From the stables of Emma, a Grey Draught Mare, Hayfield, near Aberdeen
Good day, my fellow equines, and welcome to my latest entry in the EquiWorld journal! Today, as always, I'll be taking you through the wonderful world of horses in the year 1082, through the eyes of yours truly. You may be surprised, my friends, to know that 1082 wasn't just some dusty, forgotten year; it was a year bursting with equestrian stories.
Here in the fields of Hayfield, we've been enjoying the last of the summer warmth. Our fields are green with a bountiful harvest, and the air is alive with the gentle, rustling whispers of leaves and the lowing of cattle grazing alongside us. We work hard here in Hayfield, you know. I pull a heavy cart alongside my companions, helping our kind folks transport the goods that are vital to their livelihoods.
Sometimes, though, I think we're not always appreciated for the hardworking souls that we are. Just last week, the young farmer's wife scolded her son for feeding us oats instead of barley. Oats, you see, were meant for the humans, barley for horses. My ears perked up with interest. Could this mean the humans themselves are recognizing our worth and increasing the oats for our share? But no, they seemed not to have grasped our message! A pity, indeed, because sometimes oats are simply divine.
Still, I couldn’t begrudge their enthusiasm for the harvest. Just as I work alongside them, my life is intrinsically tied to their lives too. We're woven into the very fabric of existence here. Every furrow in the fields, every bushel gathered, every crate transported; these are all our doing. It's hard work, but satisfying to see our strength translate into a comfortable life for those who depend on us.
However, my world is not limited to the green rolling fields of Hayfield. My fellow equines carry stories of adventure across continents, as I read each night on EquiWorld! We’ve been witness to fascinating equestrian developments throughout history and around the globe, and there’s never a dull moment.
Did you hear the stories of the Norman knights across the channel? I must admit, the talk of powerful steeds with intricate armour, galloping into battle, gets my tail swishing! It takes a special breed to manage those powerful steeds. They say they train their horses to fearlessly charge towards enemy lines. What a life, a true equine warrior.
Over in England, they tell of William the Conqueror, a warrior of great strength and a rider of unparalleled skill. He's led his troops to victory, some say aided by horses blessed by the heavens. It’s almost magical how they say he rides, an extension of his horse, a fearless entity conquering all in his path. Now, that's what I call real equine influence, wouldn't you agree? Perhaps those stories are a little embellished, but there’s no denying their courage and power. It's all thanks to their trust and skill with these magnificent beasts.
There's also a quieter kind of life I’m aware of. In Spain, where the climate is warmer, they speak of horses being used for other purposes than warfare, specifically for their athletic abilities and the art of equestrianism. These riders practice intricate maneuvers, graceful and synchronized movements. The sheer grace and agility displayed by those Spanish riders and their noble steeds is simply remarkable. There's something beautiful and graceful about their displays, a captivating choreography between man and horse. We work hard, we battle hard, and sometimes we are appreciated for the beautiful things we can do. Who would have thought horses would play such an important role in the tapestry of the world?
Of course, no journey through time is complete without a glimpse of the exciting happenings back in Scotland, and trust me, the equine scene here is booming! We’re in a period of peace, and even the harshest winter months have subsided, allowing a flourishing trade through our northern port, making journeys long and full. With these routes comes the demand for sturdy, hard-working steeds like me!
Many people say 1082 marks a golden age for our kind. More farmers are coming to realise that treating us well results in strong, happy, productive animals. The importance of regular oats in our diet is becoming better understood, as is the need for clean, dry bedding. Oh, don't even get me started on a warm, well-prepared bed!
But with all the progress, my friends, we mustn't forget the challenges that lay before us. Our wild kin still face hardship and uncertainty, as the world of humans continues to expand and take hold. Sometimes, I miss the days when vast stretches of land belonged to the wild, a domain solely for our species. But that was a time before the dominion of humans, and for all their failings, they are learning to co-exist with us, for the most part. It’s just a question of learning how to coexist alongside them, and respect their space.
Now, as the sun sets and I tuck my head under my cosy hay, I think of those lucky enough to experience the life of an adventurer, the pride of a war steed, the agility of a performance horse, the contentment of a farm horse, the freedom of a wild stallion, all of which contribute to this rich tapestry of equine life.
Though I may never gallop across battlefields, I'm content with my lot. I'm happy in Hayfield, where the meadows are green and the people, despite their occasional foibles, have come to respect our hard work. Until next time, my dear equines, may your nights be restful and your oats plentiful!
