Hello everyone, Emma here! Welcome back to my Equiworld blog. It's been a busy few months in Hayfield, and with summer coming to a close, it seems like the perfect time to reflect on everything that's happened. You see, this year, 1523, has been an exciting one for us horses, full of change, challenges, and – dare I say – even some opportunities for a little adventure!
Let me tell you a bit about where I call home. Hayfield is a charming little place, a world away from the bustling city of Aberdeen. We're nestled amongst the rolling hills, and it's a wonderful place for a grey mare like me. I'm blessed with a thick, silvery coat, and I do love a good roll in the dew-kissed grass in the mornings. But let's face it, I'm not here for the scenery. I'm here for the work!
A Day in the Life
Our days start early. You wouldn't believe how much work a small village like Hayfield requires from us horses! We pull the plough for the farmers, hauling those heavy wooden implements through the fields. We carry baskets overflowing with freshly picked vegetables and grains to market. We transport goods between Hayfield and the city, making sure the town remains well-stocked with supplies. We even have to ferry people around! Imagine, being part of such a crucial cog in our little world. We keep this town going, literally!
Speaking of work, my dearest friend and fellow grey mare, Hazel, has been feeling a bit down lately. We’ve always shared the tasks, she in the fields, me in the village, but she's been getting rather 'spirited' when asked to pull the plough. Apparently, the farmer is having a hard time with the stubborn ground this year. It seems some days she's less interested in a hearty pull than in leaping and bounding, tossing her head about, much to his exasperation.
Luckily, he has the patience of a saint. I heard him say, "I remember the day I got you, Hazel. You were barely two, eyes wide and playful, running like a wild pony with a heart as full as the meadows here." He went on, "There was something special about you, Hazel. I felt a responsibility then to give you a good home. A place where your wild spirit could find a purpose, where you could feel you had a job to do. That hasn’t changed."
The poor thing! It’s clearly just growing pains, just a touch of a rebellious streak. The farmer knows, of course. He understands that all youngsters need some ‘extra' coaxing now and then! I guess even a sturdy grey like Hazel, used to the routine of hauling goods, still yearns for a bit of that freedom to roam. It must feel awfully good for a few moments at least. She'll grow out of it, that I can assure you!
News from Afar
As always, things outside Hayfield are buzzing. The King of Scotland is busy fighting the English down in the South. That’s how he makes sure we stay safe here in Hayfield, although you'd never guess it looking at our sleepy little town. He may be far away, but the King's been working to secure the country's trade, making sure ships come and go with precious loads of merchandise. He even appointed a man to manage it all. He's quite the strategist from what I hear! The merchants from Hayfield have been shipping our goods all across the sea! Sometimes when they come back they’re full of exciting stories!
Now, I don’t want to stray too far from the horses topic, but let’s face it, life for us is so often intertwined with what’s happening around us. We work alongside humans, we witness the world they create, we carry the weight of their worries, but also share their joy. I've heard some people talk about a change happening in the world of horseback riding. I saw some merchants coming back with leather saddles that seemed quite different to the ones we used in Hayfield. Apparently, these are the latest designs from Europe and everyone seems to be talking about them! They have padding in all the right places! That, my dear readers, is quite an achievement in my opinion. More comfort for the horse means more happiness, right?
I'm sure this new design will be making its way here soon, maybe we'll even be the first in Hayfield to see it. One thing is for certain, I think this year has truly been one of progress, a steppingstone to an even better tomorrow for our horse kind!
I've got to go now. It's a bright, breezy morning, and it's a new day. There's always work to be done here in Hayfield! Until next time, don’t forget to enjoy the ride, my fellow horse lovers!
*Yours truly, *
Emma
The Hayfield Grey Mare
Equiworld - www.equiworld.org
