Greetings, fellow equine enthusiasts! Emma here, a sturdy grey mare from the highlands of Scotland, and welcome to my little corner of EquiWorld. It's been a while since I last penned my thoughts – well, you know, dictated them to the nice lady who types it all out – and so much has happened! The year 1174 has been a year of plenty for us horses, filled with strong winds that whisk through my white mane, endless green fields, and of course, plenty of good oats!
So, where to begin? As you know, Hayfield near Aberdeen is a special place for horses. The air is fresh and crisp, the meadows stretch on forever, and the River Dee sparkles like a ribbon. My human family – a lovely man named Angus and his wife, Elspeth – are the kindest souls you could meet. Angus treats me like a queen – a strong, healthy queen, I might add. He even combs my mane and tail, which, let me tell you, feels wonderful.
The Horses of War and the Horses of Peace
This year, the stories reaching our stable doors have been rather… tumultuous. I must say, I'm not quite sure what a 'Crusade' is, but I hear it involves horses – many horses! The news is swirling with talk of knights and battles and distant lands, and even from here, I feel a shift in the air, a rumble of energy and uncertainty. However, Angus tells me that most horses in our corner of the world have nothing to do with such grand affairs. We’re here, working hard on our farm, cultivating the fields that feed our village, pulling plows and carts, transporting supplies, and carrying the weary travellers who pass through on their journey. I often reflect upon how the lives of horses differ. Some are destined for battles, for a glorious but fleeting moment on the grand stage of history, while others, like myself, play our part in the silent, steady rhythm of daily life.
My Friends and Neighbours
One thing that makes life in Hayfield so pleasant is the company of my fellow equines. There's young Angus, the beautiful black stallion, who is quite the flirt with the fillies. He’s full of bravado, much like his human namesake, Angus. And then there’s Fiona, a wise old mare who, I must say, has the kindest eyes I've ever seen. She knows everything about the history of horses, and often regales us with tales from days gone by. Fiona is the ultimate peacemaker – she even settled the dispute between young Angus and a handsome bay stallion named Toby, who thought the field they were sharing was all his. We all enjoyed a good roll in the hay after that!
There's also Ben, a sturdy draught horse like myself. Ben’s coat is a magnificent brown, like the earth in autumn, and he’s strong as an ox. He is, however, the most terrible singer! We spend many an afternoon grazing peacefully, only for his dreadful attempt at a ballad to fill the air, causing us to neigh in laughter. Poor Ben, he thinks he’s a real nightingale, bless him!
The Changing Seasons
As the summer sun slowly fades and the nights grow longer, we know winter is approaching. Our bodies begin to sense it, an innate wisdom within every equine soul. Soon, we’ll shed our summer coats and develop thicker winter ones to protect us from the cold. The landscape changes with a magic that makes our breath catch – leaves turn to shades of crimson and gold before dancing down, blanketing the meadows. This year, the wind whispers secrets of a long and harsh winter ahead. It chills me to the bone, even with my thick winter coat, and a quiet anticipation stirs within me. It's the kind of anticipation you feel when the scent of freshly baked bread fills the kitchen. We're in for a treat, I sense – a quiet, warming period inside the stable, spending long hours munching on oats and resting in the hay, until the spring sun returns.
The Horses in Your Lives
Even though this year has been a bit unpredictable, it's important to remember the beauty in every day, the connection we have with the world around us, the people who care for us, and the love we share with other horses. Whether you're a working horse, a noble steed, or simply a playful companion, you're a vital part of our shared equine family.
Tell me, fellow EquiWorlders, what has your year been like? Have you faced any exciting adventures, learned a new trick, or just enjoyed the simple pleasure of rolling in a field of clover?
Until next time, remember to enjoy every stride, every moment!
Yours truly, Emma
