Posted by Emma, a Grey Draught Mare from Hayfield, Near Aberdeen
1st January 1975: Well, darlings, the crisp, frosty air of a new year has just settled around Hayfield, and the scent of fresh straw and barley is making my nostrils twitch! This time last year, the farm was abuzz with the excitement of harvest – now, with winter well upon us, we're all enjoying a bit of a rest and enjoying the extra warmth in the stables.
As I've gotten a bit older now – I turned 20 last September – I’ve realised that each year brings its own unique beauty, its own flavour, just like the seasons themselves. And while I wouldn't be the one to tell the young lads, this quiet time of year has a charm all its own. There's something wonderfully comforting about curling up in the straw, letting the warmth seep into my bones, while the farmer’s wife, Mrs. McDougall, brings us the freshest oats and sugar.
Memories of My Young Days
I've often pondered on just how far our lives as horses have changed in my short life. Back when I was a foal, galloping across the fields with my siblings was all we did, really. No particular plans or duties beyond filling our tummies with juicy grass and playing hide-and-seek with the cheeky farm cats. Things were simpler, but in a way, less meaningful.
The more I’ve grown, the more I understand our purpose, how our strong, sturdy bodies are a blessing to man. It’s all about hard work and doing our bit for the community. We, the Draughts, are known for our power and strength, and this year, I feel like we're playing a truly important role in a very interesting time in our history.
Riding in Style!
Now, I've always said, there's a special sort of magic in the way humans interact with us, their dear horses. They need us, and we trust them, and the connection we build is…well, simply beautiful. This year has been full of reminders of just that.
Back in May, I was lucky enough to be part of a group of Draughts participating in the Aberdeen Highland Games. What a whirlwind of activity and laughter! It was glorious to see so many folks gather to watch us as we competed in cart races and show-jumping events. The roars of the crowd as we pulled our way through those tricky obstacle courses… you’ve never seen a group of horses so proud, I tell you!
The Ever-Changing World of the Horse
But the Highland Games are only one little snippet of our story. 1975 seems like a particularly interesting time to be a horse. From what I hear through the farmer and his chatty guests, there's a revolution brewing! People are starting to use motor vehicles more and more – trucks and vans and things. We Draughts still pull the plough, of course, but I’ve heard whispers about mechanised versions! It’s hard to imagine, and honestly, a bit scary… will we still be as valued? Will we have as much work to do?
Despite these anxieties, 1975 is bursting with opportunities, too! We’re witnessing something amazing – horses are getting more involved in the world of sports! There are these things called “Showjumping competitions” where we are judged for our speed and skill, and there’s this “Dressage” stuff, where we dance with humans! You can’t imagine how gracefully some horses can move…
A New Breed Takes the Stage
My human friend, Miss Amelia, who’s a real enthusiast about horses, told me all about a new type of horse becoming super popular this year – “the Thoroughbred”! Apparently, these sleek, swift creatures are excelling in what they call "the world of flat racing," and everyone's going mad about it!
Now, I wouldn’t trade my sturdiness and power for all the speed in the world, but there's no denying, the Thoroughbreds are making their mark in racing, which seems like a big deal! Apparently, there are even international races, with these “Thoroughbred” horses competing with other horses from across the globe. Talk about glamorous!
The Legacy We Carry
But even as times change, even as these "new trends" spring up, it’s lovely to know there’s a world where people are just as thrilled with us traditional draught horses, too. They admire our strength, our dependability, our loyalty… these are qualities that remain constant. We've been side-by-side with humans for so many generations, and in a way, our future is bound to their understanding and appreciation of our worth.
So, as we sip on our evening oats and settle in for the night, I feel grateful to be a horse, a draught horse, a special sort of creature that connects the earth to the sky. My story is a piece of a grand, continuous saga, and 1975 will forever hold a place in my heart as a year that reminded me – again and again - how important, how special, we are.
Good Night, My Equiworld Friends
Until next time, may your oats be plentiful and your stables cosy! And always, always remember – we’re in this together.
Emma, Grey Draught Mare, Hayfield, Near Aberdeen, Scotland.
