Well, dear readers, it's Emma here, from the lovely rolling fields of Hayfield, just outside of Aberdeen. Can you believe it, another year gone by? I've turned twenty now, a grey mare with a fine white mane and tail. Still, feel like a young thing, even if my paces aren't as speedy as they once were. I think I'll always be a bit of a klutz, if you know what I mean! But I wouldn't trade being a draught mare for the world. We're so strong and useful, capable of pulling just about anything, and what's more, we're known for our good temperaments. Makes life rather easier for all concerned, if you ask me.
Right then, you want to hear about this year, 1699? I do hope you enjoy the snippets from my life.
Life in the Fields of Hayfield:
The first whispers of spring have a special magic, wouldn't you say? A tingling energy that feels as though it ripples through the very air itself. As soon as the snow retreats and the ground softens, we horses are turned out to graze in our verdant fields. It's pure joy! We romp and roll, play spirited games of chase and stand under the warm spring sunshine, our coats shimmering. The fresh green grass is the most delicious treat and makes the mares extra frisky! There is nothing better than grazing in the field with the rest of the herd - it is so peaceful, and we horses love our good, strong friendships, don't we?
The village of Hayfield is a quiet place, nestled between the heather-clad hills and the fertile fields that produce some of Scotland's finest crops. My own life is centred on working the land and serving the community. You see, the sturdy horses like me are invaluable here. The barley and oat fields stretch far and wide, needing regular plowing, planting and harvesting. The land around here has always produced plenty, even for our growing human population, which is good, because those Aberdeen Highlanders sure have big appetites! My job, with my powerful strength, is to pull the plough, a heavy but crucial task for the farmers who care for us.
Farmers and Their Families
Mr. Donald, my current master, is a fair man. He doesn't overload me, but takes excellent care of me, with the most delectable oats and barley. He understands a mare needs her rest. I’m well fed and warmly bedded, with my stall always swept clean - so very important! There’s much to be said for good, attentive care, especially from a master like Mr. Donald. We’re lucky, for sure, to have good humans in our lives.
Of course, life in the fields and working in the village isn’t all work. There is always time for mischief, too. It’s wonderful to have all the younger horses running and kicking around us, being just young and foolish. I, in turn, love teaching them to respect the older horses and reminding them that all work should be approached with good heart, respect, and steady energy. It's also nice that Mr. Donald’s daughter, wee Agnes, sits by my stable door most afternoons and talks to me. I think we’re pretty good friends. She’s learning to read and often reads the village news aloud for me to listen to.
I tell you what, being a horse is a wonderful life - there's so much joy to be had in each new day.
Word Travels on Horseback
The arrival of a rider on a fast and sprightly mare is always a cause for a brief flurry of excitement here in Hayfield. Mr. Donald always rushes to the road to hear any news the rider has to share, as he explains: news travels from far and wide these days, reaching Hayfield thanks to horses. Horses like the beautiful young stallion, Highland King. He's quite a celebrity, travelling to Edinburgh with the royal couriers, and is famous for his stamina and speed.
These riders usually bring news from the Royal Court at Edinburgh. This year, we've had exciting accounts of Queen Mary’s wedding, but I do have to be careful about who I speak with – there are a few gossips about, you know! But it's certainly good for our spirits to hear news of such festivities.
The Warring Winds of Europe
News has reached us from faraway lands this year too - France, and Ireland, and far-flung colonies on the other side of the world. All places the King's army has marched to these last few years, fought and died. This year though, our men are mostly sent south, to join the armies of England. There has been an upsurge of tensions in Europe – talk of another great war brewing involving France, Holland, and the Emperor of Germany – just as the recent war with France concluded only a few years ago. I’m just so thankful my duties involve pulling the plow rather than battling enemies! Life is much calmer in my own peaceful world here in Scotland.
*On the Horses’ Calendar *
Of course, it’s not just our lives in the fields and villages that make up a horse's life here. The whole of life in these parts, especially in the more grand towns and cities and Royal Courts, seems built around us horses, does it not? I hear that many towns are host to race meetings, with the young colts and fillies trained in agility and speed. Horses also take their places in sporting events - a kind of organised chase called ‘hurling' , as well as displays of Horsemanship. And all that just before our time, to perform all that farm work - a life well-lived. I have great affection for all of our kind - even those horses who find themselves in far more regal, more luxurious lives, because they all are helping humans, they all are part of the fabric of life, of that amazing history that continues to unfold.
* Looking Ahead*
One thing I have learned these past twenty years, is that life is always moving forward. Every year is a fresh start and new adventures. The spring and the sun rise over our hills, and so begins the unfolding of a new chapter and more stories. This year will certainly hold its own special lessons to share with all you lovely readers next year. Do check in on my next post.
Farewell for now.
Emma from Hayfield.
