Greetings, dear readers!
It’s Emma here, a spirited grey mare with a mane and tail the colour of fresh snow. I'm from a quiet little place called Hayfield, just a short distance from the bustling town of Aberdeen, and this blog is dedicated to my adventures in this beautiful year of 1716.
Ah, 1716 – what a time to be alive! While you humans might be embroiled in all sorts of political dramas and maritime exploits, the horse world is abuzz with its own unique happenings. You know, it’s amazing how you humans and us horses share this grand journey on this earth, each with our own stories to tell!
Today, I want to share some of the highlights from my year, offering a glimpse into the lives of us equines in 1716, the joys, the challenges, and everything in between.
A Day in the Life of Emma
My day typically starts with the warm caress of the morning sun on my coat. It's time for a good stretch, a nibble on the hay in the stable, and a hearty breakfast of oats. My human companion, a sturdy farmhand named Duncan, usually starts the day by giving me a good brushing, his hands gentle as he detangles my white mane and tail, leaving it gleaming under the morning sun. I do love a good groom. It makes me feel as graceful as the horses from those fancy paintings in the big house in town!
I often pull the farm cart to collect fresh hay from the fields, a journey I’ve grown accustomed to over the years. I am, after all, a powerful draft horse, built for hauling loads, pulling heavy plows and wagons, and sometimes even carting heavy goods into town. This year, we've also started transporting barrels of barley to the bustling local mill, where I hear it's made into a delectable drink called "beer." Duncan says it’s very popular with the humans, though I haven't been able to get my hooves on a taste yet!
Then there's the thrill of racing down the countryside with the wind whistling through my mane, accompanied by the rhythmic clatter of Duncan’s boots as he runs alongside me. We gallop through the rolling Scottish hills, the air a blend of fragrant heather and fresh dew. It's these exhilarating moments that make the work worthwhile, reminding me that life is not all toil and sweat.
News from the Wider World
But 1716 isn’t all about our quiet farm life. There’s a world of horse news bubbling out there!
This year, I've heard tell of a rather peculiar happening on the other side of the island in England. Apparently, a brave new form of racing has emerged. They call it the "National Hunt," where riders take to the field with their mounts, jumping over all sorts of obstacles – fences, hedges, ditches, you name it! This new breed of "jump racing" is gaining immense popularity. Even in our corner of Scotland, there’s a buzz in the stables about these daring contests, and even our old nag, Ben, dreams of leaping over fences, albeit at a much slower pace. I’ll confess to a twinge of curiosity, even a slight pang of longing for those fields of England and a glimpse at this exciting new form of racing. Perhaps, one day, if I’m feeling very bold, I'll even take on a hurdle!
Horses in the News
My human friend, a keen reader who frequents the village pub, tells me that horses are more than just our humble roles in agriculture. Horses are even making a name for themselves in the news this year. I heard of an event, "The Ascot Races," where horses and their riders take part in a grand race under the watchful eyes of the aristocracy. This particular race, my human tells me, is known as the “King’s Plate” and draws a crowd from all over the kingdom. Can you imagine – humans spending whole days watching us run in grand races?!
But it's not all fun and games, you know. Horses also play vital roles in various battles fought in Europe this year. My human friend told me that even royalty is on horseback, with tales of Queen Anne and her faithful steed taking to the fields alongside brave knights in full armor!
Fashion for Our Fellows
Speaking of horses, even in our world, the changing seasons mean changes to our style, with an emphasis on beauty and practical needs. It’s not just human fashion that’s taking flight, dear readers!
This autumn, my coat, once shimmering under the summer sun, has been replaced by a velvety soft coat for the winter chills. To ensure I stay warm during these long nights, I’ve also grown a beautiful thick coat that will protect me from the cold winds that blow through the Highlands.
My human, with his unwavering care, has made sure to wrap my legs in thick wools for added protection. He tells me it’s like wearing stylish “boots,” which is much needed given how our feet get chilly after a hard day of work in the fields.
As for fashion accessories, my braided mane and tail, the pride and joy of any horse, receive the same amount of meticulous attention as the newest fashions for the human ladies in town. After all, looking fabulous is essential, wouldn't you say?
Looking Forward to a New Year
And so, the days roll by as gracefully as the waves on the nearby sea, with each new sunrise bringing new challenges and opportunities. Whether I'm pulling the plough or galloping across the fields with Duncan, or simply enjoying a well-earned nap in the stable, each day offers something new. It’s a reminder that, even in 1716, the world is ever-changing.
I do believe this has been a particularly memorable year for us equines, with news from far-flung lands and innovative ways for horses to demonstrate their talents. And I look forward to new adventures in the year to come, sharing tales of horse life, triumphs, and our simple, honest way of life with you on this little blog of mine.
Until next time, stay safe and happy, and never forget the power and grace of a good horse!
Love, Emma
www.equiworld.org
