Hello my fellow equines and horse lovers! Emma here, from Hayfield, a charming little village near Aberdeen in the glorious Scottish Highlands. I'm a 20 year old grey draught mare with a mane and tail the colour of fresh snowfall. It's been a while since I've had time to pen down my thoughts and experiences for Equiworld, what with the busy life of a farm horse! But today, the weather is calm, the air is crisp, and I'm feeling reflective, so let me tell you all about what's been happening here in the year 0910.
It's hard to believe so many centuries have passed since my ancestors were wild, free spirits roaming the steppes. Now, we serve mankind, and while our lives aren't quite as wild, they are certainly full of purpose. We work the land, hauling ploughs, carts, and supplies, and we transport people and goods. Our lives are intertwined with human prosperity, and we play a vital role in their success.
This year, for example, has been especially busy. We've had a bumper crop of barley and oats, all thanks to the dedicated farmers who worked tirelessly alongside us. The barley, they tell me, will be used to brew ale, a comforting drink enjoyed throughout the land. Oats, of course, will be used for our feed - a healthy and hearty meal to keep us strong and healthy for all the hard work ahead!
This year, I had the honour of hauling the millstone at the village mill. The rhythmic turning, the weight upon my back, it felt like a slow and steady dance. It reminded me that every movement, every task we perform, plays a part in the bigger picture - from feeding the village to keeping them warm in the colder months.
We haven't been without our challenges, though. Spring brought with it harsh storms that threatened to delay planting, and a bout of illness swept through the stables in the early summer, leaving a few of my friends weak and listless. But we pulled through, just as we always do, strong and resilient as ever.
And let me tell you, resilience is key. We live in a time of great change, where the world is slowly but surely moving forward. The Vikings have been making their presence felt in our region. They arrive with their longships, strong and fierce, and they carry with them their stories of voyages across vast oceans, tales of icy lands, and brave encounters.
Their stories stir within me a sense of wonder and a longing for the untamed lands beyond our familiar fields. But our world is one of farming, of hard work and quiet loyalty. This is where I am needed, this is where my strength is needed. And perhaps it is in the small, consistent steps forward that true change manifests.
Speaking of change, there's a new horse breed gaining popularity amongst the nobility – the Andalusian. They are sleek and elegant, renowned for their spirited temperament and graceful movements. I've heard tales of their performances in grand shows, showcasing their talent for dressage. I can't say that this kind of work would suit me. I much prefer the sturdy and dependable nature of the draught horse - a hard-working breed built for strength and resilience.
As we progress through the year, I look forward to autumn and the upcoming harvest festival. A time of joyous celebration and abundant feasting, where all of Hayfield will come together to share in the blessings of the land. And of course, to appreciate the efforts of the hardworking horses that have ensured such a bountiful year!
But for now, the sun sets on a peaceful evening in Hayfield. The sheep graze peacefully in the fields, the children run happily about, and I enjoy a comforting supper of hay and oats, filled with a sense of deep contentment.
I believe we, the horses, are essential to human lives. We bring prosperity, strength, and stability to this ever-changing world. We carry the weight of their dreams and aspirations, pulling them towards a better future, step by step, hoof by hoof.
So, thank you to everyone who has a heart for horses, and for all of you who take the time to appreciate the wonderful creature that I am! Until next time, keep your heads up, and may your steps be strong and true.
Your friend in Hayfield,
Emma
