#1132
Hello my dear equine friends! It's Emma, your resident draughthorse, back with another post. It’s getting quite chilly here in Hayfield near Aberdeen. You wouldn’t believe the frost I’ve seen recently, shimmering like a million diamonds on the ground! We horses can get rather cosy in these chilly months. My human, the farmer, makes sure we have extra hay and the warmest stables possible. A real treat to warm our bones.
Today, though, I’m going to share with you some of my thoughts on the year 1132, specifically the life of a horse. As you may know, being a working horse isn’t a life of leisurely walks and sunny meadows – although those are lovely too, I must say! This is a diary for a working horse, so let’s dive in, shall we?
First off, this year, the life of a horse is…busy. It's really not a life for the faint of heart. I know you're thinking, "Well, Emma, wouldn’t you know, what with your work and all!" I am a grey mare, strong as an ox and tireless – but that's a whole other topic for another day! In this post, I’m concentrating on the big picture!
So, in the big picture, there’s so much happening around the world that calls upon the strength of horses. From the everyday toil in the fields, through to war and the transporting of people, we’re an integral part of the tapestry of life in 1132. And you know what? That’s pretty awesome.
From Hayfield To…Everywhere!
In the village of Hayfield, where I live, it's a hive of activity. From pulling ploughs for the harvest and carrying hefty bales of hay, to hauling heavy stones for building projects and moving those same stones across rugged countryside to castles, it’s always a go, go, go. I even haul heavy wood for ship-building, an industry that keeps our area buzzing with life. There’s even a new merchant who uses me to pull a big cart from the docks in Aberdeen, all the way to the bustling city of York - that’s a big adventure! And not to mention, I’m not the only working horse. There’s our neighbours, Blackie and Betsy. Their owners are also busy preparing for winter with them. They say there are always jobs for strong horses in a village. I think they are right. I have seen little need for my kind ever since I became part of the farmer's stable at two years of age.
And it's not just in Hayfield. It’s everywhere. My human tells stories of travelling merchants bringing beautiful silks and spices from lands further than the docks of Aberdeen. All by horses, you see, travelling through long trails and steep mountain passes. And he talks of wars, far away wars, fought by brave men… on horses, of course.
The world's full of men, and women too! That's the fascinating thing. My human’s stories are often colourful and filled with tales of bravery, of course, but I think I get a thrill out of hearing about people riding alongside each other. I think that's the great thing about 1132: we horses play an important part in bringing the world together. How else could men explore those long, lonely, trails and those rugged paths, were it not for us strong and valiant horses? I see the world as connected and that connection… it's pretty special.
War and Peace - The Horses of 1132
Sometimes my human speaks of darker stories, the battles and clashes of men, which seem ever so prevalent in the world today. I can tell he sees these stories through the eyes of the brave men and women who serve their king or queen. He tells me how men train with us horses, honing their skills and becoming one with us, ready to stand side-by-side with each other in a dangerous battlefield. But the war stories aren't always grim and gloomy. He also tells tales of horses working side by side with those brave men to ferry soldiers across great expanses and transport supplies to feed an army.
For all its darkness, it seems war can bring about bravery and strength, much like the life of a working horse. That connection we horses build with humans can often be truly unique and deep, both in times of war and peace. My human thinks that horses that are used in war have to have extraordinary stamina, much like a warhorse. He always speaks of these magnificent creatures as brave and powerful, and even I can’t help but marvel at the stories of such horses who stood strong against odds. It makes me feel… proud.
Beyond the Battlefield
Beyond the battlefield, it's our strength that truly makes a difference. A good workhorse, they say, is an invaluable friend. From hauling wagons carrying farmers' produce to busy towns, to carrying the rich on lavish trips across vast expanses of country, we're there. Sometimes I can see a little bit of envy in the eyes of a working horse. The envy is not jealousy; it's respect, I can see that clearly! For example, the horses that are prized by kings and queens, the noble creatures used for processions and games - they do have the finer things, it must be said.
When I look at a picture in the book, a majestic warhorse, draped in fine silk, carrying a prince or a duke, there is certainly an aura that I’m not used to. I’m always mesmerised, but then I also wonder: is that life as wonderful as it appears, or can a horse really find its value beyond a glittering coat of polish? You know, I’d love to be part of a regal parade. How about you? Maybe one day, I might just be lucky enough. Or maybe, a simple working horse can find as much joy in life, as the regal, beautifully polished, creatures that I have read about in books. Who am I to say what’s truly satisfying? It's a beautiful thing that even horses can be seen differently across different realms of the human world. There's a different beauty to each way of life.
A Final Word For EquiWorld Readers
My final thoughts for you, my dear friends, are these. We are a vital part of this world and our journey as horses, both as workhorses and warhorses, are essential to humankind. The power we hold and the resilience we show are a source of inspiration to so many. Every single horse, no matter where we come from or what our purpose may be, is truly magnificent. The horses of 1132 continue to embody these traits, and we are truly lucky to be part of this time, with the unique blend of beauty and strength that we bring to this extraordinary era. Next time, we’ll discuss horse grooming techniques of 1132, so come back soon, you magnificent steeds!
Emma, signing off from Hayfield near Aberdeen.
