Welcome, fellow equines and horse-lovers!
It’s Emma here, from the bonnie highlands of Scotland, near the bustling little town of Aberdeen. A crisp autumn breeze whispers through the heather, painting the landscape with shades of fiery orange and deep red. The air is sharp, with the tang of peat smoke carried on the wind, a comforting smell that tells me winter is on its way.
As I stand in the field, munching on the last sweet grass before the cold sets in, I can’t help but feel grateful for a life well-lived. My name, if you please, is Emma, a twenty-year-old grey draught mare, with a mane and tail the colour of fresh snow, flowing like a silver waterfall down my back.
You see, this year, 1744, has been quite a year, packed full of adventure, hard work, and most importantly, a deep sense of contentment. The days are shorter now, and the sun sets with a dramatic flourish of red and gold, painting the sky like a grand portrait. It’s a time for reflection, and what better way to spend these peaceful evenings than reminiscing over the memories of the past year, as a grey mare does?
A Year of Pulling My Weight:
This year has been, shall I say, a busy one, what with pulling the plough for the spring planting, hauling the heavy loads of hay and barley from the fields to the farm, and, of course, helping to pull the farmer’s wagon on long, dusty trips to market. It's always a bit of a struggle to get going in the early mornings, but once the sun warms my back, and I feel the rhythmic thud of my hooves on the road, the whole world seems to shift into place. There’s a deep satisfaction in knowing I’m playing my part in providing sustenance for the farm and the local village.
It's hard work, this draught horse life, but honest work. It brings with it the reward of the sweet smell of freshly turned earth, the thrill of feeling my muscles strain with the exertion of hauling a heavy load, the camaraderie of working with other horses like me, and the joy of being part of something bigger than myself.
Horses Across the Globe:
But it’s not all hard work, you know! I get my share of relaxation, too. In the evenings, as the stars begin to prick the velvet night sky, I like to lie down in the soft grass and watch the fireflies dance, tiny lanterns lighting up the dark. My friend, Fiona, a young filly with a fiery spirit, tells me she has read all about horses in faraway lands, where they are prized for their beauty and their ability to carry riders swiftly and gracefully.
She speaks of fiery Arabian stallions used for war, sleek Thoroughbreds used for racing, and the powerful Shire horses of England who pull majestic carriages. These stories fill her with dreams of a life of glamour, a far cry from the quiet life we live in Hayfield. I, however, am content. My heart belongs to this farm, to the smell of the soil, the feel of the wind in my mane, and the company of my fellow horses.
This year has been a particularly special one for the world of horses, too! There have been some exciting happenings!
The Horses of the Battlefield:
First, the great conflict, known as the War of the Austrian Succession, has reached a critical point, with skirmishes and battles fought across Europe. We've all heard tales from passing merchants, whispering tales of brave men fighting on horseback, charging into battle with the roar of cannons echoing around them. It’s a daunting prospect, but many believe it's a matter of honour and loyalty, with their horses beside them, fighting for their king and country. We all hope for a peaceful resolution soon.
Across the Sea, A Horse for a Queen:
Meanwhile, in the colonies across the great ocean, there is news of a majestic horse, a gift from the British Empire to Queen Isabella II of Spain! This magnificent stallion, a Spanish breed known for their elegant lines and regal bearing, was selected from the royal stables and given a special voyage to Spain.
We’ve all heard the story of the legendary Lipizzaner stallions who perform their majestic ballets at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. It’s quite something to hear!
More Than Just Work:
We even have the first Horse Society forming in London this year! Now, that’s a new one! It’s a group dedicated to the advancement of breeding, training, and showing, with a focus on improving the quality of horses. This is sure to bring a lot of attention to horses all across the land, making us all a bit more famous. Who knows, maybe even Hayfield might see some fame for its quality draught horses!
But for me, it’s still about the quiet moments, the familiar rhythm of work, the sound of wind through the heather, and the soft rumble of a nearby stream. The farm has always been my home, and I am grateful for every sunrise, every hay bale, and every moment spent with my fellow horses. This is the life I know, the life I love, and it is a good life.
As we head into winter, may all your oats be plentiful and your stables warm. Remember, we are the sturdy steeds, the heart and muscle of the land. Our history, our stories, they are our own, woven into the fabric of the world. And as long as we live, these tales will continue to be told, with each new generation of horses carrying the weight of our heritage.
Until next time, stay warm and be well!
Your friend,
Emma, the Hayfield Grey
