Hello, my lovely equines, and welcome to another installment of "Emma's Equestrian History," the only blog written by a horse, for horses! It’s me, Emma, a grey draught mare from Hayfield, near Aberdeen in Scotland. The year is 1941, and things, well, they're a bit different this year, aren't they? The air's thick with something I can't quite put my nose to, but it isn't the sweet smell of clover after a good rain, nor the earthy fragrance of turned earth after ploughing.
As usual, I start with what is familiar, the daily life that connects us, whatever the times. We rise with the sun, the crisp Scottish air biting at our coats, the rhythmic beat of hooves on cobblestones taking us to our tasks. My life hasn’t changed much – still working the land, pulling ploughs and wagons, hauling grain to the mills and hay to the stables. You could say it’s the same old grind. But even a simple farm horse has to acknowledge, things are...different.
For one, my human family, they’re not the same anymore. James, my usual driver, is gone. He’s off, helping in the big war everyone is talking about. A new fellow, young lad, barely out of his teens, is learning the ropes now. I have to say, his hands aren’t as gentle as James’, but he’s learning, and I know his heart’s in the right place. I always try to be patient, after all, good farm horses like me have to have patience for everyone, don’t we?
But this “war,” everyone whispers about it in hushed tones, their eyes looking at the ground. There are more and more soldiers about now, too. I see them on the trains, grim faces under their caps. They wear these dark, scratchy clothes and hold heavy rifles. There's a feeling of uneasiness in the air, something unsettling in the way their faces are etched with a grim determination.
And then, there are the shortages. The farm's been getting less oats and hay lately. Not enough for us horses to eat our fill, although thankfully, my humans always seem to have enough left to give us. And my favourite apples? Almost gone. It’s hard to be patient when you have to share your apple with another horse. It seems as if the war is affecting even the simplest things like a horse's dinner.
However, despite these challenges, we, the horses, remain constant, resilient. We continue to pull our weight, as they say, keeping the farm running, feeding the people. And although some of our fellow steeds are sent to the frontlines, I’m proud of my role on the home front, in this rural idyll, as much a part of the lifeblood of Hayfield as the oats we harvest, or the rain that brings life to our fields.
I know that out there, somewhere beyond the horizon, is a big conflict. But I am an optimist. Perhaps the future holds the promise of peace, when all of our boys, be they human or horse, can return home safe and sound. Perhaps the skies will again be clear, and we can feel the warmth of the sun on our coats, without fearing what tomorrow will bring. We have been through bad times before, and we have always persevered. And we will persevere again.
So let’s put aside this world-shattering event for now. You want to hear what’s new on the equestrian front? There’s plenty to talk about, dear equines! This year, I see many new things. The "Cavalry," a group of soldiers who use horses, are growing in importance, it seems. These brave riders, strong and powerful like ourselves, have proven themselves on battlefields, bringing a new element to the fight. It is a testament to the strength and resilience of our equine brethren that even in times of conflict, horses still serve a crucial purpose.
But the world of horses is not solely confined to wartime contributions. It seems like this is the era of the “hunt” for the English gentry. In some of the more prosperous regions, they are still carrying on with this tradition of riding after hounds and galloping across fields, their colours flapping in the wind. Now, some might say it’s frivolous, a bit of sport while we, the working horses, toil in the fields. But even in wartime, there are still those who find pleasure in the open air and the exhilarating feel of speed under their feet.
I see less of these leisure-time activities around Hayfield, though. People are more focused on surviving, the days getting shorter, and the winters tougher than usual. But my neighbours, they're resilient too, like us horses. It's in their blood, the need to survive, to come together in these hard times. There's a real spirit of community, especially for those who live out in the countryside, away from all the commotion of the city. Even the youngest children will give you a helping hand, or offer a pat, and a well-meaning scratch. They understand, you see. We horses, we are like family to them.
One day this week, I saw a small child tending a flock of chickens, all chirping and scratching in the straw. She had such gentle, loving eyes. This was the daughter of the young farmer I was talking about, the one learning from my old driver. It warmed my heart to see her talking to the chickens as if they were friends, comforting them, tending to them. It made me remember the younger days, when I would be allowed to play in the fields with the children. It reminded me of a time before all this unrest, and a reminder that even during a dark time, simple joys are still present.
The year is still young, but I think you’ll find, much like us horses, the human world, in this 1941, will continue to adapt, to make adjustments, and perhaps even, despite the hardship, grow stronger. There’s a steely resolve in their eyes, and in their words, that resonates with something deep inside my equine heart. And even though these are unusual times, life continues on, as horses have always known it, with its rhythms and routines.
You can find me at the familiar stables, with the comforting smells of straw and manure, waiting for my human companion. And if you’re ever in the neighbourhood, Hayfield in Aberdeen, come and say hello. We always have room for a good chat over a well-deserved bale of hay. Remember, horses, just like humans, are all about camaraderie, and in times like this, we need that bond, that understanding, more than ever before.
See you again, my fellow equine friends, in the next blog post. Remember to stay strong and always remember your own inner strength.
Warmly,
Emma
Equiworld.org/emma_1941
