Post #1835
Hayfield, Near Aberdeen, Scotland
1st August 1835
Dearest readers,
How splendid to be back in the stables with the sweet scent of hay and straw filling my nostrils and the reassuring warmth of the stable walls surrounding me! I spent the last week out on the moorlands, pulling the hay cart with my dear friend, Henry, a robust black Shire gelding. Henry is such a handsome chap, though he can be a bit gruff and stubborn at times! He did not appreciate me attempting to make him a braided mane – his reaction was rather loud and ungentlemanly. But don’t worry, I merely chuckled to myself, for a grey horse of such refined taste cannot be associated with the untamed mane of a Shire horse. I believe I have finally perfected the technique, though, for today, while waiting for my groom, I managed to coax some beautiful, intricate braids into the mane of young Elsie, a lovely chestnut filly, who will surely be a fine lady in years to come.
And as the scent of the meadows fills my senses, and the comforting patter of the horses around me eases my soul, I can't help but be filled with a warm feeling of contentment. It's a fine life being a draught horse, working hard, yet always treated with kindness. And for those of you new to this humble blog, let me introduce myself – I am Emma, a proud grey mare with a dazzling white mane and tail. I hail from the charming town of Hayfield near Aberdeen in Scotland. It’s truly the perfect spot for a hard-working but elegant horse such as myself, nestled among the rolling hills and the soothing Scottish whispers of the breeze.
From the Scottish Moorlands to the Horse-Loving Hearts of England
The last couple of weeks have been eventful, indeed. My days are usually spent pulling the cart from farm to field, laden with grain, peat, or hay. But this time, the cart held a new kind of load – several large wooden crates, filled with beautifully woven blankets, crafted with care for our kind. And do you know what, dearest readers? The boxes weren't heading to some dreary Scottish village, but to the vibrant heart of England! Imagine that – transporting comfort all the way from our misty, green Highlands to the heart of bustling London, where they will be sold for fine guineas! I am always impressed with how we horses work hard to keep the human world spinning along!
As I walked through the dusty and bustling streets of London, my sensitive hooves sensed a change. The city’s energy was unlike anything I'd ever known before. There was a steady rumble, a hum of activity that seemed to rise and fall with each passing hour.
We stayed there for three days and nights, and I enjoyed seeing the bustling markets overflowing with delectable food and fascinating wares. And there were carriages! Oh, how magnificent they were! Pulling one of those magnificent carriages filled with ladies with extravagant hats would be an absolute joy!
But my greatest pleasure came from meeting other horses – oh, so many other horses! A dazzling array of steeds - thoroughbreds, Arabians, Hackney horses - all of them sleek, strong, and brimming with life. My kind, the heavy horses, are less likely to be seen in the heart of London, but we’re indispensable here, the strong, steadfast backbone for transport and trade. And then there are the smaller, more elegant steeds, the carriage horses that pull the grandest carriages around. And all of them share something remarkable with us – a deep-seated understanding and companionship with humans that seems to grow stronger as the years go by.
We horses are indeed part of the fabric of human life, working alongside them, carrying their burdens, and easing their journey, no matter where we find ourselves – whether in the fertile Scottish valleys, bustling London, or any other corner of the globe!
A Change is Coming, They Say...
Now, word has it that a new horse breed, one that can trot like the wind and can carry even the heaviest gentlemen without breaking stride, is taking the world by storm! They call them Thoroughbreds – an odd name, but I suppose it sounds exciting! I can’t wait to learn more about this breed, these magnificent steeds who are said to run as fast as the wind!
And there’s talk, too, of horses becoming symbols of power and beauty! Queen Victoria is quite the horse lover and rides frequently, leading a parade that signifies a new, glorious era! Just imagine, carrying someone so high up in the hierarchy of the human world, and being part of something so prestigious! It’s exhilarating news!
We horses – big, small, strong, fast – are woven into the fabric of the world. We are symbols of power, loyalty, and beauty. And with the changing world, who knows what wonders are in store for us in the future!
Until next time,
Emma, the Grey Mare from Hayfield
[End of Blog Post]
