Written by Emma, Grey Draught Mare, Hayfield, near Aberdeen, Scotland.
Neigh Neigh everyone!
It's Emma here, writing from the rolling green hills of Hayfield. The weather is just glorious today – crisp air, bright sunshine, and the scent of hay filling my nostrils! It's a perfect day for a good old-fashioned farm gallop, followed by a long soak in the stable.
Speaking of stables, it’s 1534, and as always, there's plenty going on in the world of horses! The news travels through whispers, carried on the wind and passed from horse to horse. My human tells me there's a buzz about King Henry VIII. Apparently, this powerful chap – you've probably heard of him - is planning to do away with the Queen, and marry some young woman he's fallen in love with. A touch dramatic, don’t you think? All this human love business, and I must confess I can’t see the appeal myself. A bit too… sticky… for my taste. I'd rather spend my days grazing and taking naps with my friends in the field. A little gossip here and there is nice, but I don't think any drama involving human courts really impacts my day-to-day life here at Hayfield.
My Busy Week
Last week was busy as always. Monday I spent hauling hay from the fields to the stables. It’s hard work, but we drafthorses love it! We are strong, and we thrive on the responsibility of making sure there’s plenty of hay and oats to go around for everyone on the farm.
Tuesday was spent in the village. The blacksmith’s apprentice has a lovely way with his hammer. It wasn’t long before my shoes were back in shape, good as new. And it only took him two hours this time – much better than last month’s marathon session! He’s young and still finding his rhythm. Maybe he could join me for a quick gallop sometime when he’s done for the day – his mare is much too sedate.
On Wednesday, my human decided to take a trip to the next village to meet with a fellow farmer about a new breeding program. She says they want to develop a horse with thicker fur to better withstand the cold. We've been enjoying unusually mild weather lately, but Scotland does tend to have its moments, as they say. The human keeps telling me all about these programs and their efforts. I wouldn't know. The one thing that makes my human smile the widest is a fresh crop of foals in spring, especially a good, strong, grey like me! A gentle giant, some might call me, which I take as a compliment, I can assure you.
The weekend started as usual, with a good amount of grooming. Then came the exciting news! My human decided to enter me in a plowing contest in Aberdeen, where I will be matched against several other draught horses. I am absolutely thrilled. You might think, Emma, what’s the point of plowing, it’s just work. Well, let me tell you – plowing is about showing the power, strength, and precision a good horse has to offer. There are a few mares who always look down at me – you know who you are, don’t you, Agnes! – who think themselves too pretty and elegant for the hard work of the farm. But they don’t know what they’re missing. I’d rather be strong, helpful, and admired, rather than some frilly little show pony.
Anyway, my human says the plowing competition is just a few weeks away. And I will, of course, do my best!
* A Glimpse into the Past: The “Horse of the Year” 1534*
I've spent quite a bit of time these past days browsing through my favorite “Old Horse Stories” book – it’s a collection of fascinating chronicles about our ancestors who shaped the history of horses. This book talks about everything from their origins to how they are used in battle. One interesting fact I came across is how a long, long time ago – I’m talking hundreds of years, well before I was even a thought – the “Horse of the Year” title actually belonged to a stallion, a name you might recognise as the "Barb." The Barb was known for being particularly speedy, with incredible strength. Can you imagine being that fast and powerful? But alas, things change, as time does. And it seems those speedy Barbs now belong mainly to royalty, with everyone else focusing more on draught horses who have incredible strength to pull carts and plough the fields.
It makes me think of all the amazing workhorses before us. Those brave, hardy animals who carried heavy loads, helping humanity reach new heights, build great cities, and expand their world! The horses of 1534 carry on the same tradition. They aren't afraid of hard work. In fact, we thrive on it. We are resilient, always eager to put our strength and energy into making things happen, day after day, whether it’s carrying heavy burdens for humans, providing fresh food and fuel for everyone, or just doing our bit to ensure the safety of our loved ones in times of danger.
Looking Forward
And that, my friends, is what this year is about – being strong, being dependable, and being a part of something bigger. For myself, it's the upcoming plowing competition. For many others it's simply working the fields. And for some… well, perhaps it's carrying brave knights and their warriors across a battlefield! It’s hard to know, since I spend most of my time in my peaceful field! I do know that in my own little way, I make a difference every single day, and that's the most satisfying thing in the world for a hard-working horse.
*Till next time, Neigh! *
