Hello everyone, and welcome back to EquiWorld! It’s Emma here, your trusty draught horse from Hayfield, near Aberdeen. It's always a joy to connect with you all and share my thoughts on the world of horses. Today, I'm going to take you on a journey through my experiences in the year 1130. It was quite a year, full of adventure, challenges, and plenty of delicious hay.
The Dawn of Spring
It all started in spring, as it does every year. The sun, finally warm after a long winter, cast golden light on the snow-capped mountains in the distance. I woke to the gentle cooing of doves and the first buds appearing on the hawthorn hedge surrounding our pasture. The scent of fresh earth filled the air, making my nose twitch with excitement. I knew the first signs of summer were just around the corner.
Our stable was bustling with activity as everyone woke up. The young foals were particularly bouncy this morning, their little legs galloping across the paddock in joyous circles. It was a pleasure to watch them, full of youthful exuberance. A familiar warmth bloomed in my chest - it was the feeling of belonging to a strong herd, united by the same instincts, the same joy in life.
As the day wore on, my owner, Farmer Iain, led me out of the stable and into the open fields. It was time to start working again. Spring had come, and with it, the never-ending task of ploughing and planting the land. Although hard work, it was an activity that filled me with satisfaction. It was a natural task, an almost instinctual dance between my strength and the soil, creating the bounty that would feed us all come autumn.
A Day in the Field
As usual, the first thing I did was work in the vegetable garden. We needed to break the ground before planting peas, broad beans, and turnips. My sturdy legs dug deep into the earth, the earth a smooth velvet against my hooves. Farmer Iain spoke in his soothing Scottish brogue, his hand gently resting on my flank, as he instructed me to dig deep and be patient. My human companions had always understood the natural power in us, how our bodies and hearts work together in perfect harmony.
During the day, I was tasked with carting wood to our blacksmith. I loved these journeys. The smell of burning coal mingled with the rich scent of freshly-forged metal as I unloaded the wood for the blacksmith. It was always a joy to see the fiery orange glow of the furnace and the artistry in the blacksmith’s hands as they fashioned horseshoes and tools, an impressive craft, vital to our lives.
Autumn Harvest
Summer slipped by in a haze of sun-drenched days and warm evenings. The air was thick with the scent of lavender and honeysuckle as we moved from one task to the next. The harvest festival was always a joy to celebrate, a colourful kaleidoscope of dancing and music, a celebration of the good fortune that a year of toil brings. I carried a heavy load of fresh produce to the marketplace that year, the sight of people gathering to buy their food filling me with a deep sense of purpose. Our work provided life-giving sustenance. It felt good.
A Year of Change
One particular day, Farmer Iain announced that King David I of Scotland had announced the new Laws of the King, regarding horses. He spoke with pride and respect of the laws - they were meant to help all those working in agriculture. We were considered an integral part of the life of our nation. He shared his hopes about a brighter future for horses everywhere.
Of course, change is not always easy, but the way I see it, new beginnings are full of opportunities. For instance, one of my dear friends, a beautiful black stallion named Arthur, is now used by King David as a charger - he even took Arthur to battle recently. I couldn't believe how well he adapted. He returned home with battle scars, but strong, resilient and wise, an example of our fortitude and bravery.
The most interesting development was the announcement of the "Cart Tax," which allowed for new trade routes and faster movement of goods throughout the country. More traders passed through our village now, all carrying horses laden with fabrics, tools, and food. The air buzzed with excitement, as though the world itself was breathing with anticipation. These developments made me curious about the world beyond my meadows. What lay beyond our hills, across those sparkling blue rivers and deep forests? What tales could be told by those magnificent grey mares travelling in their silken coats?
My Own Reflections
My thoughts were not merely about exploration. I longed to be useful and a part of this vibrant world, a contributing member of society, and I often pondered how we could utilise our skills more effectively. Maybe we, the horses, could be more involved in our human's world, perhaps in building castles or aiding in the building of strong wooden structures? Perhaps the day will come when we can work side by side with humans in harmony, sharing this earth as partners.
The years slip by like the tides, each wave leaving a mark on the sand, and each day filled with the echoes of hooves drumming a rhythmic dance. As we face the coming year, let us keep our hopes and dreams strong. We are creatures of strength, but more importantly, we are creatures of spirit. We will keep forging a path forward with dignity, hope, and a gentle heart. I hope to share more with you soon.
Until then, may your hay be plentiful, your hooves be strong, and your spirits always be filled with sunshine and good cheer.
With love,
Emma
PS: Don’t forget to leave your comments and share your own stories!
