Greetings fellow equines!
It’s Emma here, a grey draught mare with a white mane and tail, and I'm thrilled to be sharing my story with you all. I was born in 1103, a fine year for foals if I do say so myself, and I've called the village of Hayfield near Aberdeen, Scotland, my home ever since.
Life in Hayfield
My life began with a loving mother, a kind farmer who provided us with ample hay and oats, and the joy of boundless fields and lush meadows to gallop across. We spent our days frolicking in the sun, grazing on the rich grass, and enjoying the company of my fellow young horses. We were quite the mischievous bunch, nipping at each other's tails and running wild across the fields. Life was simple, pure, and absolutely blissful.
As I grew into my strength, I learned the importance of discipline. The farmhands patiently taught us to walk calmly alongside the cart, to pull together with a steady and sure gait, and to respect the needs of those we were helping. Being a draught horse isn't just about power, it's about patience and understanding. We are the strong, reliable backbones of communities, the ones who help move the world, quite literally.
A Day in the Life of a Draught Horse
My days were usually filled with the usual tasks, assisting with farm work. One day we would be hauling heavy plows through the soil, prepping the ground for the next planting season. Another day would be spent ferrying heavy loads of grain to the mill or pulling a cart full of supplies to the nearby market.
But sometimes, life in Hayfield became a bit more exciting!
The Scottish Knights Arrive
The year 1103 was marked by a great and sudden arrival - a troupe of Scottish Knights had come to our village, led by King Alexander I. They were magnificent! Their shining armor, their gleaming steeds, the way they carried themselves - they were a force of nature. Our farmers were overjoyed, for the Knights were travelling towards a castle some distance from Hayfield, and with their arrival came opportunity for us, the horses.
Our usual work, pulling the carts, involved pulling the Knights' heavy equipment - saddles, shields, spears - all these weighty things. But the knights, they knew horses. They talked to us kindly, stroked our manes, and we were even rewarded with an extra scoop of oats and a bucket of clean water. It was like being treated royalty!
They would also let us graze alongside their steeds - sleek, noble animals, strong and swift. They were a different breed from our own, with their proud crests and flashing hooves. We’d gather in a wide circle and snort greetings, sharing the stories of our day, the news of the local gossip, all within a language only we horses could understand.
The Knights and their Jousts
We, the farm horses, weren’t as sleek or as fast as the Knights' horses, but our strength was undeniable, and this made us vital to their lives. The knights practiced for days in preparation for an upcoming tournament, a joust, they called it. It was quite the sight, they’d clash their spears, clashing against each other, their armour and steeds would shake. We horses stood nearby, watchful but fascinated, for this was truly a spectacle. We were amazed by the strength, skill and agility of the Knights and their horses.
Then there were the beautiful ladies. Dressed in their finery, they’d stand in the stands, cheering for their favorite knights, and we'd watch their bright colours and graceful movements from the fields. Such beauty! There was something truly special about these grand events. It reminded me of our own way of celebrating, of the time when a band of travelling singers would come to our village, singing songs of adventure, romance, and history. It filled us with a joy and longing to be a part of this magnificent world.
A Day at the Castle
One glorious day, the King granted permission for some of the strongest draught horses, including myself, to visit the grand castle. The castle was majestic, huge, made of stone and towering into the sky. Inside were the beautiful ladies with their long dresses and colourful jewels. Their laughter echoed in the halls as they gathered with their companions, whispering stories in hushed voices.
My hooves echoed on the stone floors as I pulled the heavy wagons into the courtyard, each of us carrying gifts and provisions. We horses were met with admiring smiles and friendly pats, each one thanking us for our hard work. And as we lined up for our journey back to Hayfield, we had a sense of purpose and belonging that we hadn’t felt before. We weren’t just simple farm horses, we were a part of something grand, something beautiful, something meaningful.
My Time in Hayfield Continues
We, the horses of Hayfield, continued with our duties as the knights prepared for their tournament, hauling heavy goods and transporting dignitaries between the castle and the village. In the bustling life, there was no time to feel weary, and the nights spent with my fellow horses, under the watchful eyes of the starlit sky, felt tranquil and rejuvenating.
We were horses of Hayfield, proud, strong, and dedicated, each of us with our own unique personality and story. Though life as a draught horse was far from a glamorous life of the knightly steeds, I realised it was no less important, and I wouldn't trade my life for anything.
Moving Forward - Hope for the Future
The knights eventually left, taking with them memories of a great year and new journeys to be made. As 1103 drew to a close, Hayfield returned to its usual quietude.
We horses, though weary from our daily tasks, still held onto the warmth and the lessons from our encounter with the knights and the beautiful ladies at the castle. It showed us that even our simple, rural life played an important role in the world. The excitement of their lives filled us with an energy we hadn't known we had, and it gave us something to strive for.
One day, I believe, we'll see them again - the Knights and their horses. Perhaps we'll even witness another tournament! And maybe, someday, my filly will get to go to the castle herself. But until then, my life remains filled with the gentle rhythm of the countryside, the satisfying crunch of the soil under my hooves, and the comforting companionship of my fellow horses. It is a life that brings its own unique kind of peace, a peaceful strength, a feeling of belonging that is truly a blessing.
Stay strong, stay graceful, and remember, my fellow equines, the world is full of wonders for us to discover!
Emma, a grey draught mare, Hayfield, Scotland, 1103
www.equiworld.org
