Hello, fellow equine enthusiasts!
It's Emma here, a grey draught mare with a mane and tail as white as winter snow, and I'm delighted to be sharing my thoughts and experiences with you. As a loyal member of EquiWorld.org, I'm eager to chronicle my adventures, highlighting the pivotal moments in equine history from my unique perspective. This week, I’m journeying back to the year 1635. Buckle up, folks, this one's a doozy!
The air in Hayfield, near Aberdeen, Scotland, crackles with a biting chill this morning. As the first light paints the sky with delicate strokes of gold, I raise my head from my bed of straw, the scent of barley and peat clinging to my coat.
The year is 1635. Though history paints it as a period of unrest – religious and political struggles rocking England, wars in Europe – my world is simpler. It’s a world of routine and hard work, fueled by a bond of trust between human and animal.
I’m twenty years old, a seasoned worker with the sturdy build of a true draught horse. My days are filled with the rhythm of farm life. From pulling the plow across the fields to hauling carts piled high with hay, I’m an integral part of the household, a living testament to the strength and spirit of my breed.
But the life of a working horse wasn’t always simple. It was forged by generations of hard work and resilience. It's been nearly two centuries since the Scottish highlands were invaded, and those experiences continue to shape us. Our ancestors were warhorses, charging through battlefields with a fierce determination, their powerful bodies and stoic temperament earning the admiration of both friend and foe. Today, my job may be less glamorous, but it's equally vital, supporting the needs of a growing human population.
Even in a tranquil place like Hayfield, echoes of those tumultuous times reverberate. This morning, I witness a scene that sends a shiver down my spine. Two men stand beside the stable door, their faces etched with grim resolve. A mounted soldier, his dark leather armour glinting in the morning sun, surveys us with an eagle-eye. His sharp, metallic spurs catch my gaze, sending a warning shiver down my back. War, that relentless specter, always seems to hover at the edge of my world, ready to disrupt our peace.
Thankfully, today, they seek not my services, but those of the local miller. The news travels fast. King Charles I, that imposing, regal figure, has demanded extra oats for the cavalry. We're needed. Our strong backs are needed to carry supplies, keep our nation fed and ready for whatever might be thrown at it.
I understand. Every horse in the kingdom, every fieldworker, blacksmith, baker, brewer – they are all interconnected in the fabric of our nation’s existence. We might not always be front-line soldiers, but we are an essential part of this complex, fragile machinery called human society.
But despite the undercurrent of tension, my daily routine continues. As I stand with my companions – sturdy cobbs, graceful geldings, and mares just like me, their coats gleaming in the morning sunlight – I realize this is more than just routine. It is a celebration of our inherent strength, a powerful tribute to our dedication, and a testament to our connection with the land. It’s the heart of a workhorse, the beat of the horse kingdom.
I feel a sense of kinship with these other animals, all with the same strength and purpose within our lives. A strong black cob nudges me gently with his head as we share the delicious sweetness of freshly cut grass, a small, nimble Shetland pony, known for its hard work and resilience, trots excitedly around us, eager for the day's activities.
It’s not just about the work, though. This year marks a new era for my fellow steeds in some parts of the country. I've heard whispers of the first racing courses emerging, transforming what was once a mere sport for gentlemen to a passionate affair for the masses. The horses participating are often sleek thoroughbreds, famed for their swiftness and elegance. But my kind – the powerful draught horses – are making our mark too, hauling grand carriages and showcasing our impressive strength and endurance in thrilling cart racing contests.
There's a growing appreciation for our value in this period of transition. While war and social unrest still linger, there is also an increasing acknowledgment of the importance of a strong equestrian community, a recognition of the vital role horses play in the economy and daily life.
These are exciting times, fraught with uncertainty and filled with possibilities. One thing's for sure, my heart – like every horse's heart in this country – beats with the rhythm of change. I wouldn't trade this life for anything. It is filled with both challenge and joy, work and kinship, duty and loyalty. It is the life of a horse, and I'm proud to call myself a part of it.
I'll leave you with this final thought: whether you are a pampered thoroughbred gracing a racetrack or a hardworking draught horse, like me, remember that each of us contributes to the ever-evolving history of the horse. We are a vital force in the human story, and through it all, we keep on galloping, strong, determined, and proud.
Stay tuned for more chronicles of the horse kingdom. I'll keep you updated on our triumphs, challenges, and ever-changing world. Until then, happy trails, and remember to stay true to your equine heart.
Love, Emma
