Hello, my dearest EquiWorld friends! It’s Emma here, your resident equine blogger from the bonnie highlands of Scotland, writing to you from Hayfield, just outside of Aberdeen. As you know, I’m a 20-year-old grey mare with a flowing white mane and tail, a true testament to the beauty and strength of the Scottish draught horse. It's a privilege to share a glimpse into our world in 1020.
The year has just started, and the biting Scottish wind has already whispered of the coming winter, but the promise of spring lies dormant, waiting patiently beneath the frozen earth. Here at Hayfield, the farm is bustling with activity, although it feels a little quieter than usual without the spirited filly, Rosebud, frolicking about. She was born just a year ago and was a joyous bundle of energy. However, she is now settling into her role in the local village, pulling a cart filled with produce and firewood. She is quick to learn and eager to work, much like her father, who just celebrated his tenth birthday.
These are exciting times, indeed, for a young mare like me. While I can’t say my daily routine is as dynamic as Rosebud’s, there is a sense of calm pride in knowing I’m a valued member of the community, contributing to our way of life. Every morning, I wake up to the familiar chirping of the rooster and the scent of fresh straw, reminding me that even with the harsh winters, life always finds a way to bloom.
For the most part, my life revolves around the farm, helping the farmer tend the land, pulling the plough and cart. Our days begin with tending the animals, filling water troughs and preparing the fields for the next sowing season. After the harvest, I find myself working with the women in the village, transporting goods and produce to the bustling market in Aberdeen.
Though we are in a harsh climate, I’m never without the companionship of my kind. It’s heart-warming to see how closely we all work together, regardless of age, breed, or temperament. The bond between us runs deep, from the strong Clydesdales to the agile Shetland ponies. We’re more than just beasts of burden, you see; we are a family, united by a common purpose, by the responsibility of ensuring the prosperity of our communities.
This year, however, brings with it a new feeling of hope, a kind of optimism I’ve never experienced before. There’s a growing whisper about the arrival of new breeds, a “foreign” horse some say, with a smaller stature and a spirit even livelier than the ponies. While some are apprehensive, I believe it might bring positive changes to our world.
While some in our community are content with the ways things have always been, others are welcoming of change and see potential in embracing new things, like new tools and practices to improve our way of life. One particular elder, a stallion with wisdom etched into his old eyes, tells tales of how new things often bring a fresh perspective, a burst of creativity that invigorates the soul. He encourages us all to remain open to these advancements, as they might lead to progress and a better future for everyone, including us horses.
Even amidst all these changes, however, one thing remains constant: our bond with humanity. We, the horses, are an integral part of this tapestry, weaving our strength, loyalty, and endurance into the fabric of society. And what a humbling privilege it is to play such an important role in our little world.
The past few years have been turbulent times, the wars in Europe causing anxieties that seep through the air. However, within the safety of our farm and village, we carry on, finding solace in the simple rhythm of our daily life, in the steady thud of our hooves upon the earth.
One thing is certain – life on the farm, with its inherent routines, is always changing, but the connections and bond between us horses are unbreakable. The laughter and joy shared with the farm workers, the comforting rhythm of our work together, and the companionship we find with our kind are what make our existence rich and full.
I know that every year brings with it new stories, new challenges, and new discoveries. In this spirit of adventure, I’m eager to share with you all the happenings here at Hayfield in the coming year. Join me on this journey through time, dear EquiWorld readers, and let us explore the wonders of our shared equine history together!
