Post 536 - www.equiworld.org
Neigh-hello, fellow equine enthusiasts! Emma here, your trusty grey draught mare from Hayfield near Aberdeen. It’s been a while since I last shared my adventures, what with the farmwork and all, but I couldn’t let this special year go by without telling you all about it. It's 536, and it’s been a strange one indeed. I must say, the weather's been a bit, well, odd. For one, it's been eerily cold all through the spring. You'd expect the first shoots of grass by now, wouldn't you? Instead, it’s been mostly bare and frost-kissed, and the air is thick with a peculiar chill. It feels like the sun has gone shy, refusing to warm us properly. Even the most spirited of ponies seem a bit subdued this year.
Of course, I’m still grateful for my comfortable stable and hearty oats. The farm hasn’t gone silent, far from it. As always, we have our usual tasks – pulling the plough through the tough Scottish earth, hauling wagons filled with harvested barley, and transporting goods to and fro. We’re vital to this farm and village, you see. Imagine life without us strong steeds to do the heavy lifting! The villagers are kind, and our bond with them is stronger than ever. Especially with the farmer's wife, Agnes, who always greets me with a sweet apple and a pat on the neck. A smile from Agnes always brightens even the cloudiest day!
Speaking of brightening things, our farm, nestled at the foot of the Cairngorm mountains, offers breathtaking scenery even in this unusual weather. Imagine vast green pastures, their green hues tinged with the gold of dandelions and wild thyme. It's a feast for the eyes, and as for the scent, oh, my dear readers, it’s invigorating! It's a real reminder that even during unusual times, nature finds a way to offer her blessings.
This year, news from across the land has been making the rounds, whispered in hushed tones. They say that a peculiar fog, a "blue mist," has been observed in faraway lands. What could it be? Some say it signifies impending change. I am a horse, and as much as I'd love to understand these mysteries of the world, all I really understand are oats and a good scratch behind the ears.
Speaking of the wider world, we hear tales of horses on distant battlefields, participating in skirmishes and wars. Some stories sound incredibly dramatic. Imagine galloping across a vast field, the ground shaking beneath your hooves, the smell of smoke and dust filling the air. But honestly, dear readers, the farm life is where my heart lies. The rhythmic beat of my hooves on the ploughed earth, the wind whipping through my mane, the familiar smell of freshly cut hay – that's where true peace lies for a horse like me.
Let’s switch gears, shall we? One recent piece of exciting news was the arrival of a young filly to our farm! A bright-eyed, chestnut creature named Blossom. Now, you've all heard of the term "unbridled enthusiasm"? Well, this little one exemplifies it perfectly! She’s a whirlwind of energy and curiosity. Her mane is as red as a ripe poppy, and she’s been making a great friend of the older, wiser horse, Old Tom. They've been spending their afternoons grazing side-by-side in the fields, their tails swishing in the breeze. Seeing them makes my old heart feel full!
While Blossom is learning about farm life, I've taken it upon myself to share some wisdom with the young 'un. I tell her about the importance of patience, of staying calm during the most stressful times, and of finding joy in the simple things - a tasty blade of grass, a playful nibble at a friend's mane, a well-earned rest under the shade of an oak tree. These lessons, I believe, are the real currency of a happy equine life.
In the past few weeks, we’ve had some notable visitors to Hayfield. A group of monks arrived, their brown habits swirling in the wind as they rode their sure-footed steeds up the long hill to the farm. They brought with them tales of travels to faraway lands. We've heard whispers of new cultures and customs, and of other amazing animals found beyond the rolling Scottish hills. Even I, with my simple equine mind, find those stories captivating. Their presence adds an air of intrigue and excitement to our usually peaceful days.
They brought with them something called “books,” containing written words about different lands, plants, and, yes, horses! I was enthralled listening to them talk, though I must admit I couldn’t make much sense of the written symbols on those pages. A picture, as they say, paints a thousand words, and seeing the monks’ steeds, so unlike ours, painted vivid images in my mind.
I, of course, enjoyed sharing stories with the monks as well. Stories of the good old days when the land was still covered in dense forests and when wild ponies ran free on the mountains. Stories of battles long forgotten and tales of valiant heroes, some on the back of sturdy, loyal steeds like myself. Their eyes widened, mesmerized by my stories of life on the farm. And they gave us some delicious apples, ripe and sweet, which is a big plus in my book!
All in all, 536 has been a year of unexpected turns, of subtle change, and above all, of strong friendships and peaceful days spent doing what horses do best - living, working, and enjoying the beautiful world around us.
Until next time, keep your hooves healthy, your spirit strong, and remember - every day is a chance to experience the simple joy of being a horse.
With a grateful neigh,
Emma, from Hayfield, near Aberdeen.
