Hello my fellow equine enthusiasts! Emma here, your friendly grey draught horse with the snowy mane and tail from the bustling heart of Hayfield near Aberdeen. It’s been a while since I've penned my thoughts here on Equiworld, but with the new year, 1611, comes a sense of new beginnings, particularly within the world of horses!
The air here in Hayfield has a distinct scent of anticipation these days. A chill wind whips across the hills, promising a brisk winter ahead, but there’s a warming undercurrent of excitement as we all prepare for the coming harvest and all the festivities it brings. You see, dear readers, 1611 feels like a year of progress and potential in our equine world, and I couldn’t wait to share it all with you!
The highlight of this past summer was, of course, the grand Highland Gathering held in our neighbouring village, Braemar. As usual, the spectacle was extraordinary. The swirling kilts, the mournful strains of the bagpipes, the booming pronouncements from the chieftain… it’s truly a feast for the senses, even for us horses. But this year held an extra sprinkle of magic.
As I stood, strong and proud in the holding pen, watching the competitors showcasing their skills in various equestrian disciplines, I felt a particular buzz of excitement in the air. A new competition was introduced this year, a 'Heavy Horse Race' for us sturdy draught types. Now, don't mistake this for a high-spirited gallop, dear readers. This is a test of stamina and control, pulling a weighty cart against the clock over a marked course. It truly celebrates our power and purpose in a most elegant fashion.
The sheer thrill of that day! To witness the pride and strength displayed by my fellow horses was truly inspiring. We might not be the sprinters of the field, but we are the workhorses, the reliable companions, the backbone of the farming community, and I felt a wave of honour witnessing us showcase our very own skills.
But it's not just the sporting arena that’s bubbling with exciting developments. 1611 has seen a fascinating turn in the world of horse breeding, even here in Scotland. A gentleman by the name of John Gordon from Aberdeenshire, renowned for his agricultural innovation, has introduced a new practice called “selective breeding”. This involves carefully choosing which horses are bred together to produce offspring with desired traits, like greater strength or more docile temperaments.
I’ve even heard whisperings that there are some particularly promising mares and stallions, even outside of our humble Highlands. Word has it that a King James VI, our beloved monarch, has a royal stud farm in the south of England, focusing on developing a superior breed of horse for warfare and travel. Who knows, maybe in years to come, the world will be filled with regal grey draghts, just like myself!
It’s not all work and games though, my dear readers. Our lives, while filled with purpose, still involve the ever-present task of survival. The harsh winters can be daunting for a horse like myself, as I brave the chilly mornings pulling the heavy plow through frosted fields. Yet, even on these colder days, there's a certain kind of magic in the air. The scent of wood smoke curling from chimneys, the hearty warmth shared by the farmers and their families - it reminds us that despite the cold, we’re surrounded by love and care.
Now, as I prepare for another evening in the warm stables, munching on the delicious hay and watching the gentle flickering firelight dance upon the straw-covered floor, I am filled with a sense of gratefulness. I am proud to be a part of the equine family, witnessing firsthand the evolution of our kind and the progress we are making within the wider world.
The year 1611 is but a small dot on the vast canvas of time, but it's a dot filled with potential, with change, and most importantly, with the love and respect for horses that make us all feel truly connected. I can’t wait to see what marvels 1612 has in store, but until then, my fellow horse lovers, I wish you all good health and the warm companionship of your four-legged friends!
Emma out!
