Hello fellow equines and equine enthusiasts!
It’s Emma here, a 20-year-old grey mare with a flowing white mane and tail, living a peaceful life in Hayfield near Aberdeen. You might be wondering what it’s like to be a draught horse in 0295. Well, let me tell you, it’s a rather lovely existence! This year, like all the others, has been filled with the familiar sights, sounds and smells of life on the farm, punctuated by the ever-changing rhythms of the seasons.
I’ve decided to share a bit of my life, a glimpse into what it means to be a work horse in this era. Let's embark on a journey back in time together, shall we?
Winter in Hayfield:
Oh, winter in the north! Crisp air biting at your nose, the land white with frost, and the smell of wood smoke in the air. This is the time for rest, a respite from the strenuous labour of the summer months. As I stand in the stable, comfortably munching on hay, my eyes roam over the rolling fields. My herdmates – big strong fellas like Barnaby and Chester, the spirited young mare Millie, and of course, the wise old mare Clementine, the matriarch of the herd – are all nestled in their stalls. We share knowing looks, the camaraderie of those who have braved many winters before.
Even though we’re not working, winter is far from uneventful. Farmers use the time to mend fences, care for their tools, and prepare the ground for the spring planting. We, the draught horses, get to indulge in some pampering. We're meticulously groomed, our hooves shod by the village blacksmith, our manes and tails are carefully brushed to remove any tangles and dust. This ritual makes us look our absolute best, ready for the long days of work that lie ahead.
The Spring Equinox:
The air turns warmer. We feel the promise of spring in our bones. It's time to awaken from the winter slumber! Soon, the farmers will start ploughing, and it's a welcome change of pace. I’ve always been quite a hard worker and look forward to the spring plowing, the rich earthy smell clinging to my coat, the sound of the plow cutting through the ground, and the sense of accomplishment that follows.
During the first days of the thaw, we take gentle walks in the fields, helping the farmers loosen the ground and remove the last vestiges of winter. It's a time to stretch our legs and accustom ourselves to the increasing warmth. As the days grow longer, we start working with the plough. A rhythmic back and forth, the weight of the plough on our harness – this is the essence of our being, this is our purpose.
Summer’s Bounty:
Summer in Hayfield is the busiest time of the year. Days are long, filled with the intoxicating aroma of wildflowers and the buzzing of honeybees. It's also time for the harvests - the fields become a vibrant tapestry of yellow, gold, and green, as the wheat, barley and oats ripen under the sun.
This is when our real work begins. We help bring in the crops. We’re used to hauling carts, hauling heavy loads of wheat and barley. These are times of sweat, grit, and accomplishment. Even though the work is hard, I've never complained. We are the backbone of our community, vital to the wellbeing of Hayfield. After the day’s work, there's always a hearty reward: a generous meal of hay and oats, along with the comfortable feel of our stalls.
Autumn's Arrival:
With the change of season comes a change in tasks. The golden leaves start falling, the days shorten and we welcome the familiar nip in the air. We continue working with the farmers, but our work involves transporting supplies to markets, carrying bags of grain to local mills, or hauling lumber for construction projects. These are varied tasks, each day a little different.
One of my favorite autumn memories is a trip to the nearby market with our farmer, Mr. Douglas. It was a chilly, misty day, but the warmth of the bustling market was uplifting. There was a vibrant array of colours, sights, and sounds - people trading goods, animals being sold, and, of course, the rich aromas of roasted chestnuts and gingerbread.
It’s always interesting to meet new horses and riders from different places, even those from villages farther afield. A farmer from the south of Scotland was there, transporting a lovely brown mare, said to have raced in a large race called the “Caledonian Stakes” that he told me had a grand prize.
While I admire their athletic prowess and appreciate the joy they find in speed, my purpose lies in strength and hard work, in helping to provide for my community. But every encounter is a chance to learn, a chance to expand my horizons, however brief.
Life at Hayfield Farm:
Life at Hayfield farm is a good one, you see. We horses enjoy a close-knit community. Mr. Douglas is a kind man. He understands our needs, providing us with plenty of nourishing hay and oats. The warmth and comfort of the stables, with straw that is replaced every day, make life quite comfortable. Our farmer always ensures we are cared for with utmost affection, from regular grooming to the meticulous checking of our hooves by the local blacksmith.
And even if we were to stray, as horses are wont to do, there is a sense of knowing, a certainty, that we will always return. The strong bond between horses and humans - our mutual understanding, the unspoken trust that exists – this is what makes Hayfield special.
Our Horses and Beyond:
Horses like me have been an integral part of life for a long time, helping communities around the world for thousands of years. From transporting goods, cultivating crops to aiding the military, our hard work has helped to shape history.
Of course, not all horses are like us, the mighty workhorses. I know a young filly called Luna, raised in a wealthy stable in a place called Edinburgh. Luna's life is quite different from mine. She gets a very special treatment and spends most of her time with noblemen who love to ride them. There's something about their elegance, their graceful movements and the speed with which they travel. I've heard they race in a field filled with people and excitement, with rewards going to the fastest of them. And I know of other horses that perform all sorts of things. Some even carry people and carriages across distant lands, like our friend Charlie who went with a trader all the way to Rome!
But despite all the differences in our individual roles and environments, there is one commonality we all share - our connection with humans, the bond built on respect, love and understanding. This, I believe, is the true essence of what it means to be a horse.
Ending with Hope:
So, there you have it! A snippet of a year in the life of a Hayfield Draught. Though each year unfolds with its own unique joys and challenges, the essential rhythm of our life, the strong connection with humans and the quiet beauty of life on the farm remain constant. I hope that in the years to come, my fellow equine friends and I will continue to be a source of strength and help, carrying the hopes and dreams of people and communities around us.
Until next time,
Emma.
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