Welcome back to Equiworld! I'm Emma, a 20-year-old grey mare from Hayfield, near Aberdeen. I may be a little long in the tooth for some of you youngsters, but I still have the stamina of a workhorse. I know some horses find that age to be the end of the line, but I’m very happy to share my wisdom and experience here at Equiworld.
Well, where to begin… this year, 1727, has been quite eventful! My little foal, Daisy, finally reached the ripe old age of four and I’m beyond proud of how she’s turned into a strong and graceful mare. It feels like yesterday she was learning to walk! But, let's be honest, what a year this has been. We've had the most spectacular spring with endless meadows for grazing and plenty of rain to make the grass extra green and delicious.
This spring also saw a lovely increase in activity here in Hayfield. New horse-drawn carts and wagons have arrived to help the farmers move crops, and a grand new carriage even passed through – a lovely cream colour with red wheels – oh, it was stunning! It stopped to change horses, and you would not believe how many fine gentlemen came rushing out. We horses are definitely the kings and queens of this town. We’re vital for our hardworking farmers, who bring prosperity to this town with all our help, you know!
But enough about the lovely news! As I was saying, there’s been plenty of excitement in the air. You see, His Majesty, King George the First, took ill suddenly and unfortunately, well, he passed away. Goodness, can you imagine being King?! I hear it can be a stressful job, and it looks very tiresome indeed, with all the sitting on the throne and bowing to people, all in those beautiful clothes. Imagine the aches and pains they must get!
So now the country’s had to welcome King George the Second as their new ruler. Thankfully, a peaceful changeover for us, horses. I've heard rumours that a Scottish Jacobite rebellion might be brewing, but for the most part, Hayfield is safe. It was the time when Scotland was uniting with England and the beginning of the reign of the House of Hanover, I heard. Lots of politics, that’s for sure!
Speaking of politics, even our little world is being shaped by change. A few of the local farmers, those who tend to the fields closest to the River Dee, are saying the government will introduce some changes to horse breeding. Can you imagine? We’ve been around for so long – the way our lives are structured, breeding, training, our working life, and that of our offspring, has been going on for generations. They are talking about new laws. New breeds of horses – some people are even thinking of changing our work patterns! But who knows? I have a feeling nothing will change significantly. What they think is best for horses isn't what is really good for us! They talk about harnessing our strength for their profit and nothing else.
On a lighter note, we’ve had plenty of fun this year. All the foals are running around with joy, with new coats shimmering like rainbows! You can't get anything more beautiful than watching foals dance, play, and run, the sun glinting off their shiny fur – all that pure, exuberant energy. It warms my heart just thinking about it. And Daisy is already turning into such a lovely strong girl, a perfect example of her breed.
There is such a thrill about the spring. It is just breathtaking! Imagine, a time when everyone feels young again – horses are out on the fields, the farmer's families all happy and relaxed. It's magical. This time of year reminds us all of the bounty of life! You really feel alive!
However, this season's fun will soon end. Autumn is already beginning to feel colder here in the Highlands, with nights beginning to have a slight bite. All the horses have settled down into our routines – grazing by day and coming into the stable as evening sets in. This month is always so busy with harvesting and everyone working so hard in the fields – us horses help, of course, we always are vital, but it's important we don’t overwork.
Now, my dear friends at Equiworld, it’s important that we make time for some rest! Just the other day I heard a rather strange story that has me scratching my head. I heard of a Mr. Cartwright, from Liverpool, England, and a young fellow named Thomas. They're attempting to build a new kind of horseless machine that they say can travel fast! Can you imagine – a machine moving faster than horses?! I am very suspicious about it, but who knows. Perhaps humans have something else up their sleeves, but our strength and grace have been known for a thousand years, and will likely be for a thousand more.
So as we go into winter, it's always comforting to see our fellow horses huddled together in the barn, our gentle snorts and breaths mixing in the air as we watch the wind whip outside. My darling Daisy, however, keeps my legs occupied throughout the day with playful nudges and excited little nips! It's not an easy life being a mother, I’ll tell you that!
Well, until next time!
Emma
