with better ways to keep us horses healthy. For example, more focus is being placed on stable management, sanitation, and good nutrition. There are even new medicines appearing! They don’t work wonders all the time, but these new potions and balms show that humans are becoming more concerned with our well-being. It’s certainly a comforting thought for any tired horse!
Fashion and Showmanship
What is a horse to do in her downtime, you ask? Why, preen and primp, of course! It seems that humans, ever keen to find new ways to be fashionable, have discovered the "high-stepping" gait of the Thoroughbred horse. This breed has become fashionable to race, and people adore the style with which they trot! I've heard they're quite fast as well - faster even than our hardy draft horses. Some of our breed are starting to be used in racing too, albeit not as competitively.
In Hayfield, we mostly stay occupied pulling carts, but even here, fashion is beginning to have a part in our lives! You might be surprised to hear that some humans, keen on fancy clothes and carriages, even prefer their horses to be a certain colour - like my grey coat, for instance! Perhaps my lovely, flowing mane and tail play a part as well, who knows?
But fashion and racing aren’t the only aspects of showmanship. You see, the humans are starting to appreciate what they call “equine beauty.” And as far as I'm concerned, every horse, no matter her size, shape, or breed, has beauty in her own way.
A Changing World for Horses
There's something exciting about this period in our equine history. It seems 1820 marks a transition, a turning point for our species. Some things are the same: we continue to toil on the farms, pull carts, and even journey through cities and villages for important tasks. But we’re evolving alongside the human world, and adapting to its ever-changing ways.
Some of my brethren worry about the future of horses. And it's true, we'll face many challenges: from mechanisation to pollution, even climate change itself. Yet, I remain optimistic. Horses have adapted to a changing world for millennia - and I’m confident we can face the challenges that lie ahead. As long as humans and horses respect each other and value each other's skills, we will find our way.
Stay tuned, my friends! As I said before, it's a big, bright, and constantly changing world for horses, and I’m keen to chronicle every step! Until next time, remember to take a good breath of fresh air and enjoy the wonders of this beautiful, ever-evolving world.
Sincerely,
Emma
Hayfield, near Aberdeen, Scotland
