Hello fellow equine enthusiasts!
It's Emma here, writing from my lovely home in Hayfield, near Aberdeen, Scotland. It's been a rather splendid year, a veritable symphony of smells and sounds, punctuated by the occasional hearty snort. For those of you new to my blog, I'm a young grey draught mare with a white mane and tail, born in the year 1702, which makes me 20 this year. You could say I've seen quite a bit in my time! And let me tell you, 1722 has been a year for the books!
This post, my dear friends, is about my personal reflections on the year, about what's happening in the horse world across the land. From the cobbled streets of London to the rugged Highlands, the life of a horse in 1722 is certainly a busy one!
So buckle up, my little darlings! (Please excuse the pun - I couldn't resist, it's such a thoroughbred way to start, wouldn't you agree?). It's time for another jaunt through horse history!
A Busy Life in Hayfield
The world is full of scents this year - the tang of the heather on the hills, the rich earthiness of freshly plowed fields, and of course, the sweet hay and oats that nourish our bellies. Here in Hayfield, life is full of chores and adventures.
I am, after all, a working horse! I help pull the plough, haul wagons loaded with timber from the nearby woods, and on quieter days, I haul the heavy millstone, grinding grain for our master's family and for the villagers. It's satisfying work, demanding yet fulfilling. I love feeling the strain of the heavy harness as I pull and pull, my hooves firm and strong on the ground.
These days, we are learning a new task - hauling stones for the building of a new stable for our younger stablemates. The work is demanding, but the prospect of a newer, more comfortable shelter brings a twinkle to our collective equine eyes. It will be a boon to the farm, particularly in the harsh Scottish winters.
The master, a kind man with eyes that hold the twinkle of distant storms, often takes me for long rides along the craggy cliffs overlooking the North Sea. The wind whips my mane and tail as we gallop along the coast, a feeling of pure freedom. The world, for those moments, feels limitless!
Life on the Roads: A Whirlwind of Journeys
You see, dear readers, it's not just about work and play in this life! It's also about journey, about exploration, about connecting the corners of this grand, beautiful land. This year, I have been privileged to be part of such a journey!
My master had a call from a man in Edinburgh. They say this man is a 'Duke', a title we horses seem to encounter often. But, in truth, I never quite grasp the meaning of these titles. What is 'Duke', after all? An exceptionally grand hayfield, perhaps? Or a very important meadow filled with especially sweet wildflowers?
Regardless, our journey began a few weeks back, and the roads have been brimming with travellers. I see all manner of horses, some sleek and swift with gleaming coats, pulling fine coaches, others, like myself, powerful, stoic, carrying vital goods from one corner of the country to another. The landscape shifts around us as we travel - lush fields giving way to stark mountain passes, ancient forests leading to busy city streets.
The Wonders of Edinburgh:
We reached Edinburgh, a place unlike any other, where stone houses tower above bustling cobbled streets, the scent of food mingling with the sea air. The streets teem with people, their laughter mingling with the clip-clop of hooves and the calls of vendors. I am dwarfed by buildings and bridges, so large that their outlines graze the very clouds!
But among the bustle, there is also an undercurrent of tension, the murmurings of unrest among the townsfolk. We learn that 'Duke' of Edinburgh has some differences with his neighbour 'King George' in London. This all sounds very dramatic, doesn’t it? And the gossip amongst horses whispers about the possibility of conflict between these mighty rulers. It makes for a rather anxious feeling, doesn't it?
Meeting Other Equines on the Road:
On our return journey, we met a travelling pack of ponies, small but hardy creatures from the Isle of Skye, renowned for their resilience in rough weather. Their eyes held the spark of wildness and their coats shimmered with the vibrant hues of the highlands. Their tales were a source of fascination to me. We spoke of the sea storms, the grazing lands, and their incredible endurance as they carried heavy loads over rugged terrain. They taught me, a powerful draft horse, to appreciate the value of lightness and agility. It is amazing how much can be learned from the smallest of beings.
We even encountered a rather elegant palomino horse named Celeste, with a shimmering gold coat and a mane so thick and lustrous it appeared to be spun from the finest threads. She, however, is of a gentler breed - a thoroughbred. The difference in our strengths and skills, however, only serves to inspire. What an honour it is to share these roads and to learn from so many different types of horses, each so magnificent in their own right.
Horses of 1722: A Mosaic of Skills and Passions
From our working draught horses like myself, to the graceful thoroughbreds and sturdy mountain ponies, each of us serves a different purpose. The variety is remarkable, truly a mosaic of strengths and skills.
The thoroughbreds, it is said, excel in racing. I imagine it must be exhilarating - that burst of speed, that rush of adrenaline, the wind tearing through your mane. Though I am more suited for strength and hauling than running, there's a touch of longing in my heart.
In my travels, I saw horses working for the military, strong and bold, hauling cannons and guarding borders, a majestic sight in their scarlet uniforms. Others, nimble and sure-footed, worked as pack horses, navigating rough terrain and bringing vital supplies to far-off settlements. Then there are those whose beauty captivates all they meet. They grace the stables of the elite, carriage horses, perfectly trained and elegant, a testament to the fine art of horsemanship.
What the Future Holds...
As the year comes to an end, my thoughts turn to the future. I can't help but wonder about the fate of this world, a world where humans and horses seem so closely bound. I hope this sense of togetherness persists, that the harmony of our shared work continues for many years to come.
And of course, I hope to learn more! My own journey is just beginning, and I look forward to more experiences, new scents, and different kinds of horses with their own stories to share. I can't wait to meet them all.
Until next time, my fellow equine enthusiasts!
May your days be filled with the rustle of leaves in the wind, the satisfying clink of bridles, and the feel of warm sun on your coat!
Goodbye, for now!
Your friend, Emma.
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