Greetings fellow equines and horse-loving friends!
Emma here, a proud grey mare from the little village of Hayfield, nestled near the mighty Aberdeen in the land of rolling hills and endless heather. Today, I'm taking a stroll down memory lane – well, more like a trot, as I'm not quite the slowpoke I'll be in a few decades.
It’s 681, the year I was born, and you wouldn't believe the things I've witnessed! While most horses here are busy hauling crops, pulling ploughs, and keeping their riders warm through long, frosty nights, my thoughts are often far, far away, on the shores of another land, a place called Rome.
Let me tell you, that faraway empire, once filled with magnificent war horses, now struggles to hold its own. Their Emperors are wrestling with power, and things seem uncertain for them and for their horses. But it doesn’t affect us up here in our quiet Scottish corner.
For me, life is quite straightforward. Our days begin with the rhythmic clatter of wooden shoes on stone floors as my owner, young Thomas, rises from his sleep. It's him I'll be sharing my life with - well, it’s him and the rest of the farm, of course! There are our beautiful Clydesdale mares – my sisters in spirit – and their young foals, all frolicking about like lambs. We’re all a happy family here in Hayfield.
Morning arrives with the rising sun, painting the sky in colours so vibrant they rival the heather blooms in summer. We have our porridge, which the humans seem to think is "oatmeal," but to me, it’s delicious. I am grateful for the farmer’s care and attention; there's never a moment where our bellies go unfilled.
The rest of my days are taken up with helping on the farm, but the work isn’t tiring, more like a soothing routine. One day, I pull a wagon full of freshly harvested oats, the sweet scent of grain lingering in the air. Another day, I help till the fields for the next planting, the earth’s earthy fragrance intoxicating me. Sometimes I stand still and proud, being ridden by Thomas on his daily journeys, feeling the strength in his grip on the reins. He’s not as big as his father, but I see a growing confidence in his movements, the same confidence that resonates in my powerful, strong strides.
Sometimes, the nights are filled with the enchanting sound of songbirds. We’re too far from civilization to hear much human music, except perhaps the faint clanging of an iron smith's hammer in the distance, reminding us that this time of year means cold winter is just around the corner. Then again, sometimes, we can feel a sense of a growing uneasiness among the other farm animals; the rabbits huddling closer together, the sheep bleating anxiously, the geese flying southward in a steady stream, sensing the coming change.
As the year grows colder, we gather closer as a community of horses, each one with a story to tell. We share memories and warmth under the fading sunlight. We have much to be grateful for - a plentiful harvest, our loving human companions, and the freedom to graze under the boundless Scottish skies.
My world feels perfect right now. However, with each passing season, I sense the winds of change blowing, and I cannot ignore a feeling of restlessness growing within me. It’s like a new, adventurous spirit, urging me to explore the unknown. Is it just the whisper of autumn rustling in my mane, or something else altogether? I do not know. But, I will be prepared, and I will ride towards the unknown, come what may.
As for the rest of the world, it seems to be bubbling with exciting things for horses. There’s talk of some new breed from a land called Arabia – horses that run like the wind itself, they say! They call them ‘Arabs,’ but we have never seen one here in Hayfield.
However, one thing we've been told – by those brave humans who ventured far beyond Scotland – is that Arabs are as swift as any eagle, a sight to behold! We’re all very excited to hear about it – who knows, maybe one day we will have the opportunity to meet these impressive steeds. Maybe one day, my own descendants might inherit this beauty and grace!
As always, you can always reach me on the Equitiworld forum for comments and questions. We are all a family here and sharing our stories helps us connect. We all have different stories, so please do tell us your own, even if it's about how you met a beautiful brown filly yesterday!
Until next time, stay safe, stay warm, and may the roads always be well-trodden beneath your hooves!
Sincerely,
Emma, the grey draught mare from Hayfield.
