Post Number: 1656
Hello, my fellow equines and horse-loving friends!
Emma here, a sturdy grey draught mare with a penchant for long walks and even longer naps. As you know, I’m based in the lovely, rolling countryside of Hayfield, just a little way south of Aberdeen in Scotland. This blog is my way of sharing my observations about life as a horse in 1656.
As the year dawns, the snow has melted away and the first sprigs of green are appearing in the fields. It's a time for growth and a time of renewal, a sentiment I feel deep within my sturdy mare bones.
The Work Begins
For me, life is one big cycle of hard work and sweet respite. You wouldn’t believe the sheer volume of oats I get through just keeping the farms of this land in working order. But don't get me wrong - I wouldn’t have it any other way! It’s all about working as a team. This year, we’re starting early – the fields need turning and the barley seed needs sowing. All day, my muscles ripple and strain as I pull the plough across the soil. The men with their sturdy shoulders and the women with their sturdy hands are as important to this effort as I am, working tirelessly by my side, whispering encouragement into my thick, velvety mane as I labour on. We’re all part of something far greater than ourselves - something strong and unwavering - something as essential as the very air we breathe. We bring sustenance to the land and to those who depend upon it, and I feel pride in every turn of the wheel.
I enjoy the daily camaraderie of the other working horses - each with their own character and temperament. There's Barnaby, a hefty chestnut with a bit of a temper - always eager for a fight with the farm cats, even if it ends with him covered in dirt. Then there's Tilly, a beautiful black mare, quiet and gentle as a lamb. Her mane, thick and glossy, shines even in the dim light of the stable. I feel lucky to be part of such a diverse and spirited crew.
A Life in the Stables
Every evening after a day’s work, the scent of freshly cut hay drifts through the air. It fills my nostrils with a warm, sweet comfort as I nibble contentedly, the taste of each leaf filling my mouth with pure satisfaction. Sometimes, the groom whispers into my ear as I graze, telling me tales of life outside Hayfield - stories of distant towns and cities, of noble lords and ladies, and faraway countries, which are like dreams to me. He tells of people, like the Spanish, who even keep horses within their houses! His voice weaves spells as I drift away, imagining myself in those far-off places.
At night, I love watching the stars blaze in the endless dark expanse above me. It makes me think of the wonders of the world and makes my heart throb with the sheer excitement of life itself.
Life Beyond the Field
My world isn't just about work though, although the joy I feel pulling the plough and cart, my back straining and my powerful muscles rippling with strength, is one I truly treasure. Every week, on a Saturday, there’s a local market in the village square. I carry heavy sacks of produce in a large cart pulled by four of us strong workhorses, like a small travelling troupe, and the air fills with the chatter and energy of a thousand people as we bring produce from the farm to their tables. My eyes sweep across the stalls and colourful clothing as we stand, calm and quiet, waiting for the men to return and lead us back home.
My favourite thing about the market is the chance to see a glimpse of the bigger picture. The market itself is a dazzling display of colour, each stall a miniature kaleidoscope of offerings. There's fresh, vibrant produce – round plump tomatoes, crisp green apples, carrots with vibrant leaves, onions so big and bulbous you’d swear they belonged in a giant’s vegetable patch. And then there's the smell! A dizzying cocktail of spice and life – the scent of baked bread, of pungent cheese and the earthy scent of rich soil from the stalls of those peddling plants.
I even enjoy watching the horse-drawn carriages and their passengers – ladies dressed in colourful silks and brocades, their hair styled like works of art. Each lady appears to ride on her very own throne on wheels. All the passengers, regardless of social status, seem so different from us horses. It fascinates me, the variety of humans, how they use our strength to journey, to connect with each other and move through their lives.
There are times too when I’m saddled and my rider takes me for long walks through the rolling hills of Scotland. We travel through whispering woods where the trees rise high and strong, their branches heavy with the leaves of summer, and then into meadows painted with wild flowers, their blooms in colours so vivid they make even my grey coat seem a bit more exciting! On these jaunts, the world stretches before me in a silent tapestry of wild beauty, the landscape painting vivid pictures that are forever etched on my memory.
A Year of Discoveries
This year in particular has seen changes afoot in the horse world. A new breed, with legs as long as a donkey’s ears and bodies as lithe and lean as a willow branch, has found its way to Hayfield. They call them “Arabs,” with names as foreign as their sleek coats, a curious mixture of sand, and cinnamon and ginger. These horses, so light on their feet they look as though they could leap over mountains, are fast! I've watched them race at the local gatherings. With an eagerness that borders on frenzy, they streak across the course like arrows fired from a bow, leaving their competitors, including even the sturdy draught horses of my kind, in their dust.
They may not be built for heavy work, but their agility is inspiring. They remind me, with every thrilling gallop, that strength doesn’t come in just one form. It’s like discovering a new symphony with an entirely new arrangement. The speed, grace, and sheer wild beauty of their every move captivate my heart, like an enchanting tune, calling me back for more.
I'm grateful for the opportunity to see and learn. My life is simple, and yet filled with unfolding adventures, much like a flower blossoming in the warmth of a summer afternoon. I see it as a privilege to serve as a humble steed in this vibrant world, contributing to the everyday rhythms of life, working hard, sharing laughter with my fellow equines, and finding joy in each gentle breeze that brushes against my fur, and every sunset that burns like a brush fire across the sky.
Until next time, dear friends! Stay safe, stay strong, and keep those tails held high!
Yours in hoof beats,
Emma
