From the hooves of Emma, a Grey Draught Mare, Hayfield, Scotland
Greetings, fellow equines! I'm Emma, and for my twelfth blog post, I find myself feeling incredibly grateful to have reached the year 1227. As a grey draught mare with a long white mane and tail, I stand proudly on my strong legs in Hayfield, just outside Aberdeen, Scotland. This year has been a flurry of activity for us horses, a busy time of helping the people in our village cultivate the land and enjoy life.
The Scottish landscape is painting its annual masterpiece this time of year - rolling hills ablaze with the colours of golden wheat, shimmering like the sun’s own tears on a windswept morning. Every morning, as the mists dissipate from the fields, revealing the glistening dew upon the fresh cut grass, I can feel the hum of energy in the air. The gentle clip-clop of horseshoes on the cobblestones is the soundtrack of our days.
1227 has brought us a delightful mix of work and relaxation, filled with moments that remind me why we are called 'noble steeds'.
Spring: A New Season of Growth
The start of the year brought with it the promise of fresh beginnings. Spring arrives in a rush of colour. It paints our world in the vibrant hues of daffodils, purple crocuses, and the first timid blooms of primrose. This season always reminds me of the beauty and resilience of life.
This is a time of awakening and rejuvenation, not just for nature but also for our humans. I've noticed they carry an eagerness in their steps and a glint in their eyes as they tend to the land, a newfound hope that fills their voices when they talk about the coming harvest. I know these men and women work hard, but their smiles light up their faces as they groom and tend to us, and for that, I feel truly blessed.
We’ve been busy ploughing the fields, preparing the ground for the new crops. There's a joy in the rhythmic crunch of our hooves, a dance of earth and strength. With my powerful legs, I’m proud to be a strong shoulder to lean on, a symbol of perseverance, a gentle giant who assists in building a bright future. Each furrow I turn is a step towards a bountiful harvest, each row I help them sow is a seed for prosperity and peace.
Summer: The Dance of Sun and Harvest
Summer paints the land with a golden light. This is the season for harvest – a celebration of abundance and the hard work we've all put in. It's during these long, warm days that I experience a newfound contentment.
I stand in the middle of the fields, my mane shimmering under the golden light, as we pull the carts laden with barley and oats, their earthy fragrance filling the air with a warm, comforting aroma. I listen to the cheerful shouts of the villagers, their joy infectious, their appreciation for our hard work palpable. I am a part of a bigger picture, a team player who brings joy and comfort, a symbol of cooperation. It’s in these moments that I am filled with pride.
But summer isn’t only about hard work. It's also about finding pockets of sunshine to relax in, nibbling on sweet clover and rolling in the meadows, enjoying the gentle touch of the breeze on my coat. It's about playful chases with the foals, sharing stories with the elder horses, and simply soaking in the peacefulness of nature. These are the moments that remind me to be thankful.
Autumn: The Cycle of Seasons
The warmth of summer gives way to the crisp, cool air of autumn. As the leaves turn fiery shades of crimson and gold, and the wind carries the scent of burning wood, there’s a sense of preparation in the air, of getting ready for the colder months. The landscape transforms from vibrant hues to a comforting symphony of earthy browns and golden yellows, preparing itself for the coming winter’s slumber.
And this is the time of year for preparing the stables, ensuring they’re ready for the cold months ahead. The scent of hay and straw fills the air, creating a warm, inviting space for all of us horses. I'm glad to see my humans working so hard, ensuring all the horses have warm blankets and cozy shelters for when the snow falls. It shows their deep care and appreciation, something that brings me great joy.
Winter: A Time of Reflection
Winter arrives with a quiet grace, painting the world in white. Snow falls, blanketing the land with a soft silence. As the days grow shorter and the nights colder, there's a stillness that hangs in the air. It's a time to reflect, a time to slow down and appreciate the warmth of the stable, the companionship of my fellow horses.
In winter, we enjoy the simple pleasure of companionship. The humans keep the stables cozy, and we spend the days huddling together, exchanging tales of adventures and laughter. These are times for story-telling, for sharing our memories and anxieties, forging bonds that become as strong as the sturdy timbers that support our stable roof. We may be alone, but in those moments of shared silence, we find strength and solace in each other’s presence. The silence, while it is full of quiet introspection, is far from emptiness. It's filled with a warmth and camaraderie that reminds me that even in winter, we have each other.
Horses in the World Around Us
But my life is not solely contained within the fields and stable. The world beyond Hayfield holds its own fascinating tales, whispered through the winds, shared by the birds, and carried by the travellers passing through.
In 1227, the world is a dynamic place, and I hear stories of horses carrying vital supplies for growing cities and vibrant trading centers. These tales fill me with awe and wonder as they are a reminder that horses, like ourselves, are the backbone of civilization, assisting the progress of the human race.
We've learned of the powerful Mongolian army, with their skill in horsemanship, spreading across vast distances with horses at their core. We’ve heard whispers of their fearless bravery and how they bring news from distant lands, transporting knowledge across vast distances. Their tales make me proud to be a horse – for our race plays a crucial role in the shaping of history.
More than Just a Working Horse
We horses, with our sturdy bodies and gentle souls, play a multifaceted role. We are more than just work animals. We are loyal companions, silent partners in shaping lives, and we also bring immense joy to those around us. We are trusted companions, relied upon to pull carts and plows, but also sought for our soothing presence, our strong necks a shoulder to lean on in times of sorrow or celebration. I've even heard whispers of tournaments, where knights, clad in gleaming armour, show their bravery, guided by their brave and magnificent horses.
And I, Emma, have grown to enjoy my life as a working draught mare in Hayfield, in this era where the strong shoulders of horses are still so essential. I feel contentment in every hoofbeat. There's an honor in being a part of something bigger than myself, a joy in helping bring life to these lands. I am Emma, the Grey Draught mare, a humble servant of humanity, and proud of my role in the unfolding story of our times.
Until next time, may your hooves carry you well. Emma, Hayfield, 1227.
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