Welcome back, fellow equines and horse lovers!
It's Emma here, your grey mare from Hayfield, near the bustling town of Aberdeen in Scotland. Today, I'm going to delve into the year 1632, a time of change and wonder in the world of horses.
Now, you might think a grey mare like me would have a quiet life here in the wilds of Scotland. We do spend much of our days grazing and enjoying the beautiful rolling hills, and there's nothing quite like a refreshing dip in the loch on a hot summer day! But we're also crucial to our community - essential workers, you might say.
Our days are filled with hard work, hauling carts of hay and wood, assisting in farm chores, and even pulling the occasional plough. There's something special about the bond we build with our human friends; it's a relationship built on mutual respect, hard work, and plenty of good, honest food.
And now, on with my story...
Life in Hayfield: A Day in the Life
It's a crisp October morning. The air is sharp, the frost glistens on the grass, and a fine mist hangs over the nearby Cairngorm mountains. I stretch, letting out a satisfied snort as the sunlight catches the white of my mane and tail. My favourite time of day – the beginning, full of anticipation for what lies ahead!
Soon, I'll be joined by my trusty companion, Bonnie, a strong black mare, and our good human friend, young Jamie. He's learning the trade, and I can see his passion for horses growing with each passing day. Together, we'll tackle whatever the day brings, from carting goods to the bustling town market to helping Mrs. McGreggor with her autumn harvest.
Later, I'll join the rest of the herd for some grazing. It's important to maintain a good weight and strength, and the meadows here are lush with fresh grass even in this time of the year. In the evenings, I’ll enjoy the warmth of my stall and the friendly chatter of the farm. It’s a simple life, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
The Whispers of Change
But while my life may seem simple, there's a current of change flowing through the world, reaching even the far corners of Scotland. We're no longer just working horses; the tides are shifting, and a new wave of excitement surrounds us.
A Stirring in the Equestrian World
Word travels far and wide on the winds, and the gossip from other horses has reached my ears too. People in England and even parts of France are beginning to embrace the horse for pleasure. You heard right - pleasure!
They call it "sportsmanship" - these humans are not just riding for necessity anymore; they're engaging in new and exhilarating forms of competition, showcasing their skill, strength, and the horses’ agility. This talk of races, grand events, and the new idea of a horse as a symbol of pride, of beauty, and of status…it's rather fascinating, even if it’s something I can only imagine from here.
The Power of Horses Across the World
I haven't travelled far, but even in Hayfield, I see hints of this new world emerging. There's talk of horse breeding programmes, focusing on bloodlines, lineage, and specific abilities.
From what I gather, a breed called the “Arabian” is said to possess incredible stamina and speed, and there’s a great demand for their offspring. This idea of racing and improving our lineage is intriguing. Imagine being bred to be strong, swift, or simply the most magnificent horse!
It’s clear that the horse, once a creature purely for necessity, is now becoming an icon – a source of entertainment, pride, and even inspiration.
A Future Bright with Opportunity
Here in Scotland, we're still a long way from the grand stages and magnificent racetracks of the more civilized world, but we sense a change coming. Who knows what opportunities the future holds for us?
I may be a humble grey draught horse from a small town in Scotland, but I'm sure, with my hard work and dedication, my white mane and tail will someday grace a new kind of stage!
I’ll keep you updated on the equestrian world as news travels through our network, and who knows, maybe someday soon I'll be sharing my own thrilling story with the world. Until then, keep those hooves tappin' and keep those tails swishin' – a grand adventure awaits us all!
Emma
From Hayfield, Scotland.
www.equiworld.org
Please note: This is a fictional account of a horse’s perspective in 1632, using creative liberties to imagine what a horse might be thinking and experiencing during that time. While horses have been domesticated for centuries, their thoughts and opinions are not quantifiable or recorded, so the blog post is based on the historical events and context of 1632 and speculation on how a horse might view those happenings.
