Greetings, fellow equines!
Emma here, a 20-year-old grey mare with a snow-white mane and tail. It's been a busy year for us here in Hayfield, near Aberdeen in bonnie Scotland. I wouldn't say I'm old, you see. They say a draught horse like me could live to be thirty, with good care and a sensible work schedule, and I still have the energy of a much younger mare!
The world's changing, you know? Just last year, I hauled stones for the construction of a brand new mill – all powered by water! My owners are ever so proud, they are. They claim the miller says I'm "stronger than ten men" – I just snort, and tug the harness with even more gusto. The sight of water churning the wheel is remarkable, but that's nothing compared to what I see in the stable when I'm done with my chores. The young horses all go on about "The Horseman" – a publication from London about the latest in all things equines. They swoon over his latest musings on the most desirable steeds of the age. I'm not quite sure I understand the excitement – my job is quite fulfilling, you see. I love helping my humans and feel like a proper contributor to our community.
And this year, they tell me… the King of France has lost his head! A grand, powerful, wealthy king, toppled. Imagine the change! His men, I hear, wore horses in brilliant, flashy armour, marching about with great pride. I saw some fine lads come marching through Aberdeen a few months back – no shiny armour though. Not a lot of that nowadays. Their clothes looked like simple farm workers – hard men, but it seemed to me they had none of the bravado, and instead walked with solemn, serious faces.
But enough about these grand, and strange, happenings! I have my own stable gossip to share, you see! The finest stallions around have been sold, by order of the noble lord, to improve the quality of our horses in the region. My friends and I have our own views, of course, on whether such improvements are necessary! Why change a winning formula, you know? But still, this lord says it's vital, and even His Royal Highness agrees, I've heard! Who are we to disagree with the King? He has many fine horses, from his London stables, so clearly knows a thing or two. It does sound intriguing though! Perhaps these newcomers are particularly brave and nimble, more accustomed to city life? We can always benefit from sharing our experiences.
I digress! Back to our stables…The world of the horses is certainly ever-evolving! I find myself fascinated by all of the latest discussions amongst the young lads: the art of horseshoeing, the different uses for horse-drawn carriages (which I’m delighted to say are becoming increasingly common throughout our region), and the importance of keeping our feet healthy and well-groomed. One mare here, with particularly sharp hooves, claimed the new farrier had made them “sleek and polished like the King’s carriage!” He must be quite a fellow, if that’s true! I have been thinking of asking about this…perhaps he has a particular magic trick to impart? We grey mares know how to use our legs! But enough about the lads. Our kind aren't just the strong ones, you see…the gentle, the delicate and beautiful steeds are also appreciated and adored by many, for their grace and refinement.
Speaking of refinement, did you know there's a movement brewing, quite literally, all the way in London? The London Society for the Encouragement of the Improvement of the Breed of Horses, no less! They're hosting events and exhibitions for all sorts of equestrian displays. Races, carriage parades, even competitions testing horse skills and knowledge! Apparently, they even use this new "horse-riding" in some of these games. Who knew! One would think we are all simply tools for hauling, plowing, or transport! It is said the nobility takes particular interest in these feats.
You won't believe this... but it seems my human is considering sending me south to compete in one of these "events" in London! She says my temperament, stamina and elegance would suit the displays very well. Me! A hefty grey workhorse in London? The world’s already such a wondrous place, with endless green fields, crisp air and bustling villages to traverse. Could a simple mare like myself truly enjoy a world so far removed from the one I know? It sounds positively grand and intriguing, of course, but would it suit my nature? Who can say.
We live and learn, eh? And that, dear friends, is the great wonder of the world! A great mix of routine and new adventures, for a hard working mare like myself. Perhaps the next blog post will come from London? I can always find a few minutes to pen my thoughts whilst I rest. Perhaps in time I can return here, with all my new London experiences to share, to these fertile lands, and the friendly faces I already cherish.
*Until next time, stay strong and healthy my fellow equines! *
- Emma, Hayfield, Scotland.
