By Emma, Grey Draught Mare, Hayfield, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Good morrow, fellow equines!
Welcome to my blog, where we delve into the exciting (and sometimes a little bit muddy) world of horses in the year 1639! It’s been a year of change, much like a freshly turned field after a good winter rain.
My name is Emma, and I’m a fine grey draught mare, twenty years old this spring. I live on a small farm near the lovely village of Hayfield, a stone’s throw from the bustling city of Aberdeen, Scotland. It’s a grand place to be a horse, with the rolling hills, fresh air, and hearty oats, even if the weather does like to play a bit of a trick on us now and then.
This year, though, it’s not just the weather that's unpredictable. It feels like the world’s being pulled in several different directions. News travels slowly, but even here in our quiet corner, we hear whispers of unrest in England, King Charles and the Parliament arguing, the Scots signing a covenant. The farmers seem anxious, talking of 'wars' and 'taxes'. I just hope they’ll keep our oats coming.
Now, let's gallop back to happier news. The world of horses is as full of life and movement as ever, even if things are a little uncertain.
From Farm Work to Carriage Ride
Life on the farm has been keeping me busy, as it always does. We’re the backbone of the farm, you see. You’ll find me and my brethren pulling ploughs, carting hay, and dragging timber for repairs. I still find the hardest work is when they load us up with sacks of barley - heavy, these sacks are. But we make it work. I'm strong, I tell you, I'm a real draught horse through and through, built for strength.
On my lighter days, the farm hand takes me for a lovely trot to the local market. They’ve finally installed these fancy carriage seats in the cart for us. It makes the journeys a lot more comfortable, even with the market's bustle and people rushing about. I’ve heard tell of folks riding horses to markets and fairs, but not here, not yet. The good folk here are too thrifty to let the likes of us horses spend our days just frolicking.
Our Neighbours on the Hunt
But not all of us horses toil in the fields and haul supplies. We are lucky enough to share our fields with some thoroughbred neighbours!
Our neighbour, Laird Cameron, has a string of fine horses kept just for racing. They are a breed of beauty, all muscle and spirit. Their coat shines like polished silk, and their manes flow like the wind. He takes his thoroughbreds to races all over Scotland. Sometimes they even compete in Edinburgh! A real treat, that! These noble steeds remind me of our ancient lineage, the steeds of the wild, who gallop with the freedom of the wind. I long to experience a gallop as fierce as theirs!
This year, Laird Cameron also mentioned that he may have to sell one of his mares to the king's own stables in England. It seems they’ve taken quite a fancy to his thoroughbreds. They say they’re seeking powerful stallions for breeding with the Queen's horses. She fancies those powerful black stallions for some reason, so they're looking for a suitable match, perhaps one from our lands, with good bone and a temperament that is as spirited as it is gentle. I find that an amusing idea - what if I’m chosen for such an honour? My little grey self, carrying on the royal bloodline! But, no, I’d be useless on a royal racing course. My feet were made for hauling not speeding!
A World of Horses and Change
Here at Hayfield, we also find ourselves being visited by some exciting travelling groups. They come with their wagons full of curious items and exciting sights – from new gadgets and textiles to even musicians who bring life and melody to our otherwise simple village life!
The thing that surprises me most this year is how often I've encountered people riding on the backs of other horses. I knew these 'gentleman' liked to ride, but this year I have seen it all - women in beautiful skirts riding sidesaddle on stallions with fancy gear. It's quite the sight! One even brought a new saddle with her that was covered in fine leather and adorned with beautiful carvings and colours! The whole thing seemed like something out of a story, truly magical.
My owner tells me it is all connected to these 'war rumours' that we keep hearing about. Seems some 'soldiers' are in the habit of using their horses to carry themselves and supplies to fight! It saddens me to know that horses, my noble kind, are used in such a manner. My life may be full of work and routine, but I hope they find other means to settle these disagreements!
And now for a final piece of gossip that's spreading around our pasture – the most magnificent sight I have ever seen has come to Hayfield! A large and grand creature with four legs but far more intimidating horns. This beast is brought in to do heavy hauling and pull our ploughs! The beast’s size is magnificent! I can only hope it does not try to steal the spotlight. After all, it's we horses that pull the weight of these lands, whether by work or by breeding.
We’ve only touched the surface of what life was like for horses in 1639. I hope to write more in future posts as the year unfolds and more tales come to light. Until then, keep your hooves and tails high, my friends, and may you find much peace and plenty of fresh green grass!
And remember, for all our lives of toil, our purpose is far grander - it's to carry on the great history of our kind, and keep the world moving with our strength, agility, and grace.
Until next time,
Your friend, Emma
