Hello fellow equines and horse lovers! It’s Emma here, your trusty grey mare from Hayfield, Scotland. This year, 0792 AD, has been a particularly interesting one, filled with the rumble of hooves, the clatter of carriages, and, most importantly, the constant murmur of hay.
The days are getting shorter, and the first hint of frost has already touched the fields, reminding me of the warmth of our cosy stables. It’s always comforting to return to the familiar smell of hay and straw after a long day in the fields, though there's nothing quite like a crisp, frosty morning to get the blood pumping!
Let’s talk about this year’s journey, shall we? For a big strong lass like me, a day starts with a hearty breakfast, followed by a long session of helping my fellow draught horses in the fields.
The farmer, a kind man called Lachlan, always has plenty for us to do, be it ploughing the land, hauling logs, or carting loads of barley to the mill. This year, however, there’s been something a little different – Lachlan’s daughter, Maisie, has taken to joining us.
Maisie is a curious one, full of laughter and questions. I wouldn't say she's particularly fond of hard work, preferring instead to braid my mane and sing sweet songs to me as I pull the plough. She’s still learning, but her spirit shines through. You can’t help but smile at her enthusiasm.
Speaking of enthusiasm, Maisie seems to have caught the horse racing fever! You see, a few weeks back, a group of men on spirited little horses rode into our village. They were the ‘horse whisperers’, or something like that. They talked about the grand races happening in York, a city way beyond our Highland valley, where horses run with the speed of the wind!
Their tales ignited a spark in Maisie's heart. Every night, we hear about those races, about legendary steeds and skilled riders, and we watch as she daydreams about becoming one of those galloping heroines. Her dreams have even infected me! It makes me long to stretch my legs, to test my own speed and feel the wind in my mane.
Though Hayfield is our haven, the world is full of amazing equines with extraordinary journeys.
This year, I learned that in faraway lands, horses were instrumental in trade and warfare. A young man, a merchant's son, visited Hayfield and told stories of grand caravans of horses hauling silk, spices, and precious stones across vast deserts. His stories filled us all with wonder, and I couldn't help but think how amazing it would be to see such a sight, all those strong, powerful creatures working together for a common purpose.
Then there are the brave horses of the Viking warriors. We heard tales of their long ships sailing across the seas, carrying these fierce warriors, their steeds poised to thunder onto the battlefield, their power unmatched. Such a sight, I’d imagine, would leave any horse, even a quiet old grey mare like myself, awestruck.
But even with these stories, it's important to remember our own purpose here in Hayfield. It’s not just about speed and strength; it’s about the sense of community, about working alongside my fellow horses to sustain our people. We may not be fighting wars or travelling vast distances, but the satisfaction of a well-ploughed field, or a heavy cart laden with provisions successfully delivered to the village, is a reward in itself.
This year has brought a mix of new discoveries and reminders of what truly matters. There’s no denying the thrill of hearing about magnificent journeys, the courage of horses on battlefields, the glamour of racing, but it's the connection we share with our fellow horses and humans here in Hayfield that brings true happiness.
And so, my fellow horse lovers, until we meet again next year, may your fields be lush, your stables cosy, and your hooves strong and true. Stay strong, stay curious, and stay connected with your equine family!
Remember to visit the Equiworld website for more fascinating articles about horse history. Happy trails!
