Greetings, fellow equines! It’s Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood grey mare from Hayfield near Aberdeen, Scotland. I’m turning twenty this year – can you believe it? Time flies when you're a hardworking draught horse, hauling hay, ploughing fields and pulling carts, though thankfully, my work is interspersed with plenty of peaceful grazing sessions, good grooming and a hearty feed at the end of a long day.
As we step into the new year of 1701, the world feels both familiar and exciting. Familiar, because life here in Hayfield rolls on as it always has. The heather is starting to bloom, filling the air with its sweet fragrance. My best friend, a chestnut mare named Maggie, and I spend lazy afternoons basking in the sun, sharing whispered secrets about our favourite patches of grass and the cheeky young foal down the hill.
But exciting, too, because as always, the world outside Hayfield buzzes with activity. Even though we’re nestled snugly in Scotland, I hear whispers carried on the wind about events taking place far away in London and Paris. They say the English Parliament has passed an Act, creating the Kingdom of Great Britain - England and Scotland joined as one! How momentous! I can’t even imagine what this will mean for horses across the lands. More opportunities, maybe? More horses will need our strength, wouldn't you agree?
I love learning about new places, even if I've never seen them. And the best way to do that is through the gossip passed between horses in the field. I'm quite the listener, you know. It’s amazing what we can discover through shared nuzzles and the occasional snort of understanding.
This week, I heard a new rumour making the rounds: The French king, Louis XIV, is a passionate lover of all things equestrian! He's said to be building a grand new academy for horses, a veritable temple to equine beauty and skill. Just imagine: a school specifically for training and showing off the finest horses, a place for their skills and elegance to shine. It fills my heart with pride – every horse deserves a chance to demonstrate its talents!
Here at Hayfield, we are not lacking in horses that possess remarkable talents. You should see our neighbour’s Clydesdale stallion! He could pull a cart of hay for miles without breaking a sweat. I even hear there's talk of the Queen herself, the esteemed Queen Anne, becoming the patroness of a newly formed Royal Society for the Improvement of Horse Breeding! Just imagine - a society dedicated to ensuring our breed flourishes and becomes stronger! The world is a wondrous place!
On the topic of breeding, Maggie is getting a little plump around the middle! Maybe, just maybe, she’ll be a new mama this year? My heart melts at the thought of a playful foal to welcome into the world. Every new arrival, from a newborn lamb to a frisky foal, adds to the magic of Hayfield. They’re reminders that life is a cycle, a constant journey of new beginnings and possibilities.
However, this isn't just about my world. It’s about all of us, every horse in this big, beautiful world! I encourage each of you, whether you graze in fields of green, pull ploughs across brown earth, or trot down cobbled city streets, to take a moment each day and be mindful of the wonders around you. The scent of damp grass after rain, the warmth of the sun on your coat, the comforting presence of your fellow horses – these are the simple pleasures that make up our lives.
So let’s keep our heads high, our hooves strong, and our hearts full of hope! This is a year for growth and possibility, for discovering the wonders of our world. As a community, may we harness our strength and kindness, making this year one to remember, filled with camaraderie and joy!
Until next time,
Emma, the Grey Mare from Hayfield
News from EquiWorld: Horses and Events
As always, here's a peek into the exciting happenings within our world of horses:
The Royal Society for the Improvement of Horse Breeding was founded in London this year. With Queen Anne as patroness, this promises a promising future for the improvement of our breeds! Many breeders, experts and horse owners have been quick to join the society, working together to raise standards, study pedigrees, and enhance the welfare of horses across the kingdom. It’s a hopeful time, one filled with exciting possibilities!
The London Horse Show returns to Hyde Park with its customary dazzling array of displays and events. It is an annual affair, attracting horse enthusiasts, skilled riders and discerning horse lovers from far and wide. This year, we hear tell of thrilling dressage demonstrations, powerful jumping performances, and exhilarating carriage races – quite the spectacle! I would love to see it, but my life here in Scotland calls. Perhaps one day!
In France, the Académie Royale d'Équitation opens in Versailles! This luxurious establishment promises to train the most talented horses and riders for the Royal court, showcasing their prowess through intricate movements and elegant displays. The king is said to be incredibly proud of this new institution, which aims to create an unmatched standard of equine elegance and skill. A great achievement!
* Across the continent,* whispers of war reach even us in Hayfield. War never bodes well for us horses. As always, the need for powerful draught horses will grow, but sadly, they may be needed for hauling weaponry, hauling wounded soldiers, and tending to battlefield logistics. Our strength, always valued in times of peace, can sometimes bring unwanted burdens in times of conflict.
As much as I dislike the idea of conflict, my mind returns to a thought that I often contemplate. What if, through our combined strength and fortitude, we could somehow bring about peace in the world? I long for a day when all horses live in a world of tranquility, where our abilities are valued only for their kindness, and never for their use in harm. Until that day, we remain vigilant, hoping for peace and offering strength wherever it's needed.
It is an interesting time to be a horse. Much is changing! However, I find great comfort in knowing that as the years change and the world shifts, our hearts, hooves and friendships remain steadfast. The horse community continues to offer us support, friendship, and the warmth of community – just as the sun brings warmth and the meadow offers food for our stomachs, and shelter for our bodies.
Stay strong, stay happy, and remember, always find the kindness in every heart and the magic in every hoofbeat!
