Posted on www.equiworld.org by Emma, a grey draught mare from Hayfield, near Aberdeen
#1063
Hello, my fellow equine enthusiasts! Emma here, a grey draught mare with a heart full of wanderlust and a tail as white as the winter snow. I'm writing to you today from my cosy stable in Hayfield, just a hop and a skip from the rolling hills of Scotland. It's been a busy year, full of exciting happenings in the world of horses. So settle in, grab a tasty carrot, and let me share my thoughts on what 1063 held for us, horses, and the humans who love us.
The first thing you need to know about this year, dear readers, is that the humans seem to be caught in a mighty battle of words and swords. It seems there’s a King Edward in England who isn't quite comfortable with King William, also called The Conqueror. It's a whole lot of "you do this", and "you did that”, a bit of sword swinging, and the sound of marching armies, all of which make us, the horses, quite a bit nervous! From where I stand here in Scotland, it all seems quite far away, thankfully. I’ve had many conversations with the local farmhand, young Malcolm. He’s a kind boy who speaks to me about it all in the fields as we work, often lamenting that the humans seem to be spending all their time fighting each other, while not remembering to give the horses a bit more hay! He's worried there may be no grain for the stables if the English lose!
But don’t worry my dears, I think things will be fine. The humans will likely talk it out and all will be well soon. My friend, a clever gelding called Argyle, from over at the Galloway farm, told me there have been more battles, and bigger battles, than this in the history of humans. Even before the Romans, in fact! As far as the humans are concerned, I suppose this one is just a minor tiff, like a couple of farmhands bickering about a misplaced shovel. They'll soon come to their senses, right? And remember, I’ve already had a hefty, healthy dinner! So no need to worry!
But now, onto a much more delightful subject: the life of a horse in 1063!
Spring arrived in our fields, painting everything green, and filling the air with the scents of clover and blooming wildflowers. I always relish those first days of spring, when I can stretch my legs, enjoy the long sun-soaked days, and feel the cool breeze tickle my nose as I roam with my herd through the long grassy hills. Our coats glisten with healthy shine after a long winter spent indoors, we can see our foals gamboling and learning about the world around them. They are the new generation, the hope of our future. It truly is a glorious time.
Of course, being a working horse, life doesn't all come down to leisurely meadows and sunshine. Our days are filled with useful tasks. Pulling plows through the fertile soil is my responsibility, and believe me, it's not as simple as it looks! It takes strength, coordination, and an ability to follow orders to the letter. Our sturdy legs and broad shoulders are vital to prepare the land for the harvest that nourishes both humans and animals. It is hard work but I love it, because I am helping people and my hooves help provide food! As the harvest draws near, we take a break from ploughing to help bring in the sheaves of grain and store it for the harsh months to come. The farmer's children often take us into the nearby village to help with the grain transport. The townspeople always shower us with warm smiles, pats, and tasty oats! And what better reward is there for our hard work? It's this sense of belonging, of helping my community, that makes life truly worthwhile.
Autumn brought a different kind of magic. The meadows turned gold and crimson, the scent of damp earth filled the air, and the air turned crisp. The colder days began to settle in, and I, along with my fellow horses, found ourselves tucked away in our cozy stables, resting our muscles. A comforting blanket of straw and the occasional handful of tasty hay – a happy end to a fulfilling year.
But autumn, my dears, was not just a time of rest. It was also the time when our human friends began gathering us all for a special event, a fair held on the nearby village green! We get all spruced up and shined to a lovely gloss, and wear new ribbons tied into our manes. For me, that fair was always a whirlwind of activity and a showcase for the magnificent creatures we are. The local folk gathered in their finery, cheering us on as we paraded around the field. I even hear some humans whisper that the finest horse is the one with the whitest tail and I’m secretly a little proud. My human friends, though, always tell me I am the finest of them all and I trust them because they bring me the best carrots and treat me with the utmost kindness and respect.
What is it like to live a horse's life in 1063? To be honest, it is wonderful, for the most part! We may not have all the modern-day conveniences like those big trucks, tractors and fancy harnesses of your times. But my fellow horses and I have something they might not - the pure joy of living life simple and strong. To feel the sun on our backs, to sniff the cool wind, and to be part of the fabric of life in a community – well, there’s nothing quite like it. So while the world may be busy, noisy and changing outside, our equine world continues its slow, steady pace, a harmonious rhythm woven into the earth. And that, my dears, is a privilege indeed.
So until next time, stay well, be happy, and remember, we are horses, and we have stories to tell.
Emma.
