Hello, dear fellow equines! It’s Emma here, from the lovely little village of Hayfield near Aberdeen in Scotland. Today I thought I’d share a little glimpse into my life as a 20-year-old grey draught mare with a flowing white mane and tail – a bit of a classic beauty, you might say!
Now, I know you youngsters are probably all thinking, “Oh, a draught horse? Boring!” But let me tell you, being a draught horse is far from boring, especially in this year of our Lord, 876. Things are quite lively, indeed!
But first, a quick glance back. My journey began here in Hayfield. We're a tight-knit community – cows, sheep, a few pigs, and of course, us horses. We work hard, we play hard, and we look after each other. We share a bond, a connection that transcends language. We communicate through a gentle whinny, a playful nuzzle, or a knowing glance.
This year has been particularly busy for our little community, thanks to the ever-increasing demands of the nearby town of Aberdeen. Our farmers needed us to pull their ploughs, haul their harvests, and transport goods to market. My strength and stamina have proven to be quite valuable, I must say! I love the feeling of pulling heavy loads – it’s a testament to our strength and power. It’s an honour to be trusted with such important responsibilities, and to contribute to the livelihoods of those around me.
We've been busy, but not just with work. It wouldn't be fair to call this a “work-work” year. It wouldn't be a fair portrayal of our life! No, there's plenty of time for relaxing and having fun. In the evenings, after a good day's work, we all gather by the riverbank to cool off in the running water. There's something wonderfully refreshing about feeling the cool water lapping at your legs after a long day. We splash each other, share stories of the day's events, and just generally enjoy each other's company.
A little gossip is also important in our lives! Just yesterday, the youngest filly, Fiona, was all aflutter, telling us about the passing of a renowned Viking chieftain, Ivar the Boneless. It seems he'd been making his mark on the world – or rather, leaving his mark upon it! They say he'd been raiding all around the North Sea, leaving nothing but devastation in his wake. Frightening, I must say, but also an important reminder to always keep vigilant, you know?
Then, there's the grand event happening in England this year – the building of a great new city. It's called 'Eoforwic', after a previous name, and the people are calling it York, in a rather uninspired choice of moniker, don't you think? But they say it will be a place of great importance, a beacon of strength for all of England. Imagine, an entire city being constructed! I do enjoy the news of human achievements; the tales from the outside world give a sense of excitement and wonder, especially when compared to the relatively simple, yet rewarding life we lead here in Hayfield.
We're quite sheltered from all the drama of the human world. The closest we come to the great events that unfold are through the stories whispered amongst the wind and told by the traveling merchants. Though our world is focused on the tasks and the cycles of nature, the knowledge of what lies beyond the hills keeps things interesting.
Of course, every now and then, there is the need to venture beyond the familiar borders of Hayfield. The occasional trip to Aberdeen for market day is always an adventure. I particularly enjoy watching the young apprentices try their hand at horsemanship – they're quite clumsy, but so enthusiastic! They always offer me an extra handful of oats or a pat on the neck, which is always appreciated. They have no clue what they're doing most of the time, but they're so keen to learn! They’re reminders of my own younger days – how long ago that seems now!
In this time, a 20-year-old horse like myself is considered to be on the 'grand-dam' side of life, as they say! There are still plenty of good years left in me. A bit creakier here and there perhaps, and the occasional aches in the joints after a particularly hard day's work, but you won't find me retiring just yet!
Every year that passes brings new experiences and new things to learn. Life for a draught horse isn't always easy, but it’s full of rewards – hard work, simple pleasures, and deep connection with both our fellow animals and the people we serve. There’s a kind of noble dignity in serving a purpose greater than ourselves, in being a part of something larger. This, I believe, is what gives life its meaning.
So, until next time, dear readers, stay well, and never stop learning about the world around you! And remember, even though you may just be a horse, you too have a story to tell!
Signing off,
Emma
