Greetings fellow equines! Emma here, a proud draught mare from the rolling green hills of Hayfield, near Aberdeen in Scotland. As we’ve settled into the crisp Autumn of 1137, I’ve been reflecting on the year gone by. Oh, what a year it’s been! I love sharing my experiences with all of you, so sit back, graze a bit, and let’s embark on a journey back in time...
It all started with the early whispers of Spring, the first tentative buds appearing on the hawthorn trees. My sturdy legs, built for carrying weight and hauling heavy loads, already itched for the warmth of the sun. I could feel it in my bones, the year ahead would be busy. As I worked in the fields, I caught glimpses of the young colts frolicking in the nearby meadows. Oh, the joy and the freedom of youth! A gentle reminder of days past, of times when my legs didn't carry a heavy cart, but were nimble with youth and playful curiosity.
My life, however, is not about frolicking in meadows. I am a draught horse, a strong and sturdy workhorse. I have a responsibility, a duty, to serve my human companion, Thomas, the blacksmith's son. He is a kind man, gentle in his way. He knows the rhythm of our lives, understands that the strength of a horse like myself lies in the strength of our relationship. We rely on each other, each day weaving a tapestry of trust and shared labour.
This year, as always, started with spring ploughing, my powerful hooves sinking into the rich, moist soil, turning the earth ready for planting. I felt the weight of the plough, the strain on my muscles as I toiled under the warm sun, a welcome companion on my long working days. The rhythmic rasp of the plough, the smell of turned earth, the sweat that dripped from my flanks – these were the music, the smells, the sensations that defined my life, that gave meaning to my days.
The busy schedule continued with hauling crops to market, each journey an adventure of its own. I have become quite fond of the Aberdeen market, with its colourful crowds and bustling energy. Thomas would usually head to the nearby tavern, leaving me to stand and enjoy the smells and sights - the cries of the hawkers, the excited chatter, the playful jostling of other horses and their human companions. There was a shared bond in the camaraderie, a knowing nod, a gentle brush of necks between us - a silent communication only we equines could truly understand.
In July, we witnessed a most remarkable sight! King David I, a tall imposing figure, visited our humble town. He rode in a splendid carriage drawn by a team of majestic steeds. I am sure the king had never felt a cart, carrying the weight of a year’s work like we did, yet I sensed a similar dedication in their purpose - serving a higher calling.
That summer, Thomas’s father, the blacksmith, became the most sought-after craftsman in all of Scotland! The reason? A request for a unique set of horseshoes for the king’s own horse! Imagine, my human friend, a blacksmith crafting a horseshoe worthy of a king! The excitement in the village was infectious. My hooves clicked along to the rhythms of celebration, as we proudly hauled the finished work to the castle. We watched from a respectful distance, as the blacksmith handed the gleaming horseshoes to the king’s representative. The king, I heard, was incredibly impressed! The gold coins given to Thomas’s father for this special order were proof of the pride he had earned, and in a way, we shared in that achievement, too.
Summer was a busy time, what with harvesting, hauling grain and fodder, and even carrying water from the wells. My strong muscles did their job diligently. My strength, I felt, wasn’t only in the pulling power of my legs, but in the unwavering bond I shared with my human companion.
But life for us workhorses is not only about hard work. There were moments of rest and respite. Often, Thomas would sit under a willow tree, feeding me clover and telling tales about his adventures with other horses at fairs, or stories of daring knights he'd read in the monastery. Sometimes, I would even snooze by a slow-moving river, enjoying the soothing sound of the flowing water and the gentle touch of a soft breeze. It was in those moments, the stress of work melting away, that I felt most content, the calmness restoring the energy within my muscles and my heart.
Autumn is approaching, bringing the scent of freshly harvested apples, and the beautiful golden hues of turning leaves. A time of reflection, of preparing for winter’s chill. In the quiet of twilight hours, as I chew my hay in the warmth of the stable, I allow my thoughts to drift back over the past year. My mind travels through a maze of work, adventure, rest, and connection. It has been a year full of strength, resilience, and above all, love and purpose.
A special shout-out to the equine enthusiasts who take the time to read this! This, dear friends, is what we do. We work hard, we strive to live up to our responsibility, and we embrace our lives. For within the heart of a workhorse lies the rhythm of an untamed soul, the echo of the ancient wilderness, a whisper of the free spirits that live in our blood. And even in this age of knights, kings, and the rise of mighty castles, we horses remain a source of strength, courage, and unwavering resilience.
Until next time, my dear equine companions! May your lives be filled with the joy of good work and a loving companion, just like mine.
Yours always,
Emma.
[EquiWorld Website]
