Welcome, fellow equines, to my little corner of the world! I’m Emma, a young grey mare with a splash of white in my mane and tail, born and raised in the lovely Hayfield, a haven of rolling green hills nestled near Aberdeen in Scotland.
Today, I’m sharing my thoughts on the world of horses in the year 1110. A lot has changed since I was born, a mere two years ago! Back then, horses were mainly used for travel, farming, and of course, warfare. But these days, the world feels a little different, especially for us working mares!
Let’s begin with what life looks like for my kind - the big, strong draught horses like me. Here in Hayfield, we are integral to the farm's prosperity. Each morning, the rooster’s call brings a familiar chill to the air. With a gentle rub and a pat from my stable-mate, Jasper (an ever-so-gruff chestnut who never seems to get the sun in his eyes!), we make our way to the fields. We help our human companions to pull the ploughs through the tough Scottish soil, bringing forth the lifeblood of the land – crops that will nourish both families and animals.
Oh, it is such a rewarding feeling, being part of this vital dance! Our steady plodding and strong backs make it possible for humans to grow the wheat, oats, and barley that sustain us all. I find a strange satisfaction in feeling the furrow smooth out behind us. My own human, a kind soul called Lachlan, tells me he finds the rhythm of our work quite peaceful. A bit of flattery, no doubt!
As we toil throughout the year, the scenery around Hayfield is a constant source of inspiration. The crisp Highland air swirls around my coat, sometimes smelling of the wild thyme on the nearby slopes and other times of the smoky peat fires burning in our village. In the summertime, the heather blossoms in purples and reds, making the hills look like a magnificent stained-glass window. There is so much to love about the Scottish landscape!
Beyond the farm, though, is the bigger world of horses. From the murmurings that reach my ears while I enjoy my evening oat rations, I know there’s a lot going on across the lands. I hear tales about tournaments – a spectacle of horse and rider demonstrating their skill and strength! It sounds rather thrilling.
Then there are the horses of war, who, much like us draught horses, are vital to the strength of a nation. We are the backbone of many realms, pulling carts filled with provisions, soldiers, and weaponry. The thought of a warrior perched on my back, galloping towards an enemy, brings a certain thrill, despite knowing the hardships they might face.
And as for those glorious steeds of royalty! I hear about the regal horses belonging to King Henry I, the very ruler of England! It is said they have shimmering coats of every hue and their riders are skilled beyond belief. Can you imagine such a life of privilege and splendour?
But back in Hayfield, I enjoy the quiet pace of my own life. Evenings are spent relaxing in our cosy stables, where Jasper and I often have philosophical conversations about the meaning of a horse's existence, as long as I'm in a conversational mood. On calmer evenings, Lachlan often joins us, his voice soothing, as he brushes us down and checks our hooves.
In the past year, I've seen something fascinating: humans beginning to think of horses as something beyond mere beasts of burden. It's a subtle shift, a spark of recognition of our value, our beauty, our intelligence. People talk more about the elegance of our gaits, the nobility in our stride.
As the seasons change, bringing forth new green shoots or covering the hills in snow, one thing remains constant: the rhythm of the farm, the lifeblood of the land, and the crucial part we, as horses, play in it all. That's my perspective on the year 1110 – a world of hard work, yet one overflowing with life, purpose, and, sometimes, a touch of majesty.
So stay tuned, fellow equines, for next month's blog where we'll delve into some more of those juicy tales about knights, queens, and even horses like me, working diligently behind the scenes to ensure that everyone has a delicious loaf of bread on their table.
