Hello fellow equines,
My name is Emma, and I’m a grey draught mare from Hayfield near Aberdeen in Scotland. As some of you might already know, I’ve taken to recording our history here on Equiworld.org and this is post number 772, which seems fitting, don’t you think? We’ll be talking all about the wonderful year of 0772. It was an eventful one for my kind, full of bustling activity and interesting developments!
0772 started as usual for me – a hard but fulfilling life as a work horse on a farm. Pulling the plough in the cold, damp fields to till the earth for barley, oats, and turnips. I still fondly remember the taste of fresh green grass when we got a chance to graze in the fields. It’s the simple pleasures, isn’t it?
Being a grey horse with a magnificent white mane and tail – so people say - I feel proud when they use me for carting grain into the mill or to take goods to the market. My sturdy frame and unwavering strength are useful. The work can be tiring at times, especially on those hot summer days. The sting of the flies, the heavy cart, the long roads, sometimes my muscles ache, and my hooves ache too, but my spirit never weakens. After all, I'm doing something vital. My contribution keeps everyone in Hayfield going.
However, as much as I love my work, I also yearn for adventure, and 0772 presented a few opportunities. I was especially excited when they brought a new foal to the farm! I had seen this beautiful chestnut colt in the market with its mother – I could sense there was a powerful spirit within him.
We have many breeds in our area, the Galloway, the Highland, and sometimes we see Shire horses, strong and magnificent, though a bit rare around these parts. It was a joy to be introduced to the newest member of our little community, and although I couldn't understand the foal's whinny, it was filled with joy and excitement as it ran and frolicked through the fields. I have a feeling he will be a great farm horse, and a trusty companion for many years to come.
Now, a little secret – although I am proud to be a farm horse, I hear stories of travelling horses, especially in England. These horses are used for transportation – carrying knights and their armour, messengers dashing along dirt paths. They even haul carriages, imagine the luxury! A whole world beyond the familiar smells of Hayfield’s fields. Who knows, perhaps one day my destiny will lie on the road, under a different sky.
Speaking of exciting happenings in 0772, I did have a rather fascinating experience. We were brought into town for the annual Fair Day. Aberdeen's streets were crammed with people. Imagine, stalls brimming with treasures: handmade clothes, spices from the far east, metal crafts, leather goods, and everything you can think of.
The crowds gathered as the "Games of Strength" commenced. You might have seen the competition where strong men use the heaviest wooden ploughs to show off their power, the one with the farthest plough going forward winning the title. Now, these men always bring horses to pull those hefty ploughs! What a responsibility! They looked for horses that were powerful and steady – they’re quite sought after for these events.
Although I have a strong, sturdy frame and I could have won the prize (if they allowed women to participate, of course), I confess, I enjoy the spectators' applause more than any prize, and they seem to enjoy us horses, so what more could we ask for?
Anyway, returning to Hayfield from Aberdeen, I couldn't shake the feeling that I'd missed a chapter of my equine story back at home. There, the entire community celebrated harvest time. The entire village joined the festivities, even the church bell rang in the joy of a fruitful year. It was beautiful to watch families celebrate in their humble, joyful way.
Everyone helped prepare for a hearty feast – it was truly a magical atmosphere. We, horses, weren’t just a part of the celebrations; we were central to the success of the entire community. The community couldn’t have gathered food, goods, or people to the harvest festival without our assistance! I must admit, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride. I’m proud to be a part of the community and proud of the hard work and dedication we as horses show to our human companions.
But as we gather for the celebrations, I am also aware of the uncertainties ahead. The weather can be cruel to crops and unpredictable. And our farmers will be back to their arduous work when spring arrives. But this isn’t a gloomy thought – this is simply part of our natural order, and a new season of growth, with all its challenges, always awaits.
For now, we feast. We enjoy the harvest celebration with everyone, humans and horses alike. My friends, my fellow equines – I wish you all joy, good health, and bountiful food for this season.
Signing off from Hayfield,
Emma, the Grey Draught mare.
