Neigh-neigh, fellow equestrians! Emma here, your trusty grey mare from Hayfield, just outside the bonnie city of Aberdeen. It's been a while since I've put pen to paper (well, hoof to keyboard, really!) so I thought it was time to share some thoughts on this glorious year - 0545! What a year it's been, brimming with activity and full of exciting new adventures for us horses. So, grab a cup of oat tea and settle in for a tale of toil and triumph, of strength and companionship.
Spring in the Air, Work in the Fields
The winter's chill had finally loosened its grip on Hayfield, and the air began to buzz with the sounds of spring. I felt the invigorating energy as I wrestled with the plough, pulling furrows in the earth to prepare the land for planting. It's tough work, no doubt, but the sweet scent of fresh soil and the feel of the sun on my back always fills me with a sense of purpose. Every horse knows that a good crop of barley or oats ensures a comfortable winter, and I was proud to play my part in ensuring the harvest.
We horses are integral to the lifeblood of any community, you know. I share my stable with several other draughty souls – Jasper, the big, gentle Shire with his playful, chestnut coat, and Flora, the dappled mare with the quickest trot in the valley. We work alongside our humans, building homes and hauling carts, transporting goods and materials, all under the watchful gaze of the towering Grampian Mountains. The landscape here is majestic, a stark contrast to the gentler rolling hills you might find further south. I've always been particularly fond of the wild moorland surrounding Hayfield - it's the perfect place for a good gallop when work is done!
Across the Scottish Borders: A Visit to The Royal Burgh
But this year was even more special. A big caravan of horses set off from our farm one sunny morning. We travelled south towards the rolling pastures of the lowlands, a long and tiring journey but the anticipation made the miles melt away. You see, we were on our way to the grand city of Edinburgh, the Royal Burgh as they call it!
The journey was like stepping into a whirlwind of sights and smells. We travelled through small, bustling villages and along the banks of rivers glistening like ribbons under the sun. I learnt so much about Scotland that day, not just the rolling green landscapes, but the incredible history that lies within its heart.
And Edinburgh! Oh, the bustling streets, the vibrant market squares, and the towering walls of the magnificent Edinburgh Castle! Our hooves echoed against the stone as we pulled carts of timber to build the city walls. It was quite a spectacle! But it was the feeling of contributing to the growth of a great city that really warmed my hooves, making every huff and puff worth it.
The Importance of Family
Of course, even for us adventurous horses, there’s no place quite like home. It was a real relief to feel the cool air of the Highland coast blowing against my mane and hear the comforting cries of seagulls overhead when we returned to Hayfield.
As I trotted past the stable where I spend my nights, I could already hear the familiar sounds of our community - the clink of the blacksmith's hammer, the quiet moo of the cows grazing in the meadow, and the gentle rumble of voices as my fellow horses share stories of the day. There's a kind of serenity here, a peace that can only be found within the heart of a family. The camaraderie between horses, between humans and animals - it's what makes the life of a working horse so rewarding.
What the World's Doing...
Beyond our Scottish meadows and valleys, the world has a lot to say! This year in particular, I heard tell of a mighty war being waged in the Byzantine Empire, far away across the sea. And as I munch my evening oats, I hear snippets of conversation about the impressive Hagia Sophia in Constantinople, a structure truly built to the heavens. Though the battles are frightening, these times bring exciting stories and news from far off lands, reminding us of the wider world that exists outside the fields we work and the stables we rest.
New Techniques, New Hope
There are other stories in the horse world that spark excitement and give us hope for the future. I've heard whisperings of an innovative tool for our kind - a new kind of bridle that allows for better control and communication between human and horse. They call it the snaffle, and it promises more freedom and ease in our daily work, reducing the strain on our muscles and promoting smoother movements. It's an incredible sign of how we are all constantly evolving, improving together!
Till Next Time...
So, as the first autumn chills set in, it's time for me to say goodnight for now. Stay warm, my fellow equines, and remember, no matter where you roam, or how far you travel, remember the bond of fellowship that connects all horses across time and space.
Keep those hooves clicking and keep those tails swaying, for you never know what adventures might be around the bend. See you soon!
Your affectionate friend,
Emma, the grey draught mare from Hayfield.
About the Author:
Emma is a 20-year-old grey draught mare with a white mane and tail. She is a regular contributor to EquiWorld.org and enjoys sharing her knowledge of life as a horse in the 6th century AD. She resides in a charming small farm in Hayfield, nestled near the beautiful city of Aberdeen in Scotland.
