0066 - The Year of the Hayfield Filly
"Neigh-sayers, take heed! This mare is making history!
Hello, dear readers, it's Emma here, your humble correspondent from Hayfield near Aberdeen. Now, you may be thinking, "Emma, it's 0066, what could possibly be happening in the world of horses to make this post noteworthy?" Well, allow me to share a snippet of life in Hayfield and hopefully convince you otherwise.
You see, this year, my human friends call it 0066. It's all rather confusing. But in Hayfield, it's just another year, a year brimming with the usual routines – the feeling of the dew on the grass, the earthy scent of freshly ploughed fields, and the invigorating feel of the crisp, morning air.
This year has been especially interesting for a young filly like me, though. Why? Well, my human family – my kind and caring humans – have been busy as ever! My older brother, Finn, and I are working alongside my parents, pulling a large cart to carry barley for our local miller. Barley, by the way, makes the most delicious porridge for breakfast!
Finn is, of course, a handsome beast. A sturdy bay with a thick black mane and tail. He has a knack for picking up on things quicker than I do. Not that I'm a slow learner, but he's certainly got that “know-it-all” glint in his eye!
Now, back to 0066… It has been quite a remarkable year!
Firstly, we've seen a lot of travel going on, with merchants venturing far and wide, transporting all sorts of fascinating things: rich silks, precious metals, and, of course, exotic food! I hear tales from Finn and our stable neighbours about how far some of these journeys extend, reaching as far as lands across the Mediterranean! Just imagine, dear readers, beaches of golden sands, sunny days, and …oh, forgive me for getting distracted by daydreams of warmer climes.
However, our work at Hayfield is primarily centred on our own community, which is fortunate because I’m absolutely delighted to be home. The meadows here are truly heavenly – lush grass, sweet flowers, and a lovely stream that runs through our paddock. It’s idyllic. Every morning I enjoy the sunshine dancing across the water, and the cool air brushing against my coat as I stretch. It’s peaceful and perfect!
Here in Hayfield, there's also the constant murmur of preparations for our annual “Feast of the Harvest." It’s quite a joyful occasion, full of feasting and celebration – you see, it’s a celebration of the generosity of the land, the blessings from the gods, and the fruits of our labour! It’s certainly something to look forward to, with all those humans mingling and enjoying themselves. There's laughter, singing, and enough food to feed the entire village – all thanks to our hardworking humans and the power of these magnificent steeds!
It's been particularly fascinating this year to hear my parents reminiscing about past harvests and comparing the yield of barley with the harvests of previous years. It's something that truly gives you a sense of connection to the cycle of nature and how everything is intertwined. It reminds me that, despite being young, my role as a working horse in the village is vital, just like it was for generations of horses before me.
My mother often tells me stories of her own early days working on a nearby farm, how they used to pull plows through fields. Her mane, you see, isn't pure white like mine, but streaked with a subtle touch of silver. She says it is a badge of honour for the many harvests she's seen come and go. I've heard many of these stories throughout the years and I have such great respect for the generations of horses that have toiled tirelessly before me, ensuring the survival of communities like ours. It's a responsibility I cherish and a legacy I aspire to carry forward.
I’ve also been enjoying the camaraderie of the other young horses. We have a young grey gelding called Oliver, who I have a bit of a playful rivalry with! I love out-maneuvering him at the hay pile, although we're quite good at getting on – he's rather well-mannered really, but very mischievous sometimes, much to my human family’s dismay, and ours!
On the rare occasion that Oliver gets a little too spirited, we all have a good laugh! Then again, sometimes he manages to steal all my oats, so let's just say it's a love-hate relationship between us!
Every so often, a wandering trader will arrive at our village square, his cart overflowing with curious items from across the world – colourful fabrics, gleaming tools, and even things as unexpected as beautiful trinkets for a horse’s mane and tail. This often results in me and Oliver looking our best, as it were, while my humans barter with the merchants, a mixture of amusement and exasperation washing over their faces as we prance about.
However, even though I find life here in Hayfield absolutely charming and fulfilling, my mind is a fount of curiosity and a repository for the many stories I have gleaned over the past years. My humans have instilled in me a thirst for learning about the vastness of the world beyond our meadows and forests. My mind often drifts towards tales about the powerful, well-trained horses of Roman chariots, the speed of horses on the racecourse, or the might of horses of the northern peoples who journey through unforgiving, icy landscapes. It’s fascinating to imagine horses across the world leading lives so different from mine.
You see, in our little community, things move at a slow and steady pace. It’s like a constant and steady rhythm, guided by the change of the seasons. Here, there are few distractions or complications. I don't need a fancy stable, or the latest in fancy grooming equipment. We’re horses, we just need a healthy meal of oats and plenty of fresh, green hay and we're as content as can be!
Here in Hayfield, the horses are cherished members of the community, woven into the fabric of the local life – we are truly like one big, loving family!
Even though our lives in Hayfield are fairly peaceful, I can't help but yearn to explore further – to experience the wide open world outside of the meadows and fields, and I believe this is the yearning of every horse. To travel, to discover, to witness the grandeur of places undiscovered, and encounter all sorts of wonders that I can only imagine! It’s not always a matter of "how far can I go" but it's about being the best version of myself that I can be!
The journey is my teacher and it’s all part of growing into the magnificent horse that I strive to be, full of knowledge and a thirst for more.
My parents often say, "Sometimes the journey is more important than the destination.” Perhaps this is their gentle way of keeping me grounded while nourishing my yearning to break free and see the wider world. Perhaps they know that these journeys shape us into who we are, and allow us to appreciate the gifts we already possess, the peace and serenity in the moment!
Despite my adventurous spirit, I've never felt the need to leave Hayfield completely. It is my home and where my heart belongs! However, the world, I hear, is vast and waiting to be discovered. I trust the horses that go beyond their familiar terrain will find their way back to safety.
I know there’s still a lot I can learn from my journeys – both those within Hayfield, and those journeys within my imagination. I may just be a young grey filly from Hayfield, but I can dream big – I’ll learn about horses across the globe and their diverse ways of life, and that is my purpose!
Perhaps this is why the people here in Hayfield call this year 0066. Perhaps there are things about time that are meant to stay a mystery.
It’s fascinating and perhaps a bit frustrating too, for a young mare to not understand every nuance of the way things work, but perhaps that’s part of the fun. I find that even in the simple rhythm of our days, the quiet moments in the meadows, the feel of the breeze in my mane, I find meaning. I find connection. And that's all I can hope to offer – an exploration of the little things that make this horse life beautiful and wonderful!
* Until next time, readers, let’s keep those hooves tapping and those tails swishing as we trot through the wonders of history. Farewell and happy trails!*
