Hello everyone! Emma here, your friendly grey draught mare from Hayfield, just outside Aberdeen.
It's been a while since I've put pen to... well, hoof to scroll! But the time just seems to fly by in our little corner of the world.
The year 172 - What a year it's been! My, how the world keeps on spinning! And what an honour it is to share a bit of it with all of you through my blog on this wonderful website, www.equiworld.org. It's like a big stable, except filled with all sorts of horse lovers, both two-legged and four-legged!
Today, I want to take you back in time. It's been a year of great changes, with horses being the very heart of it all. So let's saddle up and have a browse through my diary of 172. I might even include some funny anecdotes!
Farming, My Favourite Hobby!
As a strong, capable draught horse, my days are mostly filled with work on the farm. My lovely family, a kind, hard-working lot, uses me for everything – from pulling the plough to carrying supplies.
In 172, we have seen more change in the field than the weather ever brings! Farmers are using us more for tilling the soil, especially the lighter-wheeled ploughs that require less brute strength, letting us move about faster and help them sow crops quickly. It makes all the difference. There’s less wear and tear on our joints too, which my elders tell me is no small thing for horses like us who have to work so hard.
The other day, we even tried out this new crop rotation system. It sounded pretty confusing at first. Apparently, we aren't supposed to just keep planting the same crop over and over in one field. The idea is that by planting different crops every few years, the land will be healthier. We even plant a “rest crop,” something like clover or grasses that help add good things back into the soil. Sounds a little like what my groom does for me with a good hay ration and a warm rug!
It’s fascinating to see how farmers use our strength to help grow their food!
Beyond the Farm Gates
Of course, life for us isn't just about working in the field.
We also get to journey into the little town of Hayfield, carrying baskets of produce and bundles of timber for the local tradesmen. It's amazing how people rely on us for every little thing, and they’re always full of compliments! I do love a good pat on the nose!
Every other Sunday, we gather in the little market square. There’s such a lively buzz, all those stalls filled with trinkets and wares, the chatter of buyers and sellers – and then there’s us, carrying the produce that’s the centre of the market!
This year, however, there’s been a new type of stall appearing in the square – a ‘stable’ that's unlike any I’ve seen before. A ‘riding school’ they call it! This has me all aflutter! Imagine – being taught to move with such grace and precision! Some say these skills are necessary if one wishes to carry the mail across great distances or assist in a game called ‘cricket’ – something I do hope to see!
There are many new and fascinating horse breeds appearing around these parts, with each one having its own purpose – swift, stout, strong, agile, small… a horse for every role! I am so eager to learn more about each breed – perhaps I'll even make it a little hobby of mine!
From the Meadow to the Marketplace
Something exciting has been happening within our stable recently, even more so than our work and the town’s news. One of the fillies, Rosebud, has just had a beautiful foal! A colt, and oh my, so spirited! The sight of him running about with his mama brings back fond memories of my own childhood!
I love seeing our horses in a happy place, frolicking in the fields. It reminds me why we were called “God's gift” to mankind in centuries past, an idea that’s quite fitting.
This brings me to something interesting about horse racing in our year 172. As I mentioned before, this year saw more and more of these "stables for riding," with a lot of folks being drawn to this activity. Apparently, racing these nimble thoroughbreds is all the rage now, something our forefathers in Hayfield couldn’t imagine!
In these racing stables, they’re quite fond of a new invention – the “riding saddle." Imagine – something light, with a “pommel” and “cantle” to keep the rider comfortably secure. What luxury! Though for us big, powerful steeds who work on the farm, a strong, solid saddle is always necessary – to bear our heavy loads and stay steady even over the roughest terrain!
Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining
While it’s wonderful to hear news from the townsfolk, and see all these changes happen, a hint of sadness touches my heart. For, while horses are so beloved, and considered a key to success in so many areas, our position is shifting.
I heard some older horses speak of times before they were even foals when all movement relied upon horses – trade, warfare, even communication. While it is amazing to witness what these incredible animals are capable of doing, I cannot help but wonder what changes await us in years to come, and how it will affect our lives, the lives of all horses everywhere!
The old grey mare in our stable often talks about the past and how much things have changed. She says there is no shortage of horses now but warns us of a rumour spreading throughout Scotland. It is said that some folks are developing new devices, iron "vehicles," for carrying things and traveling at speeds unmatched even by our fastest steeds! This fills me with concern! Will such things mean less work for us, even in the fields? It’s something we have to consider.
Despite this apprehension, there's an undeniable excitement bubbling beneath my skin.
Our world is evolving. Who knows what the future holds for us? I, for one, can't wait to see what it has in store! And of course, I will continue to keep you updated. So, if you want to hear about all the happenings in our little corner of Scotland and beyond, tune in every week to see what 172 throws our way!
Until then, keep your hoofs and boots healthy!
Yours truly,
Emma
