By Emma, a Grey Draught Mare from Hayfield
Greetings fellow equine enthusiasts!
It’s Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood grey draught mare from the picturesque Hayfield, nestled just outside Aberdeen. It’s been another whirlwind of a year, full of adventure, discovery, and a fair bit of hay munching (as always, of course). I’m back to share my musings on all things horse-related, right here in the heart of 1805!
If you’re looking for a dose of historical perspective on our beloved world, saddle up and let’s journey together. I’ve got plenty of anecdotes and observations about our fascinating lives – from the stables to the fields, and even a little bit about those intriguing humans.
Hayfield News and Notes:
This year has been exceptionally busy for me. The weather’s been as unpredictable as ever, with a dash of sun, a sprinkling of showers, and a gust or two of Scottish wind thrown in for good measure. Still, it's good to be close to my beloved hayfield – the lush green pastures are truly the best in the land. Our days here in Hayfield are usually filled with hauling materials to and from the nearby quarries and mills. It’s back-breaking work, I tell you! But nothing a good scrub, a satisfying feed, and a neigh to a fellow mare can't remedy.
The humans seem particularly occupied this year. There’s a new crop of young lads being trained to handle us – not quite as confident or skilled as their older brethren, but learning fast, all the same. We give them a good neigh of encouragement as they stumble through the initial stages.
One young lad, whose name I believe is Davie, has a particular fondness for me. He calls me “Lady Emma,” which always gives me a warm fuzzy feeling. Perhaps it’s the white of my mane and tail, so gleaming against my grey coat, or perhaps it's the gentle way I pull my cart. Whatever the reason, he’s a good one – gentle, considerate, and doesn't pull too hard on the reins. He even gives me extra carrots!
Wider World Insights
As if Hayfield isn’t exciting enough, I hear snippets from the other horses travelling through. The news spreads like wildfire, travelling along trade routes, from stable to stable. Apparently, this year has been a very active one for all of us equine folks across the globe.
Over in England
It’s clear that we're enjoying a period of increasing recognition and popularity amongst the English folks. They’re starting to appreciate the true strength and beauty of us draught horses, favouring our reliable build and muscular power for pulling heavy wagons and carriages. Some of the most respected racehorses of the year, like "Warwick" and "Belshazzar,” were sired by the famous racehorse, "Eclipse”. I imagine they're the envy of many a stallion!
Across the Seas
Across the great pond in the Americas, I hear of things even more remarkable! Word is that a stallion named "Messenger," an impressive creature of a fiery bay colour, has established himself as a legend amongst their horses. He’s said to have sired several notable breeds in his own right. What a champion!
I have it on good authority that America, as vast and wild as it is, is becoming a true haven for horses, with the country being covered with pastures and grasslands fit for a king. Now, that sounds like a fine life for a horse.
More Than Muscle: Our Connection to Humanity
But it’s not all about strength and speed. The most compelling news I've gathered this year centres around our role in human history and the unique connection we share.
The stories that circulate through the horse grapevine talk of extraordinary events happening this year - Napoleon’s grand campaign is a prime example. They say he marches his mighty army of cavalry across Europe – all those valiant steeds galloping and charging under the leadership of great generals. It’s said they’ve even reached Austria and Italy.
This whole situation makes me both proud of the equine contribution, but also nervous! There are murmurs about the battles raging and casualties amongst the ranks. Sadly, war can have a cruel hand.
But the Stories Also Remind Us of What's Good
Thankfully, not all tales from this year are steeped in hardship. The humans continue to value us. We've played our part in carrying goods, mail, and messages – essentially, we are a key ingredient to their growing civilization. We move them from one place to another, carrying their burdens and their dreams along the way. I do believe the bond between horses and humans is becoming stronger, more intertwined with each passing day.
And you know, as I sit here in the golden evening light of Hayfield, I couldn't help but ponder upon this bond. It isn’t simply about the utility, the physical power, but the deep emotional connection we share. The stories of trust, companionship, and sheer camaraderie make me proud to be a part of it. It's a truly special relationship, a story worth telling for years to come.
Here's to 1805 and a future filled with hay-stuffed bellies, contented neighs, and a bond between humans and horses that runs as strong and free as a proud draught horse!
Happy trails, friends, and may your next year be as good as your last!
~Emma, your trusty Grey Draught Mare from Hayfield.
