Greetings from Hayfield, near Aberdeen, dear fellow equines!
As the summer sun warms the heather hills and the wind whips through my mane, I thought it was time for a little history lesson. You see, as a draught horse, it's in my nature to remember the past, to carry the weight of our lineage on my sturdy shoulders. So, this month, I'm going to take you on a trip down memory lane, back to the year 1904. I'd just turned twenty then, a mature young mare with the wisdom of my kind in my heart, ready to face a world of pulling and hauling and all that life had to offer.
1904 was a busy year in the world, dear reader. They call it the dawn of the "motor car," a contraption with wheels, powered by something called "petrol," which seems to have caused quite the stir! The horse and carriage, which have been our mode of transport for centuries, were being challenged. Even in my little corner of Scotland, I saw carriages with fewer horses than before, even the odd horseless contraption darting by! It was enough to make even a grey mare like me nervous!
However, do not fret, dear reader! Horses like me were not out of a job yet! Even with these strange new contraptions buzzing around, the need for good, strong draught horses still prevailed, particularly in rural areas like Hayfield. My day started before the sun peeked over the hill. With the crisp Scottish air tingling in my nostrils, I was harnessed to the wagon, ready to pull the day's load of supplies to the local markets in Aberdeen. Oh, the stories I've heard from the old, wise cobs on the Aberdeen docks - tales of great sailing ships coming from lands afar, and bustling marketplaces overflowing with fruits and vegetables from warmer shores. Their words, like the aroma of salt air, linger in my memory, a testament to the connection between man and horse.
And remember, a draught horse's life wasn't all work. We were the heart of our little communities, used for hauling, plowing, and yes, even for leisure. In the evenings, as the sky began to paint itself with shades of crimson and violet, the blacksmith, Mr. McLeod, would often let me graze in his field while he talked about the day's news, his laughter as melodic as the tinkling of his forge. The scent of metal and the sound of his hammer were familiar to my nose and ears, just as the scent of hay and the warm earth were to the others in the field.
One particular memory that brings a smile to my equine face is the day I helped with the "Horse Show" in nearby Banchory. The sun was bright that day, and the air thrummed with excitement. Horses of all colours, shapes and sizes paraded themselves for the judges, strutting their stuff, all hoping to impress! I even met a young chestnut filly who showed remarkable jumping skills - an agile and graceful creature with an amazing leap, so high it was almost comical to watch! The whole event buzzed with excitement and competition. To see horses like me showcased for their skills, strength, and beauty - it filled me with a deep sense of pride.
However, life wasn't always just showmanship and parades. In the world beyond my familiar Hayfield, even then in 1904, the dark clouds of war gathered on the horizon. In the heart of Europe, there was talk of growing tensions. I've seen these wars, dear reader. I've seen the devastating effects of battles, seen how war tears through families and communities. And I can't help but worry, just like many humans do, about the effect these events will have on us all, both equine and human.
I do believe, dear reader, that no matter what changes the future brings, the connection between horse and human will remain strong, built on trust, shared work, and mutual respect. Just as the ocean tides come and go, we remain steadfast. Our strong backs and gentle hearts will always be ready to serve, whether in the bustling marketplaces of Aberdeen, on the fertile fields of Hayfield, or in the hearts and minds of all those who cherish horses.
So, until next month, my dear reader, keep your head held high, your hooves firmly planted on the ground, and your hearts open to the world around you! I, Emma, hope your lives will be filled with happy memories and that, like me, you will cherish the lessons of the past.
**Yours in friendship and hoofs,
Emma.**
