Hello fellow equines, it's Emma here, writing from my lovely stable in Hayfield. It’s been a busy year, filled with exciting news and the gentle rhythm of life on the farm, and I just have to share it all with you!
Now, let's rewind the clock a bit, back to 1737, a year when the world seemed just a little quieter than it is today. Not that quieter is a bad thing, you understand. We horses have always preferred a good, steady pace and a sense of calm - a gentle rumble rather than a frantic gallop.
Well, this year in Hayfield was as gentle as can be, if I do say so myself. The heather was blooming in a magnificent purple swathe, a feast for the eyes (and a delightful munch, if you're not too picky). The days were long, stretching into twilight, the sun painting the hills with a rosy glow as it dipped below the horizon.
My work is a joy, and I do mean that. Every day I feel that deep satisfaction of helping those around me. Pulling the plough across the fields, transporting heavy burdens from one place to another, and yes, sometimes carrying the miller’s children on my broad back for a quick trot around the village. I am a strong girl, and my powerful frame comes in handy. There is an undeniable, heart-warming feeling knowing that your work makes a real difference.
You wouldn’t believe the fascinating stories I hear every day from my stable mate, Tom, the dapple grey mare. Now, Tom, she’s travelled, truly travelled! She used to pull a cart in London, which she claims is a bustling city filled with thousands of horses. Can you imagine? It must be quite a sight, seeing so many horses together! Tom tells me they carry everything imaginable - carts full of vegetables, goods, people! Even a great King called George resides in this city, she says. They call it Buckingham Palace. She seems to think the Queen enjoys her horse drawn carriage quite a lot.
The things I learn from this adventurous creature! Tom's tales about this “city of London” make me wish for a moment that I, too, could experience such a world. To see buildings taller than the tallest tree, hear the constant bustle of humanity, and smell the spices from exotic lands carried across the city on those same carts! My work is quite enough for me, but my mind wanders often to those unknown corners of the world.
Thankfully, this world of ours has been mostly quiet this year, in Hayfield at least. Our Scottish Parliament remains focused on keeping life here tranquil and safe. I did hear whisperings of “The Gentlemen's Agreement,” though I cannot claim to know much about it, nor do I wish to. But they tell me, this agreement concerns our cousins in the southern lands, the Spanish horses, who face troubles and threats from their powerful ruler. My heart goes out to those of my kind, struggling with injustice across the seas. It is important to me that all horses, be they the sleekest racehorses or the humble workhorse, should be treated with dignity and respect.
The quiet hum of our life here in Hayfield is exactly what I crave after a long day's work. You can practically hear the whispers of the heather under your hooves. As the sun dips below the horizon and a deep, gentle calmness settles on our countryside, the world feels wonderfully safe and peaceful. I've had time to catch up on my reading as well. There's a new publication called "The Ladies' Magazine," full of delightful recipes and even instructions for creating delightful little hats with horsehair for the ladies. It makes me proud, being able to contribute something as simple as my mane and tail to the world beyond the farm.
Even my youngest companion, young Jenny the pony, feels this peace in the air. Jenny's only three years old, and she is a curious creature full of boundless energy and the excitement of a new life. It fills my heart with joy to see her gallop across the field, the breeze tousling her chestnut mane. I try to teach her everything I know about being a good working horse, reminding her always to be patient, to enjoy the small things, and to lend a helping hoof to those in need.
But let's be honest, a little excitement is always welcomed, even for us horses! I heard the most remarkable tale about some daring riders and their adventures on their fine horses. They were crossing a huge mountain range, and apparently they faced snowstorms, fierce winds, and freezing temperatures! This group called themselves “Gentlemen of the Road” and apparently used their horses to carry messages between towns. I imagine they must have been brave indeed! You can hear their bravery just by hearing those words, can’t you? And their fine horses too, must have been something special, with their stamina and strength. They make me think of those sturdy mountain ponies of Scotland, my brethren. We share a strength and resilience that allows us to face any weather or challenge.
While Hayfield remains a gentle place, far from the world of snow and wind, and these daring riders, it is nice to know that a world exists outside this peaceful place. Perhaps next year, Tom, we’ll head down south together and visit the bustling streets of London? A horse can dream, after all! Until next time, my dear readers! Stay safe, stay strong, and keep those hooves trotting.
