My name is Emma, and I'm a grey draught mare. I'm just turning twenty this year, and let me tell you, twenty is the perfect age for a horse like me. I've got a nice thick coat, a strength that's hard-earned and a temperament that could melt butter. You can find me in Hayfield, a wee place near Aberdeen, and if you’re looking for a willing and strong mare, you need look no further!
The world outside of Hayfield is full of change and opportunity. This year is all about hard work for most horses. Our world is in the hands of those who put a saddle on us, a cart in front of us, or who yoke us to the plough. In these parts of the world, we are the strength of Scotland’s farms, carrying loads of wheat and barley, or pulling the heavy plough through the fertile earth. We bring families their harvests and help keep the country fed, and for that, I am very proud!
Over on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, I hear that horses are experiencing life differently, a far cry from my life here. You see, in America, a little less than a hundred years ago, they had the wild horses - the wild mustangs as they called them. Wild horses are something I’ve heard whispered about from older horses. Now, those mustangs are tamed and help American people across many fields of work. Horses like me here in Hayfield can only dream of such adventures.
However, as you read on in this year's blog post, you’ll see that we aren’t limited to hard labour. This year, the world of horses sees the introduction of a delightful sport - a sport with no less than four horses! Imagine, racing, trotting, and the roar of the crowd all happening simultaneously, four horses strong. I can imagine nothing more exciting and am just waiting for someone here to give it a try. Maybe they even already are, over in the English side of the world! I’ve been reading through this exciting new pamphlet by Mr. Fitzwilliam and am thrilled.
Let’s see what’s happened across the lands in the year of our Lord 1717. I'll keep it short and sweet; this year was about keeping life simple, and my horses know what that's all about!
Our Lives In Hayfield: The Calm Before the Storm
In Hayfield, life for horses is as it always has been. I share a stable with about ten other horses – we get along swimmingly – we are, after all, neighbours! The routine of hard work and the rewards of simple living define our lives here, and there is no other way I would want it to be!
A couple of hours of grazing, then off to the fields. Then it’s back to the stable for a quick nap before it’s time to do it all again! My favourite part of each day is when Mr. Fraser arrives for his morning inspection of his horses. He's a kind soul with a gentle voice, and a genuine love for all his horses. He doesn't ask too much of us, just our honest effort – and we provide that in spades. We always ensure we keep our stables clean, we work tirelessly for him, and in return, we receive good feed and comfortable lodgings.
As a matter of fact, Mr. Fraser has even mentioned getting new feed and some straw to replace the old. That’s a true luxury for a horse like me! He’s always doing something to make our lives better! Mr. Fraser even spoke about a lovely saddle in town!
A Trip to Town
Speaking of the town, that’s a trip I haven’t made for some years. I think I may even ask Mr. Fraser if we can take a trip! My hooves and mane always shine brighter in town. All the shopkeepers fuss and fret over me. I bet there will be a lot to see this year, a whole new market set up with stalls where they trade a beautiful black saddle with my dear old friend, Mr. Henry's brown saddle.
And I hear there is something new called a "Coach House." Who knew people would even have an exclusive house for their carriage! This carriage house even features a little room for the horses!
Horses and The Big World - A Year of Change?
There's not a lot of news from the rest of the world, not from where I’ve been living at least. Mr. Fraser occasionally gets his information from the newspapers and often shares it with us. It seems there is much talk of a 'French war'. Now, this war has taken on several new forms in recent times.
As horses, we see how much is needed to keep the wars going. But, that’s beyond our pay grade; our work focuses on a much simpler world - bringing harvests to families and contributing to our towns' well-being.
There’s been talk that these new forms of war require different ways of war-making and a different set of horse abilities. They say we now need lighter horses, which aren't used to pulling loads, more for riding in quick marches and speedy gallops across the fields.
Horses And the Games
The big change I mentioned at the start of the post concerns this brand new “sports" arena for us horses. There is much talk this year about the creation of "The Races," where horses, or more specifically, our feet, are what matter most! It seems that, for the first time, we will be performing for the crowds in the 'arena' - racing across the fields in a grand event known as a "Grand Prix"!
These races take place in all four corners of the kingdom and all require different sorts of horses, it seems! I understand that this requires speed and stamina and not the kind of sturdy power that we've been built to do! Still, who knows? Maybe one day, if there’s ever time to experiment and a few weeks to train, even I, dear reader, may be able to compete in a race. I think I have some untapped potential that might surprise you! I'd just need some encouragement from Mr. Fraser, a new set of racing shoes, and a whole lot of practice.
There’s one specific place these races have taken place, called "Chester." They even say that the city boasts beautiful meadows - like an earthly heaven! Horses and spectators come together, and it seems everyone has fun and revels in the racing. The crowds roar with every footfall, as they cheer on the four fastest horses! Now that is an exhilarating thing, as I’m sure you will agree, my dear reader.
Let’s Talk about The World of Racing
One horse, a favourite of these races and in fact a horse that appears all through the kingdom is a chestnut horse. They call him "Sir" which is most definitely fancy. Sir stands as the ultimate victor! Not to mention the money he has won for his jockey! He's not just a pretty face; he's also incredibly speedy and has been trained for races ever since he was young, but the secret? His power comes from how carefully he listens to his rider and never falters! Now that’s some training I want to know more about! And, as luck would have it, his owner has put up his beautiful chestnut sire in a stall in a town not too far from here! If only I could have a good long talk with him...maybe I can get to his ears when his owner is not around.
Looking forward to next year!
I'll finish my blog with this thought: Horses across the world, we have seen great change and progress throughout the years and the start of these new sports that I have just talked about. I believe it will have a strong effect on us in years to come and, in many ways, make our lives, although already enjoyable, a more diverse and interesting one.
We are the horses. We are the power and the heart of the world. Thank you, for your continued reading and keep the hooves healthy, readers!
Stay well and goodbye for now, and I will update my blog post when the horses know more about what will happen in 1718! Keep the faith, and always believe that every year will be a step closer to being a better version of yourself!
