Hayfield, near Aberdeen, Scotland
1st Month, Year of the Rooster, 0204
Ah, the crisp air of winter hangs heavy in the barn this morning. The scent of freshly chopped hay mingles with the familiar smell of damp earth and, of course, a little hint of horse, that earthy, musky scent that we all know and love! My mane, that beautiful, flowing cascade of white, shimmers in the sunlight streaming through the barn door. A fine coat of grey fur keeps me warm against the morning chill. I'm Emma, and this is my world - a world of horses, fields, and the rhythmic thud of hooves on earth.
Today is a special day! My dear friend and stable mate, Poppy, a chestnut mare with a playful spirit, has her foal! I haven't seen Poppy this excited since we raced through the fields, the wind in our manes, back in our younger days. Her colt is a miniature version of her, with the same spirited chestnut coat and lively dark eyes. The little fellow is already trying to take his first wobbly steps!
Today, my humans are taking me to the market in Aberdeen. They say it's a special market day, celebrating the Year of the Rooster. I am always excited to visit Aberdeen, for it's a hive of activity, filled with people and horses, and all sorts of interesting smells. Poppy's colt will stay with the other mares and foals. He's still far too small for the long journey to the market, and anyway, they need him around to keep his mother's spirits high. It makes my heart soar to watch Poppy fussing over her tiny one, her tail swishing with affection. They are such a picture of happy family life. Oh, how I long for the day that I, too, will have foals!
My life in Hayfield is good. I live on a farm with a beautiful, rolling green meadow perfect for running and rolling in. The air is crisp, clean, and filled with the sweet smell of hay and barley, my favourite treats! It's no surprise that these fields, where we horses frolic and play, have a rich history stretching back to Roman times, a story filled with heroes, quests, and tales of brave warriors, carried upon strong, proud horses, just like me. They say a true warrior has to have the patience, resilience and courage of a good horse to survive these challenging times. I think I can relate. Even today, with life being different from Roman times, I need to be brave and strong, because I work the land here, my strength needed to help my human friends bring food to the table. I can feel the rich, fertile earth under my hooves. It's hard work but also quite fulfilling, seeing what we, horses, help grow.
2nd Month, Year of the Rooster, 0204
The Aberdeen market was, as always, a cacophony of colour and sound. The aroma of freshly baked bread mixed with the tang of salty air and the comforting scent of manure. I was greeted by all manner of horse friends, from tiny Shetland ponies with thick manes, to mighty Clydesdales like myself. There were so many colours and shapes, with the common thread being their unwavering spirit, evident in their proud stance and twinkling eyes.
This month, we celebrate the spring equinox, the time when days grow longer, and the world awakens after its winter slumber. We have a special celebration in Hayfield. The local bard sings songs of ancient times, songs filled with tales of chivalry and courage, where horses are symbols of freedom, strength, and devotion. There are stories of valiant knights riding noble steeds through dangerous lands, all while showcasing the immense power and trust that binds a knight and his horse. All of us horses, listening to these tales, feel pride in the important role we play.
3rd Month, Year of the Rooster, 0204
My favourite time of year has arrived. The weather in Hayfield has begun to turn. The wind has a gentle caress to it, whispering stories of spring as it gently sweeps across my coat. The scent of the earth is richer, bursting with life, a sign of new growth.
And the flowers! Oh, the vibrant colour! Daffodils, tulips, and crocuses push their way up through the soft soil, bringing an explosion of colour to the land. They remind me of the colours of Poppy's foal's coat, which is already so much darker, almost reddish brown. He's now as bold and brave as any of the horses here on the farm, following his mother and other young horses around. He is such a lively colt! I always take extra time to chat to Poppy about the adventures he gets into each day, learning so much from watching his mother.
Spring in Hayfield means lots of work. I pull the heavy plough across the land, the rhythmic back and forth motion of my work keeping me strong. I feel so proud and content when I can see the freshly ploughed furrows, ready for the sowing of the new seeds. It feels good to contribute, to work alongside my humans.
4th Month, Year of the Rooster, 0204
April showers, they say, bring May flowers, and this is very true. The meadow in Hayfield is covered in a carpet of vibrant colour, the sweet smell of wild flowers carried by the gentle breeze. The weather has been warm and pleasant, a great blessing for my human friends and me. We can feel the promise of a good harvest in the air.
Our horses have their work cut out for them, but everyone in Hayfield is hard at work, in and around the fields, taking every advantage of the sun, and preparing the land.
We celebrate May Day with games, and the children even have their own horse races on the meadow, so cute! These days feel very relaxed. After all the hard work of spring, it feels good to enjoy the simple joys of our world. I wish all horses lived in places with these meadows of flowers!
5th Month, Year of the Rooster, 0204
The barley and hay fields are now bursting with life. My human friends say they can hear the seeds rustling with excitement, their roots growing deep into the rich earth. It’s hard to resist the urge to nibble the tender barley stems and the luscious leaves of hay - they are truly my favourite treats! But of course, my human friends keep a watchful eye and ensure I eat a sensible diet of hay and grain, plus they feed me delicious vegetables sometimes! We, as a community here, can smell a good harvest in the air.
And the new baby foals, Poppy’s colt included, they are now strong and playful! They run and race, snorting and neighing, a symphony of horse sounds that fills the air with joy. They remind me of our youth, running free and unfettered, with our souls soaring. Seeing them so happy fills my heart with joy, reminding me why we are here, to keep this legacy of horse life going strong.
6th Month, Year of the Rooster, 0204
A few weeks ago, a small band of travelers came through Hayfield. They carried their own stories, whispering tales of faraway lands and magical adventures. They traveled by horse, with wagons laden with their possessions, but they stopped at the farmstead to let their horses rest and gather their strength. They were travelling to the south, where they heard tales of great cities and opportunities, a city they call London. They also carried stories of the Great Wall of China, where the emperor keeps vast numbers of horses to protect the Empire from invading armies! Their stories fuelled our imaginations and ignited our own wanderlust.
Oh, to see these faraway lands! But I am contented in my life here, on our farm, in Hayfield.
My dear friends, we, as a horse community, do not just stand by, idly watching as history passes by, as the travellers say. We play a key part, helping humans bring in harvests, helping people travel from one place to another.
Even our work of carrying stones, transporting them to new locations for building houses, walls and bridges is essential work, because we are helping to build and secure their futures. There is such a sense of belonging, working hard with my human friends. I think about those tales the travellers shared and how many brave horses play such a vital role in these empires.
And as the days lengthen, we all here in Hayfield prepare ourselves for the longest day, the midsummer solstice. They say these days, when the sun shines brightly all day long, are important to all horse people. And I feel it deep within my heart too. There is nothing better than the sunshine warming my coat! We can feel the energy radiating, a deep, pulsating force of nature, flowing into us.
7th Month, Year of the Rooster, 0204
A gentle heat envelops the fields of Hayfield. The air is filled with the scents of wildflowers and ripe barley. Summer is in full swing and the colours of the land seem even more vibrant and joyful, everything seems so alive. We spend time grazing peacefully, lazily enjoying the long sunny days, with Poppy’s colt right beside me! He is such a fun-loving and cheeky youngster, keeping his mother, Poppy, busy as she tries to get some peace!
Summer days have been hotter than normal, but that has not deterred us, we have learned to adapt. We horses, in our long history, have experienced so much change in the weather, from very harsh winters to unusually long summers! We know that if we find ways to adapt, we shall be fine, no matter what nature throws our way. My dear friends, resilience is an essential skill for us all.
A new traveller arrived at Hayfield today! He has an unusual carriage that’s called a wagon. The new owner says he has new methods of using horses for transport, more suited to the towns and cities. He believes there will be a need for lots of new horses in those places to help move people, goods, and trade, just like in those stories we heard from the earlier travellers!
My human friends listened closely, noting every detail and thinking about the future of work, about the needs in cities and towns. But my humans tell me that the future of horses is to work with humans, with strong connections. They see it is important to show kindness to their horses, as they depend on them for a variety of needs.
I love the sound of the clinking metal from the wagon. I’m a curious sort and I have asked Poppy if she has heard about this, this ‘Wagon’ that the new traveller brought to Hayfield, but she’s never heard about it, either. This must be something new!
8th Month, Year of the Rooster, 0204
Autumn is approaching! The days are beginning to grow shorter. The first hints of a cool, crisp breeze make us long for the warmth of our stables. There is a stillness to the air. The leaves, previously lush green, have turned shades of gold and orange, giving Hayfield an autumnal charm that captivates the soul.
My human friends and I are working hard to gather the harvest. We pull the heavy carts full of golden grain, carrying the fruits of the land. The horses know that, just like ourselves, all beings benefit from the fruits of the land.
It has been a year of many changes for Hayfield, many exciting ones, with new technologies and new ideas arriving each day!
The children will be back at school now, too, after enjoying their summer holidays. They tell stories about their friends, and their experiences, learning things that will make them become adults, wise and caring. They, like the rest of us, can only hope that, come winter, there will be a generous bounty of food and warm bedding to keep us happy and contented.
As for me, I’m quite ready to go back to enjoying a comfortable life here, in the safety of the barn, in my stable. There is a familiar peacefulness to be found within the walls, a haven from the elements. After the long summer days, with their constant work and energy, it’s a peaceful haven that I, as a strong, brave and courageous horse, feel quite privileged to live in!
9th Month, Year of the Rooster, 0204
The evenings have drawn in, the temperature has dipped, and a chill has crept into the air. The meadow now sports a muted palette, a kaleidoscope of fading greens, russet browns and golds. I can hear the crunch of frost under my hooves, a gentle reminder of the changing seasons.
It’s quite magical, actually, seeing these changing colours. And with this transition, comes a deep calm in the hearts of us all here on the farm. Our routine begins to slow, as does our energy. The rhythm of nature, that has guided us throughout our long, rich history, reminds us to settle and find a peaceful energy within ourselves.
10th Month, Year of the Rooster, 0204
We horses, particularly the old grey horses like me, are experts in understanding and adapting to the rhythms of nature. And winter is a reminder that there’s a time for rest, recuperation and reflection. It is in the darkness, we see clearly.
We horses enjoy this stillness of winter, and for me, that stillness helps me to connect with my spirit. When the humans in Hayfield bring me a hot bucket of food and a comfy straw bed, I am grateful, I truly am, for it feels good to just be still.
My human friend keeps a warm rug upon me, so I have to say, winter isn’t as difficult as some make out. I love these months where there’s less to do. This allows for quieter days with my stable friends, each of us enjoying a bit of quiet contemplation. Of course, we enjoy lots of time eating hay and a hearty warm grain! Winter gives our humans time to work on the buildings and the stables, so we know that next spring we will all be even more prepared and better prepared. And with each passing day, as we gather together for our winter break, I know I’m going to be fine, even though the days grow shorter. That’s the beauty of horses, I believe. We find ways to thrive and flourish in all seasons.
11th Month, Year of the Rooster, 0204
The winds of winter are growing stronger, blowing the leaves into swirling spirals before flinging them across the frosty field. Winter has come in full force, casting a snowy veil across Hayfield.
Our human friends prepare for winter in every way possible, with the warmth of the barns keeping us sheltered, protected from the chill and damp, providing a comforting sanctuary. It's the season for sharing, both warmth and stories, among our kind.
I find myself enjoying these winter evenings with Poppy, by the fire in the barn. It feels good to gather with friends, with my stable companions, each of us with stories to share about our experiences on this beautiful land that we live upon, and sharing the hope for a bountiful year next spring.
Poppy’s foal is even more inquisitive than ever and comes in to sit with us, close by the warm fire!
There’s a magic in the cold, too, as we know from our ancient history. There is a deep, comforting calmness within us that allows us to thrive. Even if we don't go galloping around the field during winter, it gives us time for quiet reflection, for learning new things from the elders in our stables, who pass down wisdom from the long, glorious, history of horse-kind.
12th Month, Year of the Rooster, 0204
And so, winter wraps itself tightly around Hayfield. The world seems asleep. The meadow is still, the land slumbering under a heavy blanket of snow. Everything feels quiet.
I stand by my stall door, gazing out into the crisp, cold air. As I watch the snow fall, it seems that my reflection merges into the whiteness, just another ghostly form in a landscape of pure white. The only sounds I hear are the soft crunching of my hooves upon the frost, and the low groan of the wind whistling around the eaves of the barn.
Inside the stable, my stable friends are peacefully resting, snoring softly, warm and cozy under their rugs.
We have lived, we have thrived, we have grown stronger with each year. I feel the essence of my family’s strong, powerful blood coursing through my veins. And now I feel ready, in this deep stillness, ready to welcome the next new year.
A fresh, invigorating stillness envelops my very being. As the winter quiet envelops Hayfield, I stand in the snow and remember everything that has unfolded throughout the year.
I, Emma, the strong, beautiful, brave, grey mare, with a white mane and a white tail, have worked with my humans and thrived. I have learned and shared experiences with my horse family here in Hayfield. And this knowledge will stay with me, long after this winter snow melts. In the coming months, new things will emerge in our little corner of the world.
Our world, of horses, will forever change. We are creatures of progress and adaption. The stories shared by the travellers about how cities change the way we work are quite interesting, to be honest! And those stories of empires are both incredible and scary at times, but our bond, with the humans here, and with nature, means we are adaptable to every changing challenge. This, my friends, is why we will forever flourish.
It feels wonderful to feel a connection to all the horses in this world. They too are experiencing their lives. Their journeys, experiences, their roles in the world. Each one unique, special, but part of a whole community. This community has served people well, with love, kindness and friendship.
We horses play an important part, working tirelessly beside people, to help create a better world.
And in my heart, I know, my journey will continue in the next year.
My story will continue. And with each passing day, I will continue to be an important, contributing part of this beautiful, wonderful, world.
Goodbye from me, your horse friend, Emma.
