From Emma, a Grey Draught Mare with a Heart of Gold, in Hayfield, near Aberdeen
Hello, dear readers! I hope this finds you all well, your hooves healthy and your hearts happy. It's Emma here, with a new blog post, just for you, about the wonderful year of 1916!
It's a year that has etched itself into my memory, and not just because my coat is now gleaming with the proud silver of a mare entering her prime! 1916 was a year of change, of service, of sadness, and most of all, of unity.
You see, things have been changing around here, in the world of horses, and it's hard not to notice the rumbles of something big. You all know about the "war," the one everyone calls "The Great War," which seems to be going on in faraway lands across the seas. You'd think, living in the rolling hills of Scotland, that we would be immune to such a thing, wouldn't you?
But the war is here, in subtle ways. There's a sense of urgency in the air, and even our fields seem to have a hint of hushed solemnity. Every man you meet is a potential soldier, ready to go and serve, even those with strong backs and weathered faces like those in Hayfield. It's impossible to ignore it, and it casts a shadow even over the sunny days and clear nights.
The farms, always busy, have a newfound drive, working even harder to ensure there's enough to feed everyone. You can practically smell the tension as the farmers hurry through the days, pulling their crops faster than ever before. It's not the war alone that's pushing us forward, though. It's the demand for our power, for our strength. Horses are more valuable than ever, you see.
They are, after all, the very veins of this war, carrying vital supplies, pulling heavy guns and cannons across dangerous terrains, and yes, carrying the brave soldiers themselves. Every hoofbeat, every heavy breath, carries a load of sacrifice and dedication. It's not a light thing to shoulder, this war, and it’s evident in the way our riders walk with a stoic calm, and their eyes, although always kind, are clouded with a knowing sadness.
The "Big Show", as it's sometimes called, has touched us in Hayfield as well. Men who went from tending the land are now stationed on nearby army camps, and their boots make a hollow echo in the barns we used to share. But they are replaced with men from elsewhere, new to our gentle fields but equally committed to their cause. These men have grit and resolve in their eyes, their hands hardened and rough, and they bring with them tales from lands even further away than those in the "war."
For us, life hasn't changed drastically. We wake with the dawn, work through the sun-kissed days, and sleep under the watchful stars, the wind whispering stories from afar. We eat the oats and hay that come to us now in even greater quantities than before. But life here, too, has become a reflection of the times.
Every morning, when I stand by the watering trough, I watch the sunlight dance in the water, shimmering like golden coins, and I remember that this peace we share, the tranquility of these fields, the sound of birdsong and the wind sighing through the trees, is a gift. It's something worth fighting for, worth sacrificing for. We work hard, yes, but it is a life we love, a life we are deeply grateful for.
Moving On From the Big News
But let's not dwell on the solemn, though important, side of the year. Let’s turn our attention to some more uplifting news, and something much more familiar - horse news, of course!
It was this very year, you see, that our neighbours at "The Horse’s Corner," the biggest equestrian magazine in the land, decided to dedicate an entire edition to women and horses!
Can you believe it?
They spoke about the incredible women who not only looked after us horses in this turbulent time, but those who were taking on jobs once thought only for men. We've always known that women are strong and brave, but now the world is getting to see it, too. There are stories of women becoming farm managers, handling all aspects of our care with the skill and gentleness that's made them the best horse caretakers ever. They've proven, if proof was ever needed, that women can be as powerful, skilled, and capable as any man, on horseback or anywhere else!
Then there are the women, dare I say it, racing alongside the men, testing their courage and skill against their peers! This year has seen women become more involved than ever in horse racing. A lady named Beatrice has just started a breeding programme for new and improved racehorses, which, from what I hear, is causing a stir. There's always excitement surrounding a good racehorse!
These are stories we celebrate and are immensely proud to be part of! In a world seemingly in turmoil, it’s inspiring to witness how horses are at the centre of a transformation. As a symbol of power and beauty, our role transcends simple tasks. It’s a symbol of a resilience that continues even when life throws you a curveball.
Remember, dear readers, no matter the state of the world outside, the rhythm of our hooves and the gentle breathing of our chests, carry a silent strength. The earth trembles beneath us, the wind whispers through our manes, and we work tirelessly for a better tomorrow, hoping for peace and an end to this "Great War".
So here’s to the ladies of the stables and the tireless men who work alongside them. May we all rise to the challenge of our times, continue to show our courage and strength, and one day, with unwavering hope, we’ll witness the dawn of a new era. Until next time, friends! Keep your hooves happy!
Emma
