Hello, fellow equines! Emma here, a spirited grey draught mare with a snow-white mane and tail. I’m calling in from Hayfield, a picturesque spot nestled in the rolling hills near Aberdeen, Scotland. This is the year 1677, and while I haven't quite grasped the finer points of calendars and the Gregorian reckoning, I'm happy to say the sun is shining and the grass is green, making life quite pleasant for a horse like me.
It seems the humans call this era the "17th Century," a term that rolls off their tongues like the clinking of bridles and spurs. It's a grand century to be alive, I think!
The Shire, My World
Here in Hayfield, life is simple yet full. I belong to the finest, most powerful breed – the Shire horse, named for the great county of shires to the south. We’re known for our gentle strength, powerful build, and incredible endurance. We toil on the fields, pull carts heavy with barley and hay, and lend our sturdy backs to plows and wagons. My job is to help cultivate the land and bring in the harvests, ensuring my human companions have plenty to eat throughout the year.
My favourite part of the day is sunrise, when the world is cloaked in mist, and the birds sing their cheerful welcome to the new day. We gather at the edge of the fields, the stable boys fussing over us with a mix of gruff affection and a good, hearty breakfast of oats and bran. Their voices, strong and reassuring, make me feel secure. The scent of hay, crisp and earthy, fills the air, promising another day of hard work and fulfilling duty.
I work alongside my fellow Shires – strong, sturdy beasts like myself. They're my companions, sharing my weariness, my joys, and the occasional tug of the harness. There’s old Henry, the biggest of us all, with a mane as dark as midnight, who can pull more weight than any horse I've ever seen. And there’s Maggie, with her sweet nature and soulful eyes, who always gives me an encouraging snort before we head out to work.
I must admit, pulling the plow can be tiresome at times, especially during the long days of summer. But I never complain! Our lives are intertwined with the human families that own us, and their well-being is my primary concern.
What the Horses Are Saying
News travels slowly, even through our horse world. But rumour has it that down south in England, some of our kind have started working on something called “carriage horses." Apparently, they pull ornate carriages carrying ladies and gentlemen in fancy attire. Now, that sounds exciting! It's something to talk about, an idea that piques our curiosity and stirs the whispers amongst the horses. Perhaps one day, even here in Scotland, we'll see a shift toward grand carriages and gentler work, with less back-breaking plowing and more stately displays.
And speaking of work, there’s talk about something called “industrial revolution” that's spreading through the English towns. Now, what that entails exactly, nobody quite knows, but the rumour mill suggests it has something to do with iron, coal, and things called "engines." The talk whispers of a change coming to the human world. But horses, we are forever needed, always part of the fabric of life, regardless of these new inventions.
My Inner Thoughts and Dreams
For now, life for us horses in the Shire continues in a predictable yet satisfying manner. My biggest wish is that this year’s harvest be plentiful and bountiful. I crave a good supply of fresh water from the streams, a shady oak tree to rest beneath when the sun is high, and an abundance of lush, green meadows to graze in. A well-filled feed bin and the friendly touch of my stable boys are other small delights that make each day special.
Sometimes, as I gallop across the fields at dusk, the sun painting the clouds in fiery hues, I wonder what the world beyond our valley is like. Perhaps there are meadows greener, fields wider, and even more wondrous landscapes to be explored. Who knows, maybe one day I'll be able to wander farther, to feel the breeze on my face as I explore the great beyond. But until then, Hayfield remains my haven, my place of belonging, my home.
The Year in Review
I haven’t yet grasped the complexities of human affairs. Politics are beyond my ken, but I do know the king of Scotland, Charles II, continues to rule with a firm but just hand. And although we’ve had a rather uneventful year, in the larger picture, it appears humans are making slow yet steady progress in shaping their world, their advancements slowly impacting our equine lives, bringing with them both the excitement of new challenges and a certain wistful nostalgia for a slower, simpler time.
Join me, my dear Equiworld readers, next year, for another look into the life of a Shire horse! Until then, may your oats be plentiful and your stables well-kept.
