Hayfield, near Aberdeen, Scotland. 21st August 1609
Greetings, my dearest EquiWorld friends!
Emma here, your resident grey mare from Hayfield. It's been a while since my last post - you know how it is, a mare's got to work! But this summer has been an especially exciting one, and I simply couldn't let another day pass without sharing the wonders I've witnessed with all of you.
You see, this year marks a special occasion – a significant journey that began in a rather unassuming way.
Now, my story begins like many others – a gentle colt born into a family of hardworking drafters in Hayfield. It wasn't long before my strong back was bearing a burden, carting hay and supplies for the farm, assisting in the harvest, pulling the plough across the rich Scottish soil. My life was routine, and I loved it. Every sunrise brought the warmth of the stables, the scent of fresh straw, and the familiar neighs of my companions.
However, life took a turn just a few weeks ago. Word reached Hayfield that the Laird, a kind gentleman but demanding in his way, was seeking a sturdy mare for a trip to the bustling city of Edinburgh. My brothers and sisters all nervously paced their stalls. You see, Edinburgh is far – beyond the rolling hills and mossy streams of home. It was the farthest journey I'd ever heard of. But my heart, I confess, swelled with an undeniable curiosity.
Then, came the day the Laird's man, a burly fellow named MacAllister, visited our stables. As he looked over all of us, I noticed something curious. It was as if he saw through our rugged exterior and glimpsed our innermost spirit. And as he laid a steady hand upon my neck, it wasn’t a fear that rose within me, but an excitement – an unfamiliar longing to explore. The day he declared me chosen, a joyousness bloomed in my heart, akin to a foal finding its first blade of grass in spring.
The journey began at dawn, and oh, the marvels it brought! First, came the journey to Aberdeen itself. Such a sight – cobbled streets filled with traders, men and women in clothes of vibrant colors, children laughing as they played amongst the bustling crowds. I had never before witnessed such energy and life!
But even amidst the exciting chaos of the city, my thoughts were ever filled with anticipation. This was just a small step towards the ultimate goal: Edinburgh! MacAllister had described the city as a towering marvel of stone and glass, with streets so wide and packed with people that they could stretch for hours. And even more fascinating, he spoke of King James, a ruler who sought progress, education, and new ideas for his nation! A city that housed the Royal Court… my heart raced at the thought!
Finally, the day arrived when we left Aberdeen, embarking on the long road south. I was accompanied by other horses, sturdy companions, all bearing heavy wagons laden with supplies for the city. The landscape transformed – fields of golden barley gave way to windswept highlands, dotted with flocks of sheep and a scattering of small villages nestled between hills.
As the days stretched out, the road began to feel like an old friend, guiding us through its familiar path. There were the long hours of walking, the sounds of horses snorting and hooves crunching upon the stones. And as we journeyed through these familiar sights, something blossomed inside me. A spirit of adventure – a sense that my place wasn't simply in the Hayfield stables, but a journey, a movement towards something grander!
Every evening, after a long day on the road, I stood by the firelight, watching the stars blanket the night sky. My thoughts drifted back to Hayfield, but the feeling of longing replaced the sadness. Instead, a desire burned – the yearning for what lay ahead.
Our destination was nearing. I sensed it. We were met with a vast field of white tents – a spectacle that unfolded like a canvas of colours against the grey horizon. As the sun rose the next day, it painted the landscape a breathtaking symphony of hues, mirroring the emotions that filled my soul. And with every beat of my heart, the anticipation rose – I was near Edinburgh.
But before we could reach the city, fate took an unforeseen twist. We stopped at a bustling village where a fair was being held – an enchanting tapestry of noise and color. Farmers peddling produce, children laughing with joy, the unmistakable scent of fresh baked bread, the enchanting strains of music echoing through the air.
However, something darker lurked behind the joyous chaos. In the heart of this village, an infectious illness ravaged many, the disease spreading like wildfire, leaving its victims weakened and desperate. This grim event had nothing to do with horses, but the desperation painted in the faces of the people mirrored the fears I saw within my own brethren.
And yet, amidst this despair, emerged the greatest beauty of humanity: compassion. The men and women, their lives disrupted, rallied around the ill, offering shelter and solace, tending to the sick with the gentle strength of their hearts.
My companions and I were not spared the impact. The men accompanying our wagons were affected by this illness, forcing us to halt our journey to Edinburgh. This unexpected delay tested our resilience, forcing us to learn patience and wait for the world around us to regain its footing.
It wasn't until the following spring that the disease finally subsided. I watched as the world around us began to heal. With each day that passed, the laughter of children, once muted by the fear of illness, grew stronger, their voices a joyous reminder that life found a way to continue.
During those long, quiet days of waiting, I couldn't shake the thought of what could be in Edinburgh. But as the days morphed into weeks, and weeks into months, I realized something about myself. The journey had been transformative, showing me the interconnectedness of life. I understood that strength lay not in reaching a destination, but in the strength of spirit found in the face of adversity, the compassion that united all beings, human or equine, and the unwavering courage of life that triumphed over adversity.
As we set out for Edinburgh again, the vibrant city lay just beyond the horizon, its spires like outstretched arms reaching for the heavens. My heart filled with a strange mix of emotions: anticipation, wonder, a newfound strength born of resilience, and a newfound appreciation for the simplicity of Hayfield and its comforting routine.
The streets of Edinburgh, indeed, were vast and brimming with life, more majestic than any stories I’d heard. But the city, I learned, wasn’t merely about its grandeur. The real essence lay in its people. I watched men and women working tirelessly – the bustling blacksmiths, the merchants peddling their wares, and the lively discussions that filled the market square. I even witnessed, with my own eyes, the elegance of King James's court – men in velvet suits and ladies in fine gowns, riding majestic horses that moved with a grace unmatched by anything I had ever seen.
My task in Edinburgh was simple – to carry supplies to the merchants. And yet, I saw, heard, and felt the heartbeat of the city – a pulsating life force that defied words. I heard the murmurs of its streets, the echo of its history, the hopes for its future, woven into the fabric of everyday life.
Then came the day I met the blacksmith's apprentice – a young lad with bright eyes and a love for horses that mirrored my own. He tended to my hooves with a tenderness I'd never known before. He spoke to me with kindness and a sincerity that surprised me – a true bond built upon understanding. He wasn't just a human, but a kindred spirit who shared my love for the life we shared.
The weeks in Edinburgh were filled with experiences – new smells, sights, sounds, a world far from my rural upbringing. But beyond the bustling marketplace and elegant palaces, the world around me also felt oddly familiar – filled with kindness, compassion, and a universal desire for harmony.
And as my time in Edinburgh drew to a close, I carried with me more than just the memories of the city’s grand facades. I took with me the stories of its people – their hopes, their struggles, their dreams – all intertwined with the spirit of a city that pulsated with life.
My journey has ended. But my spirit, I know, will forever be connected to Edinburgh, Hayfield, and the endless path of life that stretches before us. My travels have filled my heart with a love for life – a love for every journey, a love for the unknown, and an ever-growing appreciation for the magic woven into our lives.
For every mare, every stallion, every pony in the world - every step taken, every path chosen, every adventure, however big or small – is a story that begs to be told, a testament to the magic we all hold within us. So dear readers, share your stories!
Until next time, Emma.
www.equiworld.org
