"Greetings from Hayfield, my dear fellow equines!
The heather is blooming purple on the hillsides, the air is crisp and fresh, and the mornings are starting to feel like the first hints of autumn are on their way. Yes, another year is passing, and as usual, I've been keeping busy here at the farm, with plenty of work to keep us all in top shape and good spirits. I'm Emma, a grey mare, as you know, and a true working horse. This year marks the year 1294, and for those of you keeping count, I’m about twenty years old now, strong and sturdy with a touch of wisdom gathered from the passing years. My coat still holds that vibrant, silvery grey that shimmers under the Scottish sun, and my mane and tail, still a glorious cascade of white, flutter with pride whenever I move.
Horses are Vital to Life
Here in Hayfield, near the bustling city of Aberdeen, life is all about hard work and being resourceful. And who do you think carries the load and does the heavy lifting? Why, horses like me, of course!
Our lives are intertwined with the rhythm of the seasons, with a perpetual round of tasks. Spring brings the fresh green grass and the first blossoming of wild flowers. I enjoy those springtime fields - the wildflowers smell sweet, and it makes my coat gleam even brighter with the fresh air! And let's not forget the delicious new hay and oats. Then comes the heat of summer, with its long days and opportunities for endless gallops through the open hillsides. Those galloping days are the most freeing. It reminds me how magnificent we horses are, built to power across these fields. Summer also brings the annual sheep shearing - always a busy time but thankfully followed by a welcome rest.
As autumn arrives, we focus on gathering in the harvest. This year we've had a bumper crop of oats and barley, and it's all thanks to the hard work of the local farmers, and of course, us horses! With the changing seasons, come the days of pulling heavy carts loaded with barley, and later with the harvest of hay and wheat. You'd think those wagons would be enough, but there's always a demand for us horses - they use us to move lumber, supplies, and anything else the community needs. I don't mind, really. The feeling of a well-filled day is most satisfying, a sense of accomplishment.
The days are shortening and there's a nip in the air now. As winter looms, we shift to heavier workloads – helping transport supplies from the nearby port to the merchants of Aberdeen, especially now with the looming King's Taxes approaching. This brings the annual commotion of ships coming into harbour. It's always a wonder to see the vessels arriving from far and wide. It makes us horses proud to know we're a crucial part of the kingdom’s business and progress, despite living on a simple farm, thousands of miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Changes Across The Realm
You may have heard the whispers across the Highlands, the murmuring about change and power struggles, like the winds rustling through the heather. As far as the horses go, the world around us has changed quite a bit this year.
You know King Edward I, of course – the English King - is at war with our own Scottish King, John Balliol. And it's an intense struggle for control. The King’s war against Balliol has been making us horses very busy. We are involved in moving supplies to castles along the border and, I hear, sometimes transporting troops. Sadly, sometimes there is even need to carry injured soldiers. This conflict has brought more soldiers into Hayfield. They always arrive on their warhorses. There are many stories exchanged as we eat alongside these animals. It can be hard to fathom war, but their stories also remind us of the role of horses as our friends and companions, whether we are hauling grain or crossing a battle-torn field.
This whole war business is creating new work for the local horses too, so all those strong and handsome shires are very popular at the moment. Those beautiful black steeds have strength and endurance to spare. Although I’m a sturdy grey, it is hard to deny that sometimes those magnificent, jet-black creatures with their fiery eyes inspire a tiny pang of envy in my heart, haha. Still, it is wonderful to share these quiet times at the stables with our fellow steeds, their breath steaming in the cold air.
Changes In The Life of Horses
One thing I can say is, there has been a definite shift in the types of horses I've encountered this year. My kind, the draught horses - the strong workhorses - are the kings and queens of the farm, the heavy-hauling champs. I guess we’re all starting to become the “new black” when it comes to horses. You may notice the larger shires and the stout Clydesdales getting a bit of extra attention lately. Our sturdy strength has come to be in high demand now, as we make things happen, helping the Kingdom thrive, from moving the essential supplies for trade, and assisting in harvesting a rich bounty, to even the military supplies. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of pulling a well-loaded cart to its destination!
But don’t think I haven’t noticed the emergence of those swifter and more slender creatures, the noble hunters, sleek as velvet, with eyes filled with mischief. A small group of these elegant beauties arrived a few weeks back. Word is they have come with one of the higher-ranking soldiers from the King. These riders often take these hunters into the wilds to train them. It’s amazing to see the trust these men build with those strong, intelligent steeds! I hear stories of how they have learnt to race, jump, and even battle side-by-side with their owners. You can feel the difference, the grace and agility they bring to the landscape! But I think our robust bodies and stoic nature, our tireless and steadfast strength is a sight to be appreciated. I know which side I prefer.
The Strength of The Collective
It's not just our strength or hard work, mind you. Our strength is also in our solidarity. As I gaze around the barn at my fellow stablemates - old Jack, a strong chestnut horse, with his calm and patient disposition; young Finn, the energetic grey gelding, whose youth always reminds me of my younger days; and even sweet Daisy, the mare who loves apples more than almost anything ( except maybe, a good head scratch) - it brings joy and satisfaction to my heart. There's a warmth in being together. Even after all these years, it brings a feeling of purpose and contentment.
Yes, life may change, the landscape shifts, but one thing remains constant. Through our strength, through our courage, we endure, and we support. We are the workhorses of Scotland. And we keep our hearts strong!
Until next time, keep your hooves and hearts strong, my dear friends.
Emma, 1294
www.equiworld.org
