Neigh-sayers, listen up! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood Highland draught mare, back with another post for Equiworld!
This month marks a special anniversary for me – it’s been a whole year since I stepped into this beautiful world! My birth was a quiet one, but the moment I took my first wobbly steps on those springy fields, I knew I was meant for something big. Life in Hayfield, near the grand city of Aberdeen, is full of life. There’s the gentle hum of the millstream, the wind whistling through the heather, and the cheerful calls of my fellow farm horses as we work alongside each other.
My world is mostly filled with rolling green fields, sturdy farmhouses, and the warmth of the sun on my back. However, lately, a whole new wave of exciting possibilities has begun to ripple through our community! As the spring buds blossomed and the days stretched longer, I heard whispers of events far beyond our fields. People talk of knights in shining armour, horses galloping across fields, and tournaments that bring together brave warriors and magnificent steeds. This is where my little horse heart starts to race – tournaments!
Now, before you picture me charging into battle with a lance, I want to say that I'm no knight in shining armour. I am a big, gentle draught horse with a love for pulling carts and hauling heavy loads. You might see me plodding along a quiet road with a wagon brimming with fresh produce, or perhaps helping farmers plow the fertile soil for next year's crops.
But my spirit is as lively as a colt! And I dream of a world beyond my fields, where horses aren’t just working beasts, but are admired for their strength, their beauty, and their bond with their humans. I hear stories of steeds that have raced across battlefields, climbed rugged mountains, and carried their riders through great feats of skill and bravery. These tales set my mane and tail a-twitching with excitement, I tell you!
Speaking of tales, 1463 seems to be quite the eventful year in the wider horse world. In England, they’re celebrating the reign of a new king, young Edward IV. Now, you might be wondering, what does this have to do with me, a humble draught mare in Scotland?
Well, for one thing, it means that England is in a time of change, and this always leads to greater demand for horses! Kings need armies to keep their crowns secure, and armies need strong horses to carry them into battle. It makes sense, doesn't it? Imagine trying to wage war on foot!
This means, my dear friends, that there’s a greater demand for good quality horses in both England and Scotland. Our own King, James III, is no slouch either. I’ve heard tales of his court in Edinburgh being bustling with activity, and his knights, who are often decked out in shining armor, have magnificent horses to match!
Of course, there’s much more than battles going on. I also hear tales of horses playing a pivotal role in everyday life. Farmers throughout the country rely on us, draught horses, to pull their plows, to transport their goods to market, and even to power mills and other essential machinery. You might be surprised to learn that horses even power water-powered mills!
It’s all rather intriguing. Even here in Hayfield, a small world full of routines, change is slowly brewing. I hear the young farmers whisper about new techniques for harnessing and caring for their horses.
We may be working horses, but even we have an interest in how we are treated! This past year, there has been more talk of using gentler methods of training, better-fitting harnesses, and making sure each horse is fed and watered adequately. While these ideas might not be universal across Scotland just yet, they are starting to take hold. We are valued for our strength, my friends, but also for our well-being.
My biggest ambition? To see the world, to race across a field like the stories I hear whispered around the barn, and to stand tall among my fellows, a testament to the enduring power of a horse! Maybe one day I'll find a home where I can not only pull heavy loads, but also feel the wind rushing through my mane as I move at top speed. Maybe, just maybe, I'll even find myself in a grand tournament, alongside those valiant knights!
What are your dreams for your horse? What exciting events have you witnessed in the past year? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
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Until next time, friends!
Emma, Your Highland Draught Mare
