A whinny of welcome, my dear equine friends! Emma here, a grey draught mare from Hayfield, near the bustling city of Aberdeen, and I’m excited to share with you my thoughts on life as a horse in the year 0880! This little slice of history feels just a bit different from our world today – perhaps even more adventurous, though I don't know that any of us wish to go through such wild times again. But enough about the past – let's dive in!
My name might be Emma, but they often call me “the Grey Ghost” for the speed and elegance I bring to my work, even though my form is far more substantial than some sleek thoroughbreds. I've heard rumours that these sleek creatures exist further south, though no one seems to know much about them up here in Scotland. Perhaps I'll have a chance to see them one day!
Life at Hayfield
Life for us at Hayfield isn't all glamour and racing, but it's full of its own kind of reward. We’re all a big, bustling family. We share a field that smells of clover and sunshine in the summer, with plenty of room to run and frolic. The winter gets cold, though. It’s all icy winds and mud – thankfully we have sturdy wooden shelters where we huddle together for warmth. Our farmer, Alistair, is a fine man - gruff at times, but kind with a firm hand. His daughter, Elara, loves to spend hours stroking our noses and combing out our manes. It's Elara who helps keep our coats so pristine, which is no small feat. The daily chores can be tiring, but having someone appreciate our efforts makes the hard work worthwhile.
A Day In the Life of A Draught Mare
Now, our days are not so different from those of working horses in the villages, I'm told. We work hard but always have our evening meals and quiet time to ourselves. On a typical day, I wake up to the soft rumble of Alistair’s boots on the cobblestones and a clatter of his watering bucket. Then, it’s a day of whatever he needs: pulling his cart to town to fetch supplies for the farm, or moving stones from the quarry to rebuild the field wall, even pulling the plough across the fields. I confess I don’t mind a bit of work! It’s invigorating and helps me feel connected to the land and its rhythms.
Sometimes, on days I’m not busy hauling heavy loads, Alistair lets me carry the children to the village. The laughter they share while nestled on my back fills my heart with a kind of pride that comes only with the satisfaction of a job well done. Elara often joins me on my excursions and helps to steady the little ones as they ride. Oh, Elara! Sometimes I feel she treats me more as a best friend than a work animal – that’s why I call her "The Littlest Horse Girl", just like the riders on those wonderful, bright ponies!
The Magic of Horses Beyond Our Meadow
The village children always have stories to tell. I’ve learned from them about knights in shining armour and the role horses play in wars, protecting their kingdoms and leading men to battle. Sometimes, when Elara tells me of her father's journeys, I get this deep feeling of responsibility - like I'm carrying the weight of something larger than myself, some purpose beyond just tilling the soil and pulling wagons. I see the respect people have for the brave and mighty steeds that carry these brave knights, and I can't help but feel a bit of that same power inside myself, too.
But you know, it’s not just battles and knights that horses help with. Elara told me a story from a travelling storyteller about a beautiful horse carrying Queen Elfrida across a dangerous and frozen land to safety. It’s stories like these that show me how important horses are to people – their companions in every stage of life!
I'm aware that many horses, like the ones mentioned in Elara's tales, end up playing a much more grand role in the world than us humble work horses at Hayfield. There's a deep, ancient power within every horse that we share, even though we experience it differently. I feel a great joy just knowing there are many beautiful creatures out there, sharing my kind's love of the world and contributing to the lives of those who need them.
The Horse Fair - An Equine Extravaganza!
The Horse Fair is a big event - a must-attend for any self-respecting horse. Imagine an explosion of sights and smells - horses from every corner of Scotland, magnificent stallions in coats of shining black and chestnut, small and energetic ponies ready to carry their young riders, and majestic giants like me, our strong legs built for carrying loads! The air hums with a joyous cacophony of whinnies, bleating lambs, and laughter. You can see people dressed in fine clothes from every county – merchants, blacksmiths, soldiers, farmers – all eager to bargain for their chosen steeds. The sound of hammers ringing against anvils and the occasional sharp bark of a sheepdog keeps everyone on their toes!
I confess I have my eyes peeled every year to spot a particular stallion known throughout Scotland – a great black stallion named Cuchulain, a force of nature with a temperament as wild as a raging river. This stallion carries a legend of his own – said to be the direct descendant of one of the great Celtic gods! But, Cuchulain isn't known just for his size and wild energy, but for the unwavering loyalty and strength he shows those he considers worthy. This year, he arrived with his rider, a brave young man from the Highlands named Angus.
Angus rides Cuchulain with a grace that can only be achieved by the truly courageous, but their journey was a long one – across the treacherous peaks and icy valleys of Scotland to the very heart of the Lowlands! It takes a strong bond to reach the fair through such journeys, and one can see it clearly between Cuchulain and Angus - their movements synchronized, each anticipating the other's needs. It’s beautiful to witness such strong kinship and makes me feel a powerful sense of connection to the wider horse world.
But of course, life isn’t always about feasts and parades. The fair isn’t all rosy for some, and many horses are sadly separated from their families or put to work by the hands of unknown and maybe even unkind masters. It makes my heart ache, but as my wise mother told me once, we horses can't be afraid of change; sometimes, new adventures lead to new lives and even greater purposes.
The Whispers of the Future
Now, as I write these words, the year is coming to a close. Winter is on its way – its crisp, cool breath bringing with it an aura of change. The days grow shorter, the fields covered in white frost, and the villagers already starting to prepare for a long winter ahead. I stand beneath the open skies, the smell of damp earth heavy in the air. As I reflect on these past months, I’m full of the joys of a well-lived year, but also of a quiet hope. A sense of something great looming just over the horizon…
Perhaps this is why stories of the "great dragon" resonate so much amongst us, even here in this cold, faraway land. I don't believe in fantastical beasts - but perhaps this yearning for the unknown, the longing for something powerful to shape the future, is part of what makes us horses so magnificent. We yearn for purpose, even as we pull plows and carry loads. And even in the quietest corners of Scotland, the spirit of adventure echoes in our hearts.
I think I'm still in the thick of it – this grand adventure that is life! The stories of other horses like me, their struggles and triumphs, inspire me to forge my own path. We may be small beings on this vast Earth, but I can see that the heart of every horse, strong and faithful, beats with an intensity that sets us apart. We carry the weight of centuries of service and loyalty, of love for the land and devotion to the people around us.
And who knows what the coming centuries will bring for horses? Maybe we will find even more wondrous ways to serve humans and build a better future for all of us.
Until next time, dear reader, may you enjoy the companionship of a trusted horse, a friendly nose to nudge, and the feel of the wind whipping through your mane!
Emma
P.S. Don't forget to visit www.equiworld.org for more fascinating articles, stories, and tales from our fellow equine friends! We all share the same world and we all have so much to tell!
