Greetings fellow equines and horse lovers! Emma here, a proud grey mare from Hayfield, near Aberdeen in Scotland, and it's time for another peek into my world in 1712.
Oh, the world is a whirlwind of change! 1712 - it seems an eternity ago, doesn't it? Now, I've always been a fan of history, you see, a proper old soul. So, each year I share my little slice of life from a bygone era on this fabulous platform - www.equiworld.org - just to let you all know that we were horses, just like you, living our best lives, even if our world looked a tad different.
Let me start by sharing that Hayfield is a haven. Picture rolling green hills dotted with grazing sheep and cattle. Our meadows are a symphony of colours - yellow buttercups, delicate daisies, and even a sprinkle of the deepest, most luscious bluebells in springtime. Now, that's the view that welcomes me every morning, after I've enjoyed a hearty breakfast of oats and hay.
This year, however, a new addition graced our meadow - a little foal, my brother William! Such a mischievous little lad, with his glossy dark brown coat and floppy ears. We all dote on him, especially me, even though I have to put my hoof down when he tries to pull my tail for a game of tug-of-war. I am, after all, the senior member of our little family.
Speaking of family, let me tell you about our human family! Mr. Campbell, the farmer who owns our pasture, is a kind soul, and his daughter, Mary, well, she's the apple of my eye. Mary loves me dearly, always combing my mane and tail, making sure I'm clean and comfortable. We understand each other, you know, a silent connection that goes beyond language.
But our life isn't all peaceful meadows and happy families. I'm a draught horse, and like all my kin, I'm a valuable asset to Mr. Campbell's farm. My sturdy physique, strong legs, and gentle nature are ideal for the tasks that require a steady hand and a strong back. This year has been full of hard work - ploughing the fields, hauling logs, even pulling the heavy cart to the market in the nearby village. I'll confess, a touch of pride swells in my heart whenever I see the fruits of our labour - the beautifully furrowed fields, the piled stacks of hay, and the brimming cart filled with fresh produce.
This year, there's been a peculiar air of excitement, especially amongst the farmers. Something is brewing - an air of anticipation that hangs heavy in the air like the scent of new-mown hay. The whispers of "a war in the faraway lands" drift over from the villages. The distant drumbeat of marching men echoes in the air. Everyone is talking about the Queen Anne's War - a clash between England and France over territories in North America.
I am fortunate to be far away from these wars, safely nestled in my peaceful meadow, with nothing more to worry about than the weather and the latest games William tries to play. My tasks revolve around tilling the earth, planting crops, and providing the crucial strength needed to sustain a life well-lived in Hayfield.
We’re all a little bewildered, frankly. But as far as my life is concerned, little changes in my day to day routine, except perhaps a touch more anxiety around the men going out. Many leave Hayfield to fight for their King. Many won’t return. The Queen is much admired, it seems, and a strong one, if you ask me, and that war over there in North America, it sounds like a distant thundercloud, barely threatening the quiet world I live in.
There are rumours circulating, of course. Men come and go to the markets, sharing news that seems almost fantastical. But these are all rumours: A strange new land to be found in a continent called Australia. Some say it's full of fascinating creatures like kangaroos and koala bears. My whiskers twitch at these tales, but deep down, I know I'll likely only ever witness these wonders through the tales told by others.
Even amidst all this worldly tumult, my spirit is full of joy. There's an innate optimism to my nature, a trust in the beauty of every new day, and a feeling of contentment that fills me from my mane to my hooves.
This year, 1712, marks a period of both change and continuity in the world of horses. Horses, in all their strength, resilience, and intelligence, were the engines of society, working diligently alongside humanity to bring order to chaos, food to tables, and transportation across lands.
While the outside world feels increasingly chaotic and tumultuous, the rhythm of nature continues undisturbed, just like the beating of my own heart. Here in my meadow, amidst the fresh-cut hay, with Mary gently brushing my coat, and the world moving along in its steady cycle, I find my peace. And that is the essence of my life, dear readers. A horse's life, in its humble way, can be a tale of strength, courage, resilience, and ultimately, joy.
Until next time, happy trails, fellow equines!
