History of Horses in the year 1946

Hello everyone! Emma here, writing to you from my sunny field in Hayfield, near Aberdeen. As the spring blossoms are finally emerging, and the sun has a welcome warmth to it, it's hard to believe that just over a year ago we were all living through the shadows of war.

The year 1945, and its dreadful memories are thankfully receding. I can still recall the chill, grey air as we, the horses, huddled together, hearts pounding with the roar of planes overhead. Many a stable door felt the brunt of panicked horses, frightened by the bombs and gunfire that resonated across the fields.

But those dark times are behind us now, thank goodness! It's amazing how quickly nature heals. Even though the landscape still bears some scars - craters in the fields and twisted bits of metal poking from the earth, there's a hopeful air hanging in the air. The fields are green again, and the little lambs are frisking about like new life.

This year, 1946, seems bright with possibilities. It feels like the world, our world, is coming back to life after a long, hard winter. I can't help but feel a bit lighter in my stride, a bit more eager for work and for play, than I have in the past few years.

So, let me share some of the things that are happening in the horse world that have brought this ray of sunshine to my heart.

You wouldn't believe the excitement there has been this year with the return of racing after the wartime hiatus! Everyone seems to have been itching to see the horses gallop again, to hear the thunder of hooves and the cheering of the crowds.

It was all a bit subdued initially, of course. War always leaves its mark, both physically and emotionally. I've heard tell of the legendary steeplechase champion, "Big Boy" (a chestnut thoroughbred that was a true star in his day), going through quite a bit of hardship during the war. The horse was even requisitioned for war work! Imagine, being sent away to pull artillery or wagons – a real war horse indeed! Luckily, Big Boy is back racing and has been a favourite among the crowds!

What has also been remarkable is how much more involved women have become with horse racing after the war. I believe that their wartime roles gave them a confidence that has carried over into this world of competitive sport, making the women jockeys a more noticeable presence in the world of horses!

I hear a rumour that one daring lady jockey, named Elsie, who's got the courage of a lioness, is about to ride in a high-stakes flat race at Epsom Downs in London! They say she's quite the spectacle on her little bay gelding called 'Spirit'! Everyone here in Hayfield is hoping she does well!

While the racing scene buzzes with activity, another essential side of our horse world is regaining momentum - agriculture! Here in the heart of Scotland, our hardworking draught horses are vital. We've always been known for our hard-working nature, for ploughing the land, helping the farmers get their crops in, and moving goods to and fro!

War brought with it a need for increased production to feed the nation, and we horses, especially my kind of Clydesdale - strong, powerful and hardworking - were pressed into service. And I must say, we carried on admirably, didn't we?
There were times we'd stand in fields, the wind stinging our faces as we toiled, the ground muddy under our feet, hauling ploughs or hauling loads. But we kept going, didn't we?

And you know what? That spirit of resilience seems to be continuing this year! You see the farmers bringing back their fields, getting the crops sown and harvested, with us horses leading the way.

As much as I enjoy pulling my cart for deliveries around Hayfield, my heart always feels warmest when I'm out there in the fields, ploughing alongside my comrades. We’re not only essential for food production, you see, but also for preserving this special relationship with the land, connecting us to the very heart of our rural life.

But horses aren't just about racing and work! For a lot of folks, riding horses is more than a necessity - it's about joy and recreation! After the hardships of war, people seem eager to reconnect with nature, and riding provides just the opportunity to do so.

As wartime restrictions lift, you'll see folks everywhere, riding through the fields and woods, enjoying the freedom and peace that our four-legged friends offer. You hear about riding clubs popping up all over the place, especially in the bigger cities. I hear in London there's one called 'The Phoenix Riding Club', named so because it is 'rising' out of the ashes of wartime restrictions! They say it’s bursting with young and energetic people wanting to ride horses! I'm glad that they find the same joy in this as we do!

The demand for horses for riding is also surging, so this means there is more attention being paid to their well-being! And, well, it doesn't hurt a horse's ears to hear folks talking about gentle riding methods and proper training! After all, there’s a difference between work and true understanding between horse and rider. This new wave of people finding love for riding is giving a real boost to horse ownership, particularly for those who love to simply relax on the back of their beautiful horse.

While the war made things tough for many of us, there’s a bright side to it - it forced many to learn valuable skills regarding caring for horses, in situations where resources were often limited. It taught us all, humans and horses alike, the true meaning of adaptability and resourcefulness. You learn a thing or two about using what you have on hand when the options are limited!

Now, with things easing, people are finally able to invest in better quality horse gear again! It's amazing to see the range of equipment now available. Just yesterday, I was in Hayfield with Farmer Tom, and he was admiring a set of beautifully handcrafted leather saddles at the shop. I was fascinated by the shiny bridles made of leather that felt as soft as silk, the strong but delicate horse boots designed for different terrain. It’s remarkable what new products have come out this year to care for us better. It’s a real pleasure for all us horses!

The best part, however, is how this increased investment has meant there's a greater emphasis on horse care and safety – both at work and at play. It’s a great reminder that we need to treat all our animal friends well and ensure they get the good care that they need.

Here's my absolute favourite thing about this year... it's that feeling of unity between humans and horses! I see more people respecting and valuing what we can do! And, of course, all that appreciation for our work and skill in caring for them, really does make a horse feel appreciated.

I hope that feeling continues long into the future. There's so much the world needs from our hooves and the strength of our bodies, our love for our humans. But that respect goes both ways! We’re a powerful and strong breed but we also deserve kindness and understanding in equal measure! I know my kind, the Clydesdales, have a reputation for our strong legs, but our hearts are full of gentleness and compassion! And, I think the other horses in the world feel the same!

As I conclude this blog post, the evening shadows are lengthening across Hayfield, casting a soft glow over my field. The sound of the river nearby has a lulling rhythm, and the smell of the fresh hay fills the air, bringing peace to my senses.

We have certainly come through some challenging times, but the strength of the human spirit, combined with the power of the horse world, is building us up for a bright future. Here's to new hope, to fresh beginnings, to the spirit of camaraderie, and to the amazing bond we share with each other!

Goodnight everyone! I'll leave you to your own dreaming dreams and see you all next month!

All the best,

Emma

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