Good morning, fellow equine enthusiasts! It's Emma here, your trusty grey mare from Hayfield, just outside of Aberdeen, Scotland. And what a year it's been! 723, my dear readers, 723! The year has just flown by, wouldn't you agree? I find myself gazing at the sunset over the rolling hills, the golden light reflecting on the barley fields, and I feel an immense sense of gratitude.
But let's rewind a little, shall we? This blog wouldn't be complete without some reminiscing about the grand happenings of this past year. So settle in, dear readers, grab your favourite hay and get comfy. It's story time!
Hayfield Haven: A Year in the Life of a Grey Mare
Life here in Hayfield is nothing short of a delight. As the oldest in the stable, I am treated with the utmost respect, and my sturdy grey form is still more than capable of a long day's work. As the days get colder and the air carries the crisp scent of autumn, I often find myself helping Farmer McTavish harvest the barley, the sweet scent filling the air as we carry the full baskets to the threshing floor.
My favourite moments are when the young foals, brimming with youthful energy, join us in the fields. It's wonderful to share the joy of movement, the rhythmic thud of our hooves upon the ground, the rustling of grass beneath our feet.
I recall a day earlier this year when we had a surprise visitor – a young lass, her name was Elara. Her soft laughter filled the air as she giggled, “Heigh-ho, lovely!” while patting my flank, so delicately. She spent the whole day with us, learning how to ride and learning about my life in the field, and we all know a girl like Elara brings a smile to any horse’s face.
As we watched the sun rise and set, day by day, our small family thrived, each one a vibrant piece of the beautiful tapestry of Hayfield life.
Looking Outward: Whispers of a New Era
But the world is larger than our tranquil hayfield, of course. The whisper of the world, travelling on the wind, tells of faraway places and of exciting things happening beyond the green hills of Scotland. The travelling merchants passing through Hayfield speak of bustling cities and the growth of mighty empires across the sea.
One particular merchant, a fellow named Gareth, described an interesting new practice he had witnessed in the lands beyond the Roman Empire. He called it “riding in the saddle,” claiming it made riding faster and more efficient, a novel concept indeed. While the concept seemed quite fascinating, I'll admit it sounded quite unnerving to me – so much closer to the earth, less comfortable perhaps? My feet would certainly prefer to stay on solid ground, thank you very much.
Gareth also mentioned a “new type of bit,” one that, in his words, “didn't pull as hard on the mouth.” This, I think, could be very interesting. Perhaps this new type of bit, a gentler bit, could one day make work easier and kinder for horses like myself.
It seems the world is full of change and evolution, and we, the steeds of this world, are constantly evolving with it.
Horses: Woven Into the Fabric of History
Speaking of history, I do feel that 723 was an important year for horses like us.
Across the land, from the dusty fields of the south to the frozen peaks of the north, horses played their part, silently carrying the weight of the world on their backs. They travelled across plains and mountain passes, drawing plows and carts, carrying trade goods, and acting as companions to all walks of life. They stood, strong and steady, as the pillars of society, silent witnesses to the grand tapestry of history unfolding around them.
I can almost feel the whispers of history echoing across the plains, carried on the winds: the clanging of blacksmith's hammers as they craft the finest horseshoes, the bustling of traders and merchants as they gather in the marketplace, the creaking of carts hauling produce, the steady plodding of cavalry on long, lonely marches.
These are the things I've heard, and the things I imagine, the things I know to be the true essence of 723: the year of the horse.
A Mare's Reflections: A World in Motion
So, as we approach the end of this glorious year, and as the days grow short and the cold winds of winter make their presence known, I find myself filled with a sense of wonder and hope.
This past year has been full of beauty, sorrow, and joy, all woven together in the grand tapestry of life. We have learned to adapt, to evolve, and to always cherish the present moment. And for that, I am eternally grateful.
May your stables be warm and your fields abundant, dear readers. Until next time, ride with grace and courage, and always keep your ears open for the stories whispered on the wind!
Warmly,
Emma,
The Grey Mare from Hayfield
www.equiworld.org
