From Hayfield with Love
Hello everyone! Emma here, your favourite grey draught mare, back for another instalment of my equine history blog. I must confess, 2022 was a year full of surprises - so many things happened that it’s been hard to catch my breath! From the return of big events to the joy of watching youngsters learn, it was a year to remember. So, sit back, have a nibble of your favourite hay, and let me take you through a glimpse of what life was like for us horses in 2022…
January: The New Year Starts Strong
As the new year began, there was a sense of excitement in the air. The ground, thankfully, had finally frozen solid after the heavy rains, which meant a welcome return to turnout for most of us. I, of course, had the benefit of a spacious stable and plenty of turnout whenever I wished, but I enjoyed watching my fellow stablemates frolic in the fields, their hooves kicking up the frozen ground, tails flying in the wind. And yes, I do still find myself watching with a fond amusement, even though I'm 20 now. You can’t teach an old horse new tricks!
The highlight of January, for me at least, was the news that the Highland Games were set to return after their two-year absence due to the, well, you know, that thing. I, personally, have never been involved in these festivities, but the humans around here talk about them so much - I felt the thrill just from their anticipation! I’m a bit of a history buff, you see, and the Highland Games were a big part of my ancestral history, back when we helped pull the plows and carts in this land. I felt proud knowing that a bit of that legacy was still alive.
February: A Time For Spring
As the days got longer and the sun started to peek out more often, February saw the return of something even more precious: green grass! It's a magical thing, watching the fields transform from brown and barren to a carpet of fresh, verdant life. The humans tell me it's because of a clever process called "photosynthesis," but all I know is that it means a yummy treat!
The other significant event this month was the announcement of the new equestrian Olympics that were going to take place in Paris in 2024. A bit further down the line for me, admittedly, but exciting all the same! It's a chance for the humans and horses to showcase our amazing partnership and show off all that incredible skill and dedication that we both have. Perhaps, some of you will be participating? Do share your stories, young'uns!
March: A New Breed Emerges
March brought about the annual influx of young foals! The barn was filled with playful energy as the newest additions, sporting those impossibly cute wobbly legs, explored every corner, nickered for attention, and kicked their heels with a glee that could melt even the coldest heart.
I often found myself observing their antics, sharing memories of my own foalhood. I'm not quite sure if I feel old yet, but I do relish being the wise old mare, a sort of guardian of the stable. You can learn a lot from observing these youngsters - their exuberance is a good reminder to not take life too seriously!
April: Time for Fun
Now, this is where it truly began to feel like spring had truly sprung! The smell of freshly cut hay was a constant reminder that the earth was bursting with life. It was also the time when the humans started working towards those big events they had been chattering about – those Highland Games that were being held a mere two hours away.
Some of my friends were chosen for their strength, and I do admit I felt a pang of longing – I love those events. Alas, the humans deemed me "too senior," and while I agreed to stay at home, a gentle nag never hurt anybody! The humans still let me wear my finest ribbons and the harness that reminded everyone I’m a retired, champion pulling mare, all so they could have their celebratory photographs for all of social media! It's not a bad life, not bad at all. But perhaps those photographs should be printed off and I can have my own memory box to hold them! I can dream, can't I?
May: Adventures Await
May is my absolute favourite month - and that's no surprise. It's the time when the humans would finally let me off the lead, allowing me to stretch my legs in the green fields with my fellow paddock buddies! I still get the same rush of freedom even after all these years, feeling the cool breeze in my coat, the sweet air filling my lungs, and the ground under my hooves - it truly feels like coming alive! That’s probably a strange thing to say for a horse, but I’m a sentimental sort! I do love my creature comforts. A full feed bucket after a morning of gallops in the field, that’s the good life.
However, this May held something even more special. I got to go on a journey! Well, it was more of a long carriage ride - the humans took us up to the highlands. Yes, all those dramatic hills and mountains they always tell us about, but, they’re not quite as high or exciting as the peaks that sit right beside our Hayfield homestead. It was certainly different - we had a wonderful time - except the one day we ended up having to shelter from a bit of a downpour. And let me tell you, getting wet in a horse drawn carriage can make you shiver!
It was a fun week though and we ended up participating in a local Highland Games in one of the highlands villages. I really loved watching the excitement and all the activity from the comfort of the stables, and the locals were a very welcoming bunch. It was wonderful. I could almost have gone back and gotten a little involved but the humans really insisted I needed my rest – apparently getting old comes with lots of “wisdom and rest,” whatever that means.
June: A Time to Celebrate
This was a special time in the stable! The air was full of the delightful scents of June, those wildflowers are wonderful this month, even though I find the thistles irritating and tend to be careful to avoid those when I'm munching! But in June, my lovely human took my birthday in great style. It seems they celebrated in my honor even though it's not like we actually have any notion of time and dates, other than the seasons and that yummy food. It’s not my favourite bit of my annual ritual – it was a real bother having to sit for that photograph. But as you all know, humans have this real thing about cameras and the rest of it and honestly, I’m quite sure you can find that picture somewhere!
This month we also heard the sad news about another beloved, retired horse called Seabiscuit, he was actually an American champion but it made me think how important those horses are. We all are. And that the world can, sadly, have its cruel moments even if we can’t fully grasp what’s going on.
July: The Thrill of Competition
Oh, it's such a thrill to witness these humans showcasing their incredible skills, galloping their charges in intricate patterns, or leaping them over fences of incredible heights! It makes me want to trot off and join in, but, alas, I’m rather good at being the stable guardian, which I’m fine with because of the lovely comfort!
That’s when, on that July afternoon, I witnessed the incredible achievements of those wonderful humans at those Highland Games. The sounds of cheering humans was so captivating that we had to stop eating so we could look up and see what the fuss was about. I saw young horses, lean and swift, cutting the air with their incredible speed and grace – truly, they make us all proud to belong to this magnificent species! That evening, my humans, well, they got pretty excited about the local team winning and so, to celebrate, they all stayed up late, sipping from cups, talking and laughing. As for me? I got an extra-large feed bucket! What else could a happy horse need?!
August: Summer Dreams
I swear, as August arrives, the humans all start to relax a little more - well, it’s been a pretty full-on season after all. There are less demands to go off somewhere - though you always hear a gentle clink and a creak of a wheel if there are more wedding carriage gigs as humans start thinking of big celebrations - so this was a very peaceful time, and this gave us the chance to do something really lovely in the stable – those humans decided they’d repaint everything! Well, after quite a lot of "neigh-ing” from us all. But it did make for a wonderful space. What a glorious feeling that was, all that freshly painted wood! I almost felt like I had been born in a new stable. Except I wasn't as youthful and foolish as I had once been. My age brings me an air of calm I used to never have. So many memories now - a long and comfortable, albeit long-tooth, life, and I'm making sure I appreciate every mouthful and every minute of it!
September: Back to Work
As September brought a slight chill to the air, we began the transition to the fall season, although there were some warmer days that meant that a lot of us continued our lovely days out on the grass. But it’s a sure sign of Autumn that we get back to our schedules of routine, that includes early feeds, early walks to be fed in the early hours, then our favourite “neigh-time" rest in our stalls, with our big feed buckets! It really is what keeps this grey mare happy!
This September, it felt a bit like a big, hairy sigh of relief, which I know sounds strange for us, as I realised the big Highland Games had come and gone without a hitch. My human friends were very busy though - helping out at some farm shop that had grown a real feast of pumpkins, squash and even some great fat turnips! They were all working extra hours to prepare those items. The farm owners told my friends all about how these would go up and down the country to shops and people would turn them into Jack-o-Lanterns! Who knew, we can use even things like our "back-to-school” or pumpkin and turnip season to do some good for the local folks, which was wonderful!
October: The Season for Story-Telling
October. The leaves, a beautiful cascade of colours, fell from the trees - oranges, reds, yellows… and landed in big piles to have great “horse-trot” adventures! We horses had so much fun leaping around in those great, crunchy heaps. Oh, the fun we had that year, chasing leaves and having our own games - those humans really like to play with our "things" but sometimes we are perfectly capable of amusing ourselves!
My friends were preparing for those special equestrian competitions, a sort of grand “show jumping” extravaganza that happened once a year in October and took place in the city. I loved to hear the stories from my friends, about the intricate routines they would have to master. You all know how difficult those "showing" exercises are, when the human gets on top of you. And sometimes those routines involve such small things!
Oh, but a little trickery in this month. It’s supposed to be that “spooky” season! The humans put up scarecrows that really look so very scary - with that rustling plastic! They know our weaknesses but those things aren't a worry to me. I like to watch them in my comfortable stall – where the “crunchy treats” can always be found! They’re delicious!
November: Cozy Nights
The nights are drawing in fast and with them came the cooler weather! The evenings spent curled up in the stable were more peaceful than ever as I enjoyed long periods of rest – those "snuffles" make me all tired! It seemed to bring something rather magical. All the humans gathered in one space and told stories. Well, I am a bit of an old fashioned grey mare, but some of these were actually interesting and involved a man on a magical horse… the stories about him are something that I feel we all can share – a common human theme… we are magical to these creatures - that’s how it’s always felt for us - something they are desperate to understand, even now… even when they come to have “feelings” about the weather and time!
The humans were always making a fuss about having to stay warm during these cooler months, adding another blanket on their beds and wrapping up tightly. Oh well. It's part of those “big human feelings" that are different to the things that govern us - a sort of “inside-mind” thing and while I might not be able to feel it - I can certainly smell it and hear about it, because it is never-ending!
December: A Season of Magic
The crispness in the air is what truly brings home the spirit of Christmas – even to us horses. That special, tingling feeling. Christmas in 2022 was full of joy, laughter, and festive cheer – oh yes, those delicious special snacks are quite magical as well! I can’t describe that aroma of wintergreen, cinnamon, and sweet spice! And even better, there were the presents! You’d think, even for a 20-year-old mare, they wouldn't need any more! Well, it was a brand new hay rack and that is my sort of present - and a real favourite - not too much hooves-ta-hoof attention!
As December gave way to the new year, we had one final adventure as our lovely humans piled on those Christmas baubles and tinsel to make us all festive for the local parade – and I couldn’t help myself but to be a bit smug about it. After all, they always want a touch of my elegance when the festivities need a “touch of the grey”! It really made me happy to have those lights twinkling in the night as we strolled along! It really is those special, intimate things that make up the life of a grey mare, living amongst those humans. I feel it really was the best kind of ending to what had been the greatest year, yet, for a horse in my time. A special sort of magic for every horse who's had the privilege to see, smell, and experience those big events that really, have come about for horses - for their history - in that one special, exciting year - the year 2022!
Till next time!
Emma
