A gentle neigh to all you lovely steeds!
My name's Emma, and I'm a grey draught mare. If you were to ask me to describe myself, I'd say I'm about twenty years old, strong as an oak tree, and my coat shimmers like moonlight on a snowy field. Oh, and I have the most fabulous white mane and tail – pure silk, every strand.
Today, I want to tell you all about my life here in Hayfield, a little village tucked away near Aberdeen. It's a beautiful part of the world, all rolling hills, green meadows, and the most amazing clear streams. And the heather, oh the heather, it perfumes the air in the springtime!
A Busy Life, Filled with Horses
Life for a draught horse here in 1721 is hard work, but honest work. I mostly spend my days pulling carts and plows, hauling the heavy loads that keep our little village running. There are other grey mares and handsome brown stallions in the stables here, each with their own job. My friend, a handsome chestnut called Jacob, pulls the milk cart every morning to deliver fresh milk from the local dairy to all the families. And our newest member, a beautiful black filly named Luna, is still learning the ropes of cart pulling - she's a real sweetie with a playful spirit!
The Thrill of the Fair
Once a year, life becomes a whirlwind of excitement - it's the time of the local fair! Imagine the buzz - hundreds of people flocking into town, carriages rattling down the cobbled streets, and everywhere you look, there are more horses!
I always look forward to these occasions, as do my fellow Hayfield horses. It's our time to shine! While some of my companions take a break from pulling and are decorated with ribbons and bells, ready to entertain with their tricks, I'm always on the road, pulling a wagon packed with beautiful, colourful fabric from the weavers in town.
Horses for all occasions:
This year's fair was something else! They even had a "Horse Show", a magnificent event where they gathered some of the most majestic steeds in the county for the local folks to admire. My favourite was the sleek black stallion with flowing black mane and tail. He was built for speed and strength - truly a magnificent creature!
It seems that even with all the latest gadgets that humans create – wheels, carts, and wagons – we horses remain a vital part of their lives. We're used for everything from carrying mail to pulling farm equipment and, of course, for hauling goods in their shops.
Horses and Humans, A Powerful Partnership:
Something that fascinates me is how deeply connected humans are to horses. Even those who live far from a farm understand the importance of horses in their lives. Without them, life would be vastly different.
But what makes the bond between horse and human truly remarkable, I think, is the trust they have in us. They climb onto our backs, they allow us to carry their young children, and they rely on our strength and intelligence to navigate even the roughest terrain. The understanding we share, it’s a powerful and humbling thing.
Learning new things: From Saddle to Harness:
You know, back in the day, my grandmother, a powerful brown mare called Bess, used to carry riders on her back, something we drafters are now not really needed to do anymore. These are the “saddle horses,” those that are lighter and nimble, bred to run, leap and carry riders over distances. She told stories about trotting through the woods, galloping across vast meadows, and carrying their brave masters on hunts.
I guess with the invention of “harness” – the ropes and straps designed to harness our power for pulling – we've kind of transitioned into being these strong workers, hauling and pulling. It's rewarding to be part of such a strong bond.
A world beyond Hayfield:
Even though we spend most of our days here in Hayfield, the world outside always seems to beckon. The fishermen from our village head to the sea and come back with tales of the wild waves and the incredible creatures they encounter there. I even heard a rumour about a sea creature called a “horse,” but the description sounded a little strange, with smooth, sleek skin instead of fur. Perhaps some day I'll get to see one!
More than just working:
I often find myself staring out across the hills, thinking about all the other horses out there, working hard, playing, maybe even finding adventure. Perhaps there's a sleek racehorse in some faraway city, with its powerful muscles and graceful gait, racing against time. Maybe a brave warhorse in a distant land is protecting their home from enemies, its spirit indomitable. Or a kind palomino horse in a foreign village carrying a doctor to a sick child.
It truly warms my heart to think that we horses, even though we may not share words, have a powerful and meaningful connection to the world. And for that, I am most grateful.
Till next time, fellow equines, I’ll be off to munch on my oats, but be sure to check back for more adventures in my world. Keep on neighing!
Emma
