A Dash of Sunshine
Good afternoon, Equiworld readers! It's Emma here, a grey mare with a mane and tail as white as freshly fallen snow. You'll find me grazing in the rolling green fields of Hayfield, nestled close to the rugged highlands of Aberdeen, Scotland. Today I wanted to share a peek into my world, specifically the world of horses in the year of our Lord, 1681.
It’s a blustery day here in Hayfield, with the wind whipping through the long grasses and the air carrying the tang of the North Sea. Yet, the sun breaks through the clouds now and again, bathing the land in a warm golden light. I love these glimpses of sunshine – they make my coat gleam and remind me of happier days. But today is also a day for remembering, and reflection.
This year has been full of changes, big and small. One thing I can always count on, though, is the camaraderie amongst my fellow equines. Horses have a language all their own, you know, a language spoken through whinnies, nudges, and the gentle touch of our noses. It’s a language that speaks of trust and shared purpose, a bond woven tight by centuries of working together.
A World of Work
Let's be honest, dear readers, we horses are more than just pretty faces and flowing manes. We’re the lifeblood of the land, the driving force behind communities like Hayfield. I wake every morning to the clang of the blacksmith’s hammer, the steady rhythm of the farmer’s work, the call of the shepherd. And I, along with my stable mates, are an essential part of the symphony of their days.
My life, like the lives of many other draught horses here, revolves around the fields and the needs of our human companions. I am responsible for pulling the sturdy wooden ploughs through the rich soil, leaving neat furrows behind me. I feel a quiet pride in the crops that thrive on the land we’ve cultivated, the promise of bounty that sustains the community. In a way, I’m like a living tapestry woven into the very fabric of Hayfield.
This year, though, I’ve had the privilege of taking part in something different. A large group of horses, myself included, has been assigned to the construction of a new bridge. I’m sure you’ve heard of this magnificent new structure being built across the Dee River, destined to be one of the longest bridges in Scotland! I, along with my friends, have been entrusted with pulling carts laden with heavy stones and timbers, each load a testament to our combined strength and determination.
Working with such a vast team of horses is a thrilling experience! It feels almost magical, seeing us all moving in unison, responding to the faintest commands from the human overseers. The bond of trust, the shared responsibility, the symphony of hooves pounding the earth, all come together to create a truly unforgettable spectacle. It makes me proud to be a horse in the year of 1681, part of something bigger than ourselves, contributing to something truly magnificent.
Horse Whispers
On calmer days, when the sun paints the sky in soft hues of orange and pink, I like to listen to the stories shared by my elders. They're a wellspring of knowledge, recounting tales of war and conquest, journeys across rugged lands, and even whispers of powerful mythical creatures that dwell in the far-off, mysterious Highlands.
Their stories, full of magic and history, often have me standing frozen in awe, feeling the deep, ancestral connection that weaves through the generations of horses. Their tales paint vivid pictures in my mind - pictures of fierce battles where horses served alongside men, of adventurous travels on vast trade routes, of mystical lands and legendary steeds with shimmering manes and wings.
The World Beyond Hayfield
Every now and then, a weary traveler passes through Hayfield, seeking rest and sustenance before continuing their journey. We greet them with the gentle murmur of hooves on cobblestone and a low whinny of welcome. These strangers, carrying their burdens on their backs and tales of faraway lands on their tongues, open up a world of possibilities in our imagination.
From these travelers, I've heard whispers of bustling London, where horses pull coaches adorned with elegant coats of arms, their carriage bells a melody against the city's bustle. I've heard stories of racing events where sleek thoroughbreds compete for victory, a symphony of thunderous hooves echoing across the racetracks. And I've even heard of a grand Royal Court where magnificent steeds are presented with regal jewels, symbols of grace and beauty.
Such stories weave themselves into our shared dreams, offering glimpses of worlds beyond our fields, sparking an unspoken desire to experience adventure and travel.
A Day of Rest
Today, the winds have calmed, and the sun shines warmly on my coat. A soft breeze carries the scent of wildflowers and dew-kissed grass, and I can hear the contented chirping of birds high above me. This, my friends, is a moment for serenity. A moment for savouring the quiet joy of being a horse, standing tall and free amongst the swaying grasses.
Tonight, under the vast canopy of a starlit sky, I’ll join my companions for a gentle trot through the fields. We’ll whisper stories, share silent dreams, and revel in the simple joys of belonging. And in that moment, all the hardships of the day will melt away, leaving behind a sense of contentment that runs deep in our hearts, as strong and resilient as the mountains that surround us.
This is the life of a horse in 1681, a life that’s intertwined with the rhythms of the land, a life filled with work and purpose, and above all, the enduring magic of the equine world.
Thank you for sharing a slice of my life today, dear readers. May your own days be filled with sunshine, strong connections, and the joy of the simple things.
Yours truly, Emma, a grey draught mare from Hayfield, Scotland
