Greetings, fellow equines!
Emma here, a grey draught mare with a heart as big as the Scottish Highlands. It's the year 1527 and the wind whistles through the heather as I pen these words, a bit of a new experience for a horse, but one I’m finding rather enjoyable. I'm no scholar, mind you, but I do have a knack for remembering, and I love to share what I’ve learned about the life of horses, especially in our glorious 16th century!
So, here I am, perched at the edge of Hayfield, overlooking the rolling green slopes of Aberdeenshire, writing about my life and the lives of others like me. For you see, dear reader, I have much to share. The world of horses, you see, is full of exciting things - battles, travels, grand events. Let me tell you a little about our lives here in Hayfield, Scotland.
I am a draught mare, which means I'm built for strength, pulling heavy carts, carrying burdens, and helping with farm chores. We are the workhorses, the backbone of life in this region. I’ve always loved the feel of the heavy cart on my broad back and the satisfaction of pulling a good, sturdy plow through the earth. It's a strong, useful life - very rewarding, in its own way.
These days, though, life in the Highlands has been a bit less demanding for a mare like me. We haven't been plowing for the past couple of weeks because it’s harvest season. Every farmer and his son is busy harvesting barley, oats, and wheat – so essential to our diet and keeping us healthy for all our tasks. The harvest is a joyful, bustling time! I especially enjoy the chatter and energy amongst all the folks and other horses.
You'd be surprised at how much we, as horses, actually understand of what’s being said! Sure, we can't exactly talk, but we listen and absorb, we watch, we feel. The rhythm of the day, the movements, the routines - it all tells a story. It tells of life's important activities. There’s nothing quite like the sound of children singing songs in the fields as they chase butterflies.
My current task? Transporting grain sacks back and forth from the threshing floor. This requires lots of care and steady steps because a single slip can cause quite a mess. Sometimes I'm paired up with old Mac, the Clydesdale who's seen more than his share of summers in this area. You should hear Mac tell his stories! He can trace our lineage right back to the first horses brought over by the Romans. The things he's seen – fascinating!
Royal Horses and Grand Occasions
And talking of the Romans, did you know that in the world of humans, a big event occurred in Rome just recently, the coronation of a new Emperor, Charles V, no less! Though here in Scotland, we remain largely uninfluenced by this news, the whispers have found their way even into the hayfields and villages. It seems this emperor has a love for horses - especially elegant Spanish stallions! Imagine, a whole stable of horses just for his personal riding and display! It's a world far different from the steady lives we lead here in Hayfield, where horses are more about work than play.
The royal stables of the Kings of Scotland also possess beautiful steeds, not quite as famous or as lavishly looked after as those of the Emperor Charles V, but powerful horses nonetheless. And we get to witness the annual journeys they make to Stirling and other Scottish royal locations. The excitement then is something special! You’ll find yourself surrounded by vibrant colours and sounds as all kinds of men ride about, even women occasionally, especially the Ladies of the Court.
The Life and Love of a Draught Mare
Of course, a horse’s life is not all work. In Hayfield, there are many friendships to be enjoyed! Like the friendship I share with Rosie, the chestnut mare who is quite the fashionista! She's all about braided manes and ribbons woven through her tail. And then there is Bonnie, a fiery little mare with an energy that simply never seems to cease. She likes to trot alongside me when we go for walks around the field in the evenings, when our work is done and the sky is turning into an expanse of soft blues and oranges.
We have a bit of a joke going - Bonnie loves a good game of hide-and-seek! You’d think after all this time she’d tire of playing the same game, but the joy in her eyes makes it worth every dash through the tall grass.
Oh, and did I forget to mention I have a foal? A beautiful little filly named Meadow. My pride! My sweet, gentle filly. She’s a real quick learner, eager to absorb everything.
Recently, she was just beside me as I was carrying a load of wheat. The cart was a bit unsteady, and it started to sway, but Meadow was there by my side, looking so brave and calm.
It’s important for the young to learn their strength. A draught horse's life requires strength, stamina, and an unwavering heart. Meadow reminds me that while our days may be filled with tasks and duties, there’s also immense joy and beauty to be found in a horse's life. The wind in my mane, the feel of dew-kissed grass under my hooves, the tender love for my foal - all this enriches my life in a way no human will ever quite understand.
The Horse’s World Beyond Hayfield
You know, there are also these tales that come from afar, through passing travellers and occasional merchants visiting our quiet Scottish town. Stories of jousting tournaments across England, stories of noble stallions, and their proud riders. One merchant even told tales of warhorses being used in battles in Europe. It's hard to imagine, as we do our work here in the quiet hills, what goes on beyond our simple world.
We may be the workhorses, the faithful companions, the unsung heroes of the fields. But we are also strong, brave, intelligent creatures with souls full of spirit, compassion, and a unique wisdom gained through centuries of shared existence with humanity.
The Next Year – An Enigmatic Future
Now, what will tomorrow bring? We do not know. We cannot foresee. Our lives unfold like the endless fields stretching out before us, full of possibility, yet steeped in routine. What we know for certain is that we’ll be working with the farmers, helping to provide sustenance for our own families, and enjoying the joys of friendship and fellowship with our equine kin.
Perhaps tomorrow will bring new adventures! Maybe Meadow will grow even faster, learning everything about life as a horse in Hayfield, and perhaps one day I’ll find myself participating in the festivities that mark important events at the nearby castles. Or, perhaps, tomorrow will be quiet and peaceful, filled with the routine that keeps our lives grounded. Either way, the grass is always green for horses, and I, for one, am very grateful.
Until next time, keep your hooves happy, dear readers, and may your fields be plentiful!
Yours in Equine Harmony,
Emma
