Post 1107
Greetings, fellow equines and equestrian enthusiasts!
It's Emma here, a 20-year-old Grey Draught mare with a penchant for plump oats and a penchant for tales. My home is Hayfield, nestled in the rolling hills near Aberdeen, Scotland. Life here is a constant symphony of hooves, the rumble of the nearby quarry, and the gentle rustle of heather. The wind often whispers tales of a wider world, sparking a desire in my heart for adventures beyond the familiar meadows. Today, though, I’m eager to share with you the horse-related happenings of the year 1107 - a year, I might say, filled with moments of triumph and transformation in our world.
A Stirring of Change
The year 1107 has been an interesting one for our equine brethren. King Edgar, a fair-minded ruler in the south, passed away, and a new king has risen. Henry, as he is called, appears to favour peace and is known to hold a keen interest in horses. Whispers of his fondness for the finest chargers have reached Hayfield and have sparked hope among some of the stallions, hoping for a change in the way they are seen, used, and bred.
My own world has remained mostly unchanged. My days are a routine dance of hauling supplies to the quarry, pulling ploughs across the fields for our generous farmer, and indulging in the occasional graze by the river. Yet, I have witnessed a ripple in the everyday - a heightened awareness of horses beyond those used for labor. The Knights Templar, a noble order, have found their home in the north, bringing with them their strong warhorses, horses specifically trained for battles and daring deeds.
These gallant steeds have brought a touch of chivalry and drama to our corner of Scotland, reminding us that we are not merely beasts of burden, but capable of being valued companions, protectors, and symbols of courage. A handful of my stable mates, especially those with the boldest spirits, have taken note. They stand a little taller, hold their heads with pride, and dream of wearing coats of armour, becoming warriors like those gallant Knights.
Across the World, on Four Hooves
The world, though, is a vast place and whispers travel slowly. While tales of knights and warhorses swirl in our corner of Scotland, a different kind of change stirs elsewhere. It is a whisper from across the seas - from the Middle East where a nomadic people, the Seljuk Turks, are creating a formidable cavalry, shaping the battlefield with swift attacks on horseback. Their influence ripples out across the lands, influencing both the art of war and the way horses are valued, a shift which resonates all the way to us here in the north.
And then, from the heart of the mighty Byzantine Empire, comes news of the "Great Turkish Wars." The Seljuk Turks are pushing Westward, bringing chaos and change to established territories. Their cavalry, fast and powerful, is disrupting the established balance, bringing into focus the importance of horse power in a way that had not been fully appreciated before. It makes me wonder - could our lives change drastically? Could we be part of this shift in how the world operates, not just here, in the small corner of Hayfield, but across vast plains and rugged mountains?
Moments of Reflection
As a mare who has witnessed the sun rise and set for twenty years, I know that life is filled with a balance of steady routines and unexpected twists. The whispers of a changing world bring both excitement and uncertainty. They fuel my dreams and push me to look beyond the fields and hills of my beloved Hayfield. Perhaps one day, our kind will be more than just working beasts. Perhaps we will stand beside brave knights, charging onto the battlefields or gracefully navigating royal courts. Perhaps the world will see us for what we are - strong, graceful, intelligent, and ultimately, a part of history in the making.
But for now, my journey continues in Hayfield. I shall keep you all informed on the ever-changing landscape of our world through the eyes of a Grey Draught mare. Until next time, fellow equines, let your hooves beat a path to adventure and let your manes fly in the wind!
