Hello my dear friends and fellow equines! Emma here, writing to you from the rolling green fields of Hayfield, a little corner of the world tucked away near Aberdeen in Scotland. It’s the year 1654 and the air is crisp, the heather is blooming, and the sun shines brightly on my dappled grey coat and white mane. Today I want to share with you all about what life is like as a draught horse in this year of the Lord.
Now, you may not be surprised to hear that, for me, the highlight of my week is a trip into town with Farmer MacDonald. The village is abuzz with activity – market day! People are gathered everywhere, with stalls overflowing with colourful fabrics, pottery, and tasty treats. There’s a delightful energy, the clacking of horses’ hooves, the rhythmic clip clop of carts, the calls of vendors – it’s quite a symphony for the senses! My work is mostly about hauling produce in and out of town, taking goods to the market, or carrying supplies back to the farm. This day in particular is very special as the annual “Market Day Races” are taking place on the outskirts of town. Everyone speaks of how magnificent it is to watch the horses running with such grace and speed.
Speaking of racing, although I’m a sturdy draught horse, I wouldn't be much good on a racetrack! My role in this life is more about strength, stability, and reliability. For instance, it was just yesterday I was helping haul huge logs from the forest to make way for new houses, and last week I was helping plough the fields for next year's crops. This isn’t to say that life is all work and no play. Sometimes Farmer MacDonald lets me graze in the pastures with his other horses, and we enjoy rolling in the fresh earth and munching on juicy grasses.
However, today, life isn’t all about hauling and working hard. The excitement of the market races brings a real air of celebration and my heart races with anticipation as the festivities kick off. The air vibrates with chatter and laughter, and I’m excited to see what new treasures await in the bustling marketplace.
Life on the Farm
Now, life on our farm in Hayfield is generally very peaceful and calm. My friends include the gentle brown cow Maggie, the frisky goat Charlie, and my neighbour, the magnificent black stallion named Shadow. Shadow belongs to the MacDonald family, but we’re the closest of friends! I spend a lot of time watching his athletic prowess, he’s much quicker and more agile than I. Shadow, along with several other horses, will participate in the market races today, which adds to the excitement!
It’s curious that despite his racing talents, Shadow also spends his days pulling the MacDonald's family carriage through the rolling hills and across the meadows. He’s a talented fellow, that’s for sure! It's easy to see that horses in Hayfield have diverse lives - some hauling and others racing, but each of us contributes to the lifeblood of our community. We are, in many ways, the backbone of these simple communities.
We’re well cared for, and I always feel a deep sense of comfort in the presence of Farmer MacDonald and his wife. It feels as though they really know and appreciate each of us individually – as if we have our own little personalities and stories. Sometimes, when I see the little MacDonald children hugging the horses and showering them with kisses, I feel like a truly special creature, a valuable part of their world.
And sometimes, I think to myself – perhaps I am just a humble working horse, and my life is just as simple as it appears. My main function is to serve humanity - pulling carts, transporting supplies, and ploughing the fields. I've always known my role in the scheme of things, and, you know, it makes me feel rather good inside to think I play an essential part in this larger world.
Life beyond our little corner
But this little world of Hayfield is part of a larger world of change, a world filled with both exciting and challenging things. There’s an undeniable feeling that things are evolving, even if they're happening very slowly. Sometimes, I catch snatches of conversations at the market, or whispers about new developments in London. My master once told me about an exciting invention called the “steam engine” which is said to have the potential to revolutionize transport - though, quite frankly, I think he might just be romanticizing the notion. But if it were possible, just think of how the steam engine would make life even more effortless! We horses would surely not have to work quite so hard – but somehow, it feels odd to imagine the day when horses are replaced altogether.
Despite the rumour mill churning, my main concern is right here in my little world. And honestly, that's just fine with me. The most important thing is my health, the safety of my community, and, most importantly, the comfort and care I receive from Farmer MacDonald. I wouldn't have it any other way!
On the Market Races!
Let’s go back to the market races - today is one of the most exciting days of the year! I must tell you - I’m standing with the crowd, looking up as the horses run in perfect harmony with their riders. I'm reminded once again of just how strong and graceful these magnificent animals can be. I watch them gallop with their sleek muscles, manes and tails streaming, hooves hitting the ground with a light rhythm.
All of my friends have told me that Shadow is particularly impressive to watch on the racetrack, so I can't wait to see how he measures up against his competition! They say Shadow has incredible speed, he moves like a streak of lightning, and he’s said to have the perfect “dash of spirit,” an intrinsic determination that is necessary for true greatness on the racetrack.
The air crackles with excitement as the horses round the final bend and begin their dash towards the finish line. I see Shadow gliding forward with effortless grace and speed, the dust flying from his hooves - a beautiful and intense display of equine talent! Then - clap clap clap He's done it - he's won! And it’s quite clear he’s not done yet - he wants to take it all home!
Onwards and upwards for 1654!
The races are over, and it’s already late evening, and as I start to head home with Farmer MacDonald after a delicious meal in the bustling town square, I take a deep breath, content and aware of the world around me. I feel the warmth of the sun on my coat as it begins to sink slowly into the horizon, casting a lovely golden glow over the fields and hills. There’s a tranquility that washes over me as the town quietens and settles for the evening, a reminder of the beauty of life in my simple world. And despite the whispers of change swirling through our communities, the rhythm of life carries on.
This year of 1654 feels as though we're all on the cusp of something significant. Change is slowly beginning to creep into our lives, a constant undercurrent that stirs us. I am eager to see what the future holds. As for myself - I’ll continue to work with Farmer MacDonald and our beloved family, embracing my daily life as a simple, working horse. My role is an honour, a privilege - I’ll always have the strength of a thousand horses and the loyalty of a thousand hearts! I look forward to sharing many more adventures with you here on EquiWorld!
Till next time, dear friends, and stay safe! Love, Emma
About me: * I’m Emma, a beautiful, dappled grey draught horse with a white mane and tail. I am twenty years old and have worked with Farmer MacDonald since I was a filly! I live in Hayfield, a peaceful village near Aberdeen, Scotland.
This blog is all about the adventures of a working horse, my observations, my feelings about life here on the farm, and everything in between.
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*EquiWorld is an online community for horses, written and hosted by Emma. Emma is a strong, kind and gentle horse living in Scotland with her owner, Farmer MacDonald. You are invited to join EquiWorld to hear more about Emma’s adventures in this fascinating world. The purpose of EquiWorld is to share the beauty, intelligence, and strength of these wonderful animals with everyone who has an affinity with horses. This website promotes the celebration and appreciation of the equine race. *
