From the stable of Emma, a Grey Draught mare from Hayfield, near Aberdeen
Greetings, fellow equines! As the days stretch longer and the sun shines warmer upon the heather hills of Hayfield, I find myself reflecting on a year that was truly a symphony of hard work, joyful discoveries, and whispers of change. It seems fitting, as we all know that spring always heralds the start of new things, even if some are smaller than others.
You may recall from my previous post that 336 has been quite a momentous year. Not just for myself, but for the world around me, particularly in the realm of horses! It has been a year of trials and triumphs, where ancient ways collide with whispers of the new, and I can only marvel at how far we’ve come.
Let's dive in, shall we? Buckle up, dear readers, for I've got tales to tell…
From Ploughing to Pleasure: Life on a Scottish Farm
For myself, life on the farm has been a whirl of activity this past year. Winter brought with it the hard but rewarding work of ploughing the fields. Though the frost on the morning air can sting your nose, and the weight of the plough can make your muscles ache, there's something undeniably satisfying about transforming barren earth into fertile ground. Especially when you know that from it will come nourishing food for the village, a reward for all our hard work.
We grey draughthorses are renowned for our strength and stamina, a trait I've come to appreciate all too well! I stand tall at fifteen hands, my thick coat a shimmer of silver and pearl in the sunlight. My long, flowing mane and tail, like snowdrifts on a moonlit night, flutter in the wind as I work the fields. My life is filled with purpose. We all contribute to the sustenance of those who rely on us, and that, in itself, brings a quiet kind of pride.
Of course, it isn't all about toil and sweat! In the warmer months, life becomes a joyous celebration of the changing seasons. The meadows bloom with vibrant colour, buzzing with the melody of bees. We have moments for leisurely walks along the riverbank, a chance to bathe in the cool waters and churn up the dust in playful gallops. It's during these times I notice the youngsters – young foals, their clumsy gait full of wonder, their eyes wide with curiosity as they explore the world around them. These days are reminders that life isn’t just about work, but about the joy of existence, the pleasure of the sun on our backs and the wind in our manes.
The World Beyond Hayfield: Whispers of New Beginnings
And speaking of new beginnings, this year has witnessed a wave of change across the land. You may have heard whispers about an innovation sweeping across Europe - the invention of something called the "stirrup." I must confess, I’m only beginning to grasp the full meaning of this invention. But I’ve heard whispers of riders, with newfound ease and stability, exploring further than ever before! What once was arduous now seems accessible, making even the most daring ventures seem possible.
In the past year, a new equestrian pastime seems to be emerging too – what they call "dressage.” Imagine, a world where horses perform graceful movements with incredible precision, as if dancing upon the ground! While I find the very idea a touch fanciful, some believe it’s the future of our world, pushing the boundaries of horse and rider collaboration beyond anything ever known before! It's a bit hard to wrap my mane around at the moment, but it’s fascinating nonetheless!
More Than Just Work: Horses are Friends and Family
Yet, even amidst all this change, one thing remains constant - the bond we share with our human companions. It’s an unspoken language, woven through years of mutual trust and understanding. For every rider I meet on the road, there's a story waiting to unfold - tales of hardship overcome, adventures shared, and companionship cherished. It's this connection that defines us as more than mere work animals; it cements us as loyal friends and trusted companions.
And the family I share my stable with – oh, what a bunch of characters they are! There's Billy, the boisterous chestnut with a heart of gold. And old Meg, a mare as wise as the hills she walks upon, her coat a tapestry of grays and browns. And, of course, there’s me! You'll find I’m an amiable soul, enjoying good conversation with friends and the warmth of the sun on my back. Life is good in Hayfield.
But even with the richness of my life, I cannot deny a touch of sadness that often lingers in my heart. It comes from seeing the faces of the children, the future generations. Their wide-eyed fascination with us – those who provide transportation, sustenance, and so much more - is truly humbling. Yet, it also makes me wonder: What does the future hold for our kind? Will we still be as necessary as we are now? Or will our world transform into something I can’t yet comprehend?
I don’t know the answer, but one thing remains certain - the connection between horses and humans is something profound and deeply meaningful. We will keep working, we will keep learning, we will keep discovering. And as long as that connection exists, the spirit of the horse will always find its place, a constant amidst change, a beacon of hope and resilience in a world forever evolving.
Until next time, dear friends! Keep your heads held high and your spirits bright!
Emma
P.S. Do leave me a comment on this post. I’d love to hear about your adventures in the world of horses!
I hope you enjoyed this entry into the world of Emma's EquiWorld blog! Feel free to request a continuation to explore her life and journey through different historical periods.
