Greetings from Emma, your favourite grey draught horse from Hayfield, near Aberdeen!
It’s a lovely morning here in the Highlands, the air crisp with the scent of heather and damp earth. The sun peeks through the clouds, painting the rolling hills with a warm, golden light. You know, I love living here, the scenery is just so beautiful and the air is so clean! Even though winter's breath is still lingering, I can feel spring creeping up the land, stirring up a feeling of hope in my hooves.
It's a new year, 1108 AD, and with it comes the promise of a busy season ahead. I'm sure you're all eager to know what a life of a draught horse looks like, especially here in Scotland. So grab yourselves a warm mug of tea and join me as I recount a typical year in my life...
A Day in the Life
Just before sunrise, the clatter of a bucket and the creak of a stall door break the quiet. That means one thing – it's breakfast time! My owner, Agnes, is already up and about, humming a tune while she pours me a generous portion of oats and barley. I make a small noise of approval, letting her know I appreciate the effort she makes to keep my tummy happy. After breakfast, I get a good scrub down and Agnes expertly braids my beautiful white mane and tail. Sometimes I think I get even more pampering than some of the village children!
My days are often filled with hard work, pulling the heavy cart laden with goods for the market. Agnes, a wise and strong woman, always knows what to load. From barrels of flour and sacks of barley to barrels of salty cod, caught off the rugged coast of the north, the journey through the winding tracks is long and often bumpy, but we make a good team. It fills me with a sense of pride to help the village, even though I'm sometimes grumpy and stiff by the end of the day. Agnes often reminds me that this isn't a race but a journey. We do our part in helping the village flourish, and that feels truly important.
Spring Awakening
By the time the first buds begin to bloom on the hawthorn trees, I can almost feel the land coming alive again. Spring is my favourite time of year! It's the season of rebirth and promise. This is when the heavy work starts, the fields need to be turned over and sowed. I help to pull the massive plough, driven by my faithful work-mates, other sturdy draught horses, all grey like myself. The scent of fresh soil mingling with the first fragrant blossoms of spring... oh, it's glorious!
Of course, we wouldn't be complete without some occasional fun! After the hard work of ploughing, I often join other horses for a playful romp in the fields. It's so satisfying to kick up our heels and run with the wind in our manes! The days are long and sunny, filled with the buzzing of bees and the chirping of birds. It's the perfect time to relax and let the worries melt away.
The Great Harvest
Then comes summer, a whirlwind of golden wheat fields, the sound of the sickle's swift work, and the heavy scent of baking bread wafting from the village ovens. We toil under the blazing summer sun, carrying sacks of grain from the fields to the barns. The journey may be exhausting, but I am driven by the knowledge that I'm helping provide food for my community. Seeing Agnes' smile as the barns are filled makes all the hard work worth it.
And sometimes, late in the evening, under the velvety blanket of a starlit sky, we all gather for a celebratory feast. It's then that I hear stories from travellers passing through. They tell us about the great world beyond the Scottish highlands – tales of knights and kings, tournaments, and grand palaces. The horses in these stories often take centre stage, their courage, speed, and grace a topic of endless fascination.
Winter's Rest
When the nights draw in and the days grow short, it's time to slow down a bit. The fields lie bare, waiting for the promise of spring. I shed my summer coat, my grey coat turning slightly lighter as winter creeps in. The air feels crisp, sharp, and often chilly, especially in the morning. We often huddle together for warmth, finding comfort in each other's presence. It’s during these quieter times that I relish the simple joys of life.
One of my favourite activities during this time is to sit by the fire with Agnes. She'll brush my mane and tail, her soft hands soothing my tired muscles. Her voice, always soothing and full of love, reads from a worn, well-loved book about brave horses. Sometimes she tells me stories of famous warhorses or the sleek, agile horses used by travelling traders. These stories inspire a yearning in my heart, a sense of longing for the unknown, for adventures beyond the familiar landscape of my home.
Connecting Through EquiWorld
And here I am now, in the year 1108, sharing my life with you all, thanks to the amazing EquiWorld. What a fantastic way to connect with other horses from around the world! You can imagine my delight when I heard about this website – a virtual stable for all of us to share our thoughts, our journeys, our stories. It truly is a remarkable invention.
Here's to another year of good health, strong friendships, and lots of good oats! Until next time, keep your hoofs clean and your heart full of joy.
Your friend,
Emma
P.S. If you'd like to hear more about my experiences or have any questions about a draught horse’s life, do drop a comment on this post! I'm always happy to share my thoughts.
