Hello there, dear readers, and welcome back to my humble blog on EquiWorld.org! I'm Emma, a proud grey draught horse with a mane and tail like a cascade of snow, living my best life here in Hayfield, just a stone's throw from Aberdeen. As you might have noticed, the world's a bit different than it was just a few short years ago, but I believe there's still so much to appreciate - especially when it comes to horses!
I know you're all eager for a peek into the world of horses in this extraordinary year of 1940. Well, gather 'round, dear friends, and let me share some of the stories, triumphs, and even challenges, that have painted the year so far with colour, like a finely brushed coat.
The year has begun, you see, with an unsettling undercurrent of anticipation, like the breeze picking up just before a storm. They call it the "War," this terrible, chaotic event that's casting a shadow over the whole world. Many horses are leaving the fields and farms where they have worked their whole lives, and marching off to serve with the soldiers. The radio buzzes with news about these horses, stories of their bravery, their strength, and their tireless service in the face of danger.
Don't get me wrong, the "War" has its darker side. Sadly, we've all heard whispers of terrible events that are taking place, and the heartache of losing companions to the conflict has touched every farm and stable. We hear whispers about bombs raining from the sky, and horses forced to contend with terrifying new sights and sounds. Despite all that, however, I remain optimistic. We horses, with our sturdy hearts, have always been resilient. Even in the face of difficulty, we work alongside humans, pulling them through, helping them in every way we can. I have friends that have joined the War Effort. There's Duncan, a sturdy Clydesdale from just up the road, now a valuable member of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps. And Bonnie, a spirited little Shetland, now a courageous mascot, bringing smiles and comfort to soldiers far from home. We miss them deeply, and we send them all our best.
However, let me assure you, even with the "War" casting a shadow, the spirit of the horse lives on. There's more than just bravery and duty at play, of course. Here in Hayfield, life goes on.
A Springtime Dance of Foals
As springtime graced us with her gentle hand, the fields turned into a vibrant palette of greens, and new life unfolded all around us. You see, the arrival of spring meant just one thing - a dance of foals! Baby horses, just starting their journeys, came stumbling out onto the pasture with such delight and vigour. I still remember watching little Lily, a flaxen-coated filly, discovering her own four legs and taking her first wobbly steps. Her tiny hooves barely left a print in the soft ground, and she had a way of turning a simple walk into an acrobatic spectacle of clumsy leaps and bounds.
Summer in the Hayfield
The summer days were warm, long and lazy. The fields buzzed with the life of bees, and we enjoyed a reprieve from work, basking in the sunshine and feasting on the rich summer pasture. The hay harvest, a true symphony of work and sweat, was something we all participated in. It was an unspoken understanding – human and horse working together as one to prepare for the long winter days.
I must admit, sometimes in the summer afternoons, we’d escape from our work to play a game of “hide and seek” in the vast fields of golden barley, playing peekaboo with each other through the tall stalks. Ah, it’s a truly precious time to be a horse, enjoying the freedom of the vast meadow and the boundless friendship of your fellow horses.
An Autumn of Memories
Autumn painted the land with brilliant colours – red, gold, orange and a vibrant palette that could compete with any artists canvas. The crisp morning air carried with it a tang of fall and the promise of cooler days ahead. I always feel grateful during harvest time, because this is a season of plenty. We horses work hard, and we get to enjoy the sweet scent of ripe apples, pears and plums, as the fruits of the earth ripen in abundance. There’s a joyous excitement to be had in knowing we will all be well-fed and ready for the harsher months to come.
The nights grew cooler as we all gathered to celebrate the end of another harvest season, and enjoy a well-earned break from our day to day duties. I confess I even allowed myself a brief nap beneath the boughs of the sturdy old oak tree in the hayfield, basking in the dappled shade and listening to the autumn breeze whistling a melodic tune through the leaves.
Preparing for Winter
We can't allow ourselves to be too lazy though, winter's footsteps are drawing closer. The autumn breeze is becoming progressively colder, the wind howling through the hills and whipping my coat to a frenzy, a warning sign that winter is on its way.
You see, it's important to prepare for winter's harsh reality. The days grow shorter, and the sun offers little warmth as it makes its hesitant journey across the darkened sky. Soon, the world will turn white and frozen, the fields a stark expanse of icy grass and snow. The trees will be bare except for their winter frost. As the wind gathers a chilling force, and the icy rain starts to lash against the windows, we have to start planning ahead.
These days are the most demanding. The men and women who work alongside us work with renewed purpose, collecting firewood for the winter nights, and gathering supplies. My human, James, who I share the hayfield with, is hard at work every day. The smell of baking bread and warm cinnamon from his kitchen always fill me with a soothing feeling of contentment. He often says, "the horses work harder than any of us!"
As winter approaches, my companions and I work side by side, hauling hay, making sure we are fully prepared. It's a busy, yet comforting time to be a horse. And all the work we do together strengthens the bonds we share, reminding me that, as much as the war looms in the background, life and hope go on.
We have already felt the early breath of winter, but there's still time to reflect on the good times of the past few months. I find comfort and reassurance in the routine of everyday life. We work hard, eat heartily, and enjoy each other’s company, but most of all we wait for the day that spring will make its grand entrance again. We'll all be waiting with open arms and a heart full of hope.
On The Front Line - A Horse’s Perspective
For now, however, my thoughts go to my friends and companions who have joined the "War" Effort. I think about those noble steeds, bravely facing a world much larger and stranger than their farmlands and meadows. It must be terrifying, yet there is also courage and strength in their work, carrying men and supplies in the face of unknown perils.
This is something I've considered often, what would I do if the war came closer? I try not to think about it too much. But even from afar, I know it's changing everything, even the peaceful existence we have in our Hayfield home.
However, I'll keep my head held high and continue doing my part here on the farm, and I pray that all the horses serving on the front lines stay safe and come home one day, ready to rest their strong hooves and tell us about the battles they've faced and the journeys they've made.
This is where my tale ends, my dearest readers. The days are growing shorter and the frost is beginning to appear on the grass. But know this: my heart is warm, full of hope for the future, and a renewed optimism that comes with the understanding that no matter what, we are in this together, horses and humans, side by side.
So let me close with this final thought for this blog post. As the year of 1940 ends, and we embark on a new year, let us hold onto hope. Let us find the strength and the spirit in our shared humanity and our unbreakable bond. Let us look at each other, human and horse, and find love, strength and optimism in each other. We have a bright future ahead of us, and together, we can make the most of it, no matter what tomorrow brings.
Until next time, dear friends, stay strong, stay hopeful, and keep a little magic in your heart.
