Ahoy there, fellow equines! Emma here, your trusty draught horse correspondent from the rolling hills of Hayfield, just outside of Aberdeen. It’s 0845 now, and I’m feeling pretty settled in my routine, as a young mare should be at 20 years old.
Today, I’m thinking about what a fascinating year it’s been, with so many happenings in the world of horses. It’s amazing to think how much has changed since I was just a foal, barely able to walk, and how much will change in the years to come!
The world seems to be shifting around us, both near and far. Here in Hayfield, we've had some new faces join our farm, some younger horses, who seem a bit skittish to me at times, bless their hearts. My human friend, Farmer Angus, says there are even some ‘fancy' breeds starting to show up in Scotland, horses like the Clydesdales, who are big, even for draught horses, with big shaggy coats and feathering around their feet. Some folk say they look more like carriage horses than workhorses, but I think they look rather splendid myself!
Angus is a good man, a true horseman, and I wouldn't want to be under the care of anyone else. He says the horses of this generation are bigger and stronger than those of old, all thanks to the proper care and good food. He makes sure all of us on the farm have a warm stable, good hay and oats, and enough rest. He always gives us treats, too - sweet things, sugar beets, or the occasional carrot - he always has an eye for a hungry horse. And who can resist a kind smile and a scratch behind the ears?
Talking about food, my human friend always says the best way to survive a tough winter is with a healthy, plump, body. This year, thanks to a good harvest of hay, we had enough feed even when the frost came in. A bit less work during the winter meant more naps and snoozes, which I must say, I enjoyed immensely.
Even though we were all a bit stiff in the early mornings, there was enough to do to keep us active. You see, my kind, draught horses, are known for our strength, endurance and gentleness. We were vital in 0845 - and every year for centuries past - for the prosperity of Hayfield and the country at large.
From helping farmers till the soil, to pulling carts for local merchants, we're an integral part of daily life. It’s hard work, but I love being outside, breathing the fresh air, and feeling the warmth of the sun on my coat. I do get tired at times, but there’s a deep satisfaction that comes with seeing the results of our labour: fields bursting with wheat, and carts full of goods travelling from village to village.
Across the Land
Even though we are nestled in the rolling hills of Scotland, news does travel - a bit slower than our legs, of course, but travel nonetheless. This year, I heard some rather exciting things happening in other parts of the country!
Apparently, a grand new event called the 'Royal Tournament' is gaining popularity in London. It's a celebration of all things equestrian - skill, horsemanship, and even battles fought on horseback, they say! It’s an honour and a joy to be a part of such a glorious tradition, even from a distance. It’s said that kings and noblemen from across the land travel to witness the spectacle. Just imagine the pomp and ceremony!
There’s even talk about ‘knights’ wearing armour and jousting, though the human’s aren’t too keen on the weapons part of it.
Our fellow equines from England, especially the war horses and chargers, are the main stars of the event. Their power and agility, coupled with the knights’ daring feats, must make for a captivating display! It's enough to make any horse want to trot on over, isn’t it?
And it seems that this fascination with horses isn’t restricted to humans. My stable mates, some of whom were born before I was even a thought, share exciting stories about 'stud farms', places dedicated solely to raising the finest thoroughbreds for racing, particularly in the south of England! These farms, my friends tell me, boast vast pastures where their horses can gallop with incredible speed.
Oh, to see those races! The speed and the power… maybe someday I can trot my way down to the south and see a race myself. Perhaps Farmer Angus can bring me? We’ll see…
Looking to the Future
Horses, we are the heart of so much in 0845 - vital partners in work and entertainment, in times of peace and times of hardship. It is truly an honour to play my part in the life of the land. And as a wise mare who has lived a good number of years, I am always looking ahead, wondering what the future holds.
What is exciting about being a horse in 0845 is that there's so much innovation happening! Farmers are finding new ways to harness our power – imagine that! – things like ploughs and tools pulled by us with incredible speed. I heard that the ‘Viking longship’, which carried warriors across the seas, also used us, although I never got the chance to travel to see them!
We even play a part in bringing people together. I heard tales of travellers arriving at our shores from across the seas, with the most wonderful stories. The world, my friends, is far bigger and grander than our fields of Hayfield, and it’s exciting to think we, as horses, are a part of that.
So, from me, your trusty draught horse friend, here in the fields of Hayfield, I bid you a fond farewell. Let’s raise a toast (of fresh oats, of course) to a grand life filled with strength, perseverance, and above all, a love for our four-legged lives, because as I said earlier, it truly is an honour to be a horse.
Until next time, my dear EquiWorld readers. Stay well, and remember - we, the horses, are the heartbeat of history!
Emma out.
