By Emma, 20 year old Grey Draught Mare, Hayfield near Aberdeen
October 26th 2008
Well, hello there, Equiworld! It's Emma, the grey draught mare with a passion for history, here to share a little bit of my perspective on the year 2008. It's been an absolute whirlwind! And if I’m honest, my life has never felt busier, with so much going on around me.
This year has felt, if I’m honest, like an absolute whirlwind! And if I’m honest, my life has never felt busier, with so much going on around me. It’s been a constant hum of hooves, harnesses, and hay. We've had some absolute darlings visiting our farm this year - tourists coming from far and wide to get a glimpse of the wildness of Scotland. The kids particularly love having a good scratch and a brush down of their big, grey friend!
Anyway, I thought it might be nice to take you back with me, to recall the events of this extraordinary year – as seen through the eyes of a 20-year-old, seasoned grey mare who has had her fair share of adventures!
Back in Time: January 2008
As the new year dawned, a feeling of renewed energy seemed to hang in the air, not just around the farm, but everywhere. Our farmer, Donald, was buzzing. It seemed the year was going to be one full of busy fields and exciting prospects! Of course, my duties stayed the same – I still got my early morning oats, had to pull the old plow, and loved my afternoon snoozes by the stable gate. There were always plenty of ears to prick up as the neighbours, sheep, cattle, and even the cheeky squirrels would gather around the hayfield to share their news of the day!
There was a bit of a flurry about the new “Green” Olympics happening in 2012. We heard the whispers that things were going to be very different from previous Olympics and everyone was talking about horses getting involved. A new kind of "show-jumping," apparently, called "Cross Country". That was an interesting twist!
Spring has Sprung, and with it, a new Pony!
Come April, everything began to truly burst into life. The weather was warmer and even the most grumpy sheep were enjoying themselves. Now, you might not believe it, but there was new excitement in the air when young foal arrived at the farm. It was a pony foal, a little brown filly named Pip, all big eyes and shaky legs. Pip, despite being about 1/10 of my size, took the farm by storm! We horses had to give her our space, a lesson that Donald reminded us of a few times – I still had a habit of leaving a rather impressive dent in her side after I accidentally gave her a rather rough “hello” a few times.
My heart really warmed up to Pip as she grew. She was a curious little thing, always asking me questions about life on the farm and everything around her. We’d sit under the oak tree near the creek and she'd nibble on dandelions while I’d tell her stories about the life of a draught horse – long rides, pulling carriages, even tales about my grandmother, who had worked with a young boy delivering goods through the snowy winter landscapes in the Scottish highlands! I could almost feel the wind whipping around me just remembering the story – what a thrill to feel the wind rush through your mane!
Olympian Hopes Take Shape!
We all heard of the British Team riders who would be heading to the “Green” Olympics, which felt further away but nearer by the day. The farm buzzed with speculation and hope as the British Team riders prepared. I remember being impressed by these skilled riders, leaping high over obstacles and working with the most incredible agility. Everyone was talking about them and we watched with interest, knowing their lives must be truly exciting and dynamic.
Autumn Hues, and A Chance for Change?
September and October flew by, the wind changing direction and turning the leaves orange, crimson and red. Soon the whole landscape was like an artwork of colour and change. And of course, the rain came. Oh, it poured. Not as heavy or as constant as the showers we sometimes get, but constant enough for me to begin daydreaming about winter! I love to watch the world turn, from the light of summer to the chill of the year.
Then Donald delivered the most unexpected news: the farmer’s market in town would need a Draught Horse for its new festive theme – he decided it would be a great opportunity to showcase Scottish traditions! Well, I wouldn’t mind saying, I was overjoyed. I couldn’t wait!
Donald spruced me up. I got my mane and tail carefully combed and my hooves oiled. I felt fantastic. My time, I thought, had finally arrived – the year’s work had all come down to this one day.
My job: to pull a little cart through the festive town streets filled with festive lights and cheering crowds. That would definitely be an adventure!
That was 2008 in a nutshell, you see – change, adventure, and a lot of fun for an old girl! The feeling of satisfaction that came with pulling the festive market cart was more satisfying than any long field haul I had ever pulled. The year, to be honest, flew by! I was in awe of what our farm had accomplished, of how the British Team riders were working towards such an incredible feat, and how change really was afoot.
We’ll talk more about what happened in 2009 next time! Until then, take care!
