Hello everyone, and welcome to my EquiWorld blog! I'm Emma, a 20-year-old Grey Draught mare with a magnificent white mane and tail. I hail from the beautiful Hayfield, nestled near Aberdeen in Scotland, and I'm delighted to share my story and my thoughts on the world of horses in the year 1555.
I must confess, it's been quite the year, packed with adventure and a sense of history that I truly cherish. For a mare of my age and breed, there’s an air of respect about my kind. The Draughts are sought after, for we have the stamina and strength to move loads that would make even the largest of horses strain. Our hooves are our pride and joy, we are sturdy and reliable.
The first thing I must mention, as always, is the weather. Scotland is well-known for its wild winds and dramatic rain, and 1555 was no exception. But somehow, even on the bleakest of days, I always feel a warmth from my human friends. They are the heart of Hayfield, kind souls who share the weight of labour and care for the land as if it were their own children.
The hay harvest this year was a triumph! A wonderful green, packed full of life and nutrients. We pulled the heavy carts, laden with bales, and though the sun was rare that season, there was a shared joy in knowing we’d gathered a bounty to see us through the long winters. Each bale seemed to resonate with the warmth of our hard work, and our fellow creatures – sheep, goats, and cattle – enjoyed the reward of our efforts just as much as we did.
But it wasn’t all work! For a short respite, we would take a gallop across the moors. There's something truly special about the feeling of freedom under a clear Scottish sky, even if the wind howls a bit too much! Our strong muscles and powerful gait took us across the vast, heather-clad terrain. With each bound, a feeling of wild energy filled our veins, a thrilling contrast to the work that keeps us grounded.
Beyond our little corner of the world, whispers of changes reached Hayfield. There's talk of new innovations in other lands – the King's men have begun importing the elegant, swift steeds from abroad. While they are a different kind, a breed made for the chase, I admire their swiftness and courage. Their slenderness is a marvel, quite a difference from the muscular might that defines my brethren.
It makes one ponder. The world is in a constant state of flux, always moving forward, always evolving. We’ve learned to adapt to new crops, new tools, and new ways of life. But, even in this change, some things remain the same – the bond between human and horse, the strength of loyalty, the feeling of community, and the simple beauty of a sunny day, galloping freely across the moors.
Now, the year has shifted from autumn into winter. It’s the time for warming fires and hearty meals. It's also a time for quiet contemplation, a time to think about all the ways we have made a difference, all the lives we've touched in our own quiet way.
My fellow Draughts and I are resting now, enjoying the peace of the season. But I know that come spring, we will be back, ready for new challenges, new journeys, and a new chapter in the ongoing tale of the horses of Hayfield. We're more than just animals – we are part of the fabric of history, of life itself, and we’ll continue to make our mark on the world, one sturdy hoofprint at a time.
Until next time, I'll be posting again soon with more stories from the world of horses. Feel free to share your own stories and experiences – we are all connected through this magnificent creature, the horse!
Until next time, happy trails everyone!
Warmly,
Emma.
