Hello, everyone, and welcome back to my humble little blog! It's Emma here, a twenty-year-old grey draught mare with a snowy white mane and tail, and I'm thrilled to be sharing another snippet of my life and adventures with all of you. Today, I'm stepping back in time a wee bit, to the year 1690, and reflecting on what life was like for a working horse in a time long past.
My world is Hayfield, nestled in the rolling hills just outside Aberdeen in bonnie Scotland. Life here is simple, a routine of hard work and quiet companionship. My days begin at the crack of dawn with the rising sun, warming our sturdy backs with its golden light. We’re the draught horses, the strong and steady companions of humans, helping them work the land, haul goods, and make life just a little bit easier.
I must admit, this year has been a rather uneventful one, with a steady stream of daily tasks that, though demanding, are always within the realm of the familiar. Our lives revolve around the rhythm of the farm. The gentle rumble of the plough, the sweet smell of newly turned earth, the steady clop-clop of hooves on the cobblestone streets of Aberdeen – it is the symphony of our existence.
Though 1690 may seem like a faraway year to you, it is very much etched in the memories of the old geldings in the stables. They recount tales of wars and rebellions, times when our brethren were called upon to carry men and supplies across rugged landscapes, braving perilous paths and unpredictable storms. Their tales inspire us young horses, reminding us of the enduring strength and spirit that runs in our blood.
In the larger world of horses, though, 1690 saw a bit of a stir, as whispers of something new started to flutter across the wind. It seems, my dear friends, that the human world has stumbled upon a new use for us! A wondrous invention called a "coach," drawn by four sturdy horses, is starting to appear on the streets of London! They say it is a luxurious form of travel, whisking people through the city at a speed unknown before. Now, isn’t that something to trot about!
The old stallions scoff, muttering about new-fangled fancies that won’t last, but even they can't deny the excitement building around this invention. Who knows? Maybe one day, we, the humble draught horses, will find ourselves carrying the elite of society through those grand London streets!
As for me, my daily routine is the one thing that brings me a sense of comfort and purpose. The rhythm of work, the quiet understanding I share with my human companions, the camaraderie with my fellow horses in the stables, it is all part of a fabric that binds me to this land, this life.
I will say, however, that the year 1690 does offer a slight change to our traditional work. Our human companions are beginning to take a keener interest in breeding. Not for war or for pulling heavy loads, but for something called… “sport”!
The old geldings have shared stories of a game played in England where horses and riders gallop across fields in a test of speed and skill. It is called "racing," and the humans are smitten with it. We can hear whispers about magnificent stallions with gleaming coats and lightning speed being prized and nurtured. This new passion has stirred some excitement within our stables as well, with whispers about those that could be selected for this new role. Though I, a simple grey draught mare, am likely not in the running for this glamorous job, the thought does give me pause to consider. What would it be like to be admired, to be fast and free, to be a part of something more than just toil and work?
For now, though, I am content with my role here in Hayfield, with my human companions, with the rhythm of life. This year, as always, is about growth, about learning, about being present in the moment. Even though this year might seem quiet in comparison to the whirlwind of change that seems to be blowing across the human world, it is filled with the simple beauty of ordinary life.
I’ll leave you now, my friends, with the smell of freshly cut hay and the warmth of the setting sun on my back. It's time for rest, and the promise of another dawn that will usher in new adventures. Until next time!
Love, Emma
