Greetings, fellow equines and equine enthusiasts!
Emma here, your favourite grey draught mare with the white mane and tail, from Hayfield near Aberdeen. It's a brisk morning, and the sun is painting the heather hills in a thousand shades of purple. As I stand in my stable, my ears twitching at the sounds of the farm waking up, I feel the urge to jot down some of the things I've learned about our equine world this year, 1858. It's a year that, while quiet here in the Scottish highlands, has witnessed some exciting developments for our kind across the globe!
The year started off with the usual bustle. Winter had brought snow and ice, but spring is here now, and I've been busy with my duties, pulling the cart for Farmer MacGregor. It’s a good life, this life of service. There's nothing I enjoy more than the feel of the wind in my mane and the weight of the harvest on my back.
However, there are whispers in the breeze, stories carried from the far-off cities by the merchants and their wagons. This year, a new railway has been completed, linking London to the outskirts of Aberdeen. The merchants say it's faster, cleaner, and quieter than travelling by horse. I can’t say I believe them, of course, as the sound of horses’ hooves, and the smell of straw and manure, is as natural to me as the sky itself. However, this new ‘iron horse’ does mean the old, dusty road between Hayfield and Aberdeen will see fewer carriages now, which is perhaps a blessing! Fewer jolts for us.
The biggest news this year was about a show held in the London, a show just for horses. The Great Metropolitan Horse Show, they call it. It was a grand affair, where the finest steeds in all of Britain were gathered, to show off their grace and beauty. I understand that a grey stallion named “Champion,” won the Best Horse competition - how grand! Perhaps next year I’ll find a way to travel south, to see such magnificent animals myself!
And what about us draughty steeds? Well, we're still working hard in the fields, pulling ploughs and hauling goods. But, thankfully, a lot of people still think highly of our breed. One interesting thing I learned is that people are making more of an effort to understand our anatomy.
They're studying how we move, the shape of our feet, even how our legs work in tandem. It's good to know they’re striving to learn, not only about our abilities, but also about our health and well-being. I hope it will help to prevent the dreadful “shoulder lameness” which still plagues some of our kind.
But I’m getting carried away with all these new and important developments. Let's not forget the joy of simple things!
Summer is here, the days are longer, and the air is warm with the scent of wild thyme and hay. In a few weeks, I'll be helping with the hay harvest. I can already smell the sweet aroma of dried grass! The rolling fields of Hayfield will soon turn a warm golden colour. We work hard during this time of year, but there’s also joy. The feel of sun on my coat, the taste of fresh clover, and the companionship of my fellow horses makes me happy indeed. I particularly love our evening gatherings. We congregate under the star-studded sky, sharing stories of the day's adventures, swapping tips for outsmarting the barn cats (they are such cheeky little devils, always trying to steal our oats!), and indulging in tales of heroic steeds, knights and dragons - oh how we all love those stories!
Even the farmer's children are filled with the stories of heroic equines this year! My dear human companions have told me the story of Black Beauty. This brave horse, lost in the city streets, with his journey from a pampered colt to a weary but well-loved horse, has touched the hearts of people everywhere. And why wouldn't it? I can only imagine how difficult it must be for a horse to face the harsh world of human cities without their guidance and understanding.
Black Beauty's story, however, isn't a purely tragic tale. He reminds me of something else important - a horse’s spirit. Despite the hardship, he continued to seek love, care and the companionship of other horses. His story teaches us about the value of perseverance and kindliness.
The people have spoken. Horses, we are told, will remain a crucial part of life in these times, for farm and for leisure. That's something to be grateful for. With the new railway system in place, though, we’re going to be more than ever an important part of a dynamic and ever-changing world. And even though we may need to adapt to the new world of steam and iron, let us not forget our core, let us not forget our strength, our grace, our love for our human companions and our own kin. We are horses, and there is a power within us, an essential role for us in this world. We are the heart and soul of the country, and will forever be!
So here's to you, dear readers, from the Highlands of Scotland, from a grey mare with a white mane and tail. Until next time, keep your hooves strong, your hearts open, and your spirit proud.
Your faithful scribe, Emma
