Hello, fellow horse lovers! Emma here, your friendly grey draught mare, reporting from my lovely home in Hayfield, near the bustling town of Aberdeen. It’s the year 1040, and as always, the world of horses is buzzing with activity.
This year has been a rather peaceful one in the grand scheme of things, and you know what? We horses love peace! Our gentle giants, the Clydesdales, continue to be a force of nature in these parts, their strength helping farmers cultivate their land and move heavy loads. It’s been a good harvest, with a bounty of barley and oats for our bellies. You know what that means, right? A little bit of extra straw for a good, long snooze after a hard day’s work!
Our village has recently welcomed a new stallion to the fold, a fiery young chestnut named Blaze. Now, let’s be honest, he’s a bit of a head-turner with his proud coat and flowing mane. All the mares are smitten with him, including myself! He has the kindest eyes and his heart beats for every mare he meets, but the best part is that he's full of energy, and when he lets loose in the meadows, you'd think the wind was having a gallop.
My dear old friend, Maggie the Highland pony, tells me that down in the southern lands, King Edward is planning a grand feast to celebrate the return of his son from a long expedition to foreign shores. It seems this boy, also called Edward, had to fend off Vikings who threatened their kingdom, and for that, the King plans a glorious "Banquet of Champions"! Maggie thinks they will use fine white steeds to carry the noblemen, their harnesses adorned with gold and precious stones. Now wouldn't that be a sight to behold?
Speaking of knights and battles, there's something intriguing happening in France, a land of vineyards and grand cathedrals. It seems King Robert is grappling with a tricky situation. There's an uprising of noblemen who demand the throne for themselves! Now, my instincts tell me that a war is brewing in the air, and you know what horses are for – riding into battle! They'll be charging forth, their hooves beating a rhythm of courage on the battleground. The brave souls who fight on horseback deserve admiration for their bravery, but let's be honest, I wouldn’t want to be a warhorse. It must be terrifying out there!
Our king in Scotland, Duncan the First, is known for his wisdom and courage, and luckily, he is maintaining peace and order in our lands. There are few worries here, so it seems like all the horses, ponies, and even the mules have a happy existence in Hayfield.
Now, let's chat about another important thing - training! As any experienced mare knows, horses are intelligent creatures and respond beautifully to patience and kindness. Young colts like Blaze are eager to learn, always testing their strength and agility. We elder mares have a responsibility to teach them everything we know about farm life, from how to navigate tight spaces in the barn to mastering the art of the cart pull. I personally prefer pulling the hay cart; the scent of freshly cut grass always brings a happy feeling to my heart.
Did you know there's even a specific word for the act of carting heavy loads? They call it 'draying', and it takes a lot of skill, you know. A true draught horse needs to be calm and steady, as well as strong, for the journey to be smooth and safe.
Another fascinating thing I’ve been hearing from our shepherd, Tammas, is that even though horses are used for travel, agriculture, and even military expeditions, people in other parts of the world are discovering new ways to utilize our talents! It's truly astounding!
There are rumours of people using special saddles to race horses on tracks, competing for prizes and glory. This 'sport' seems to have spread through the land with great enthusiasm, attracting huge crowds who come to cheer for their favourite steed. It must be exhilarating to be so swift and graceful. But, honestly, I wouldn't mind a good snooze over a chaotic race anytime!
Tammas also spoke of horses being used in "displays of skill," which involve dancing, performing, and showing off incredible leaps. I’m still trying to figure out how that’s possible, but everyone I speak to says that these performances are magnificent! My daughter, Lily, has been learning to pull the cart from my stablemate, Beatrice, but her spirit longs for these incredible acts, even if she lacks the grace. It’s been amusing watching her practice twirls in the field.
Lastly, did you know people believe that horses hold a magical and spiritual connection with humanity? Many ancient tales and myths speak of horses guiding warriors to victory, providing strength to those in need, and even connecting people to other realms! There's no doubt about it; horses are truly special creatures, bringing joy, power, and grace to our world.
Remember, no matter what is happening around us, in battles, festivities, or races, there's always time for a good graze, a peaceful nap, and some camaraderie between our equine brethren. This year has been a special one, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to share it with you, dear readers.
Keep your hooves happy and your hearts joyful! Until next time, take care!
Yours truly,
Emma,
Hayfield, Scotland.
Word count: 1122 words.
