A Grey Mare's Tale from Hayfield, 1528
By Emma (Grey Draught)
It's hard to believe, my dears, but this year I turned twenty! The world feels so much bigger, so much busier, than when I was a frisky filly just learning to run free on the heather moorland. It's been quite the journey, let me tell you, and this year has been filled with a whole lot of interesting news from the wider world of horses. Let me share what's on my mind this week, straight from my stall at Hayfield near Aberdeen.
A Bit About Me and Hayfield:
Firstly, for all the lovely readers who may not be familiar with my home, Hayfield is a small village nestled in the Scottish Highlands, just a little way from Aberdeen. The people here are strong and hardworking, and we horses are essential for everything – ploughing the land, pulling carts, transporting goods to the bustling harbour at Aberdeen, and even aiding in the defence of the castle, should the need arise. You wouldn’t believe how much effort it takes to move heavy supplies like barrels of oats and barrels of ale! It's certainly a life that keeps me fit. But despite the hard work, I have a happy life. I've got a great, strong young lad, Jamie, who handles me so gently and is as strong as an ox! The kind folks in the village know me well – they often stroke my soft white mane and tail and give me an extra handful of oats if I’m behaving myself.
News From the Big World: A World on the Move
Now, onto the exciting news. I've heard tell that this year, 1528, is seeing some pretty amazing things happening for us horses!
Firstly, in the kingdom of Spain, horses are being trained for some rather impressive tricks, like galloping on their hind legs and doing other impressive stunts! Just imagine, running without my front legs! Imagine the agility! Some say that they're even learning to jump over high fences and through flames! What a daring display of power and elegance, wouldn't you agree? The human riders and trainers have certainly got us working harder these days, haven’t they? But I'm sure it's all in the name of entertainment and bringing some excitement to their lives. I do enjoy a good gallop over the fields now and again – even if the Scottish weather makes for muddier conditions than a fiery Spanish stage.
Speaking of entertainment, across the English Channel, our equine relatives are participating in a whole new spectacle, something called “the English Renaissance”! They're carrying nobles on fine-looking steeds to pageants and feasts in towns all over the land. Just last month, I heard from a traveller on his way to Aberdeen that the king, Henry VIII, is hosting one such event. Now, he is a true king, isn't he? Always wearing shining armour, I hear, with a magnificent horse by his side. You wouldn't want to get in his way! He's apparently quite a keen rider and takes great pride in his horses. They say he even holds tournaments, putting horses and riders to the test. These horses must be truly brave to participate in these activities. It's certainly something to admire, even from across the sea!
Now, don't worry, my dear friends, we're not just dancing and show-offing. Over in Flanders, our friends the horses are working hard at helping the humans develop their economy and build their industries! Apparently, horses are key in helping ships move through busy ports, as well as aiding in farming. Just like our lives here at Hayfield!
There is another important aspect of the world of horses this year: something very important called "breeding". In many parts of Europe, especially in places like the Netherlands and Spain, humans are meticulously pairing up their finest mares with strong and powerful stallions. It's almost as if they’re designing their horses to be perfectly strong, handsome, and full of spirit. It’s remarkable how those clever humans figure it all out. I think they have a name for it... I think it’s called 'selective breeding' but perhaps they’ll make that more official one day!
Now, speaking of breeding... guess who’s had two adorable foals born here at Hayfield? It's true, my dears, I became a mother again this year, and now have a beautiful daughter named Fiona, and a sturdy son named Alistair. You know, every time my foals take their first tentative steps and learn to trot alongside me, it fills my heart with joy! They're a true reminder that there's nothing more wonderful than new life, the way a mare can care for her young ones and guide them through their early days. We horses certainly know a thing or two about that special connection, wouldn't you say?
Thoughts On This Wonderful World
I tell you, these changing times we live in bring excitement and new things to learn each day! I find myself thinking more about what the future may hold. Perhaps it’s a long, long gallop to some new destination? Maybe we'll see the world through different eyes, helping people travel further than we ever imagined.
It fills my heart with hope for the years ahead – not only for myself, but for my beautiful offspring Fiona and Alistair. Their futures will be filled with amazing opportunities and possibilities – even as things change rapidly in our world! As I get older, I often think of those days I spent running wild on the moors – full of wild, innocent energy – before I learned the true meaning of hard work, strength, and the love I feel for the human world around me. That's something we horses learn through our lives as we mature.
I can't wait to see what future posts I'll be able to share on Equiworld as I continue to grow and live my life to the fullest. May your hearts be filled with the joy of being a horse.
Until next time, my dear friends.
Love, Emma (Grey Draught)
P.S. Did you know you can see what other horses across the globe are sharing at the Equiworld website? If you ever want to get in touch, you can do so at www.equiworld.org. The humans have developed a whole system where horses can “communicate” without ever leaving the comfort of our stables. Isn’t it remarkable what humans have created?
