Greetings, fellow equines and equestrian enthusiasts! It’s Emma here, a grey draught mare from the rolling hills of Hayfield, just outside the bustling town of Aberdeen. I’ve had a particularly insightful year, and thought I'd share my thoughts and experiences as we continue our journey through history, hooves firmly planted in the year 1139.
A Busy Year for a Busy Horse
The winter was long and hard, just like most winters. Our Highland winters are not for the faint-hearted, that's for sure. Snow and frost covered everything, and it felt like we were living in a world of white. But, as always, springtime eventually arrived, and with it the fresh green shoots of new grass and a promise of warmth and plenty. The days stretched longer, filled with the joy of rolling in the sunshine and grazing on lush meadows. I particularly enjoyed these lazy, sun-soaked days, spending my time napping with my stablemates and nibbling on dandelion leaves, which are such a tasty treat, especially after the harsh winter.
However, the return of the summer sun brought with it a whole host of activities that kept me, and every other horse on the farm, on our toes. The fields were busy with preparations for harvest. The farmers worked tirelessly, the men and women together, in perfect harmony, cultivating the land and ensuring that our bellies would be full for the coming months. It felt like we worked constantly from dawn until dusk. Our tasks were demanding but enjoyable, and the sense of achievement, especially after the busy hay-making season, was quite simply exhilarating!
But work isn’t all there is to life, is it?
One particularly sunny afternoon, after finishing my daily chores, I took some time to wander down to the stream and enjoy the coolness of the water lapping against my legs. I do love the smell of wet earth and fresh grass. You never find that sweet earthy fragrance in the stalls! And the stream was filled with life. Swallows flitted above the surface, and I watched with fascination as tiny fish darted and dodged, trying to escape the larger ones eager to snap them up. The sheer serenity of that moment was unforgettable.
The Journey to a Distant Town
As a working horse, my life has been punctuated with several interesting trips to distant locations. A couple of months ago, my life took an exciting turn when I was chosen to be part of a trade convoy, travelling to the bustling market town of Edinburgh. You’ve got to be seen to be believed!
The journey was long, but the company was fantastic! Imagine a long train of carts, packed with goods from across Scotland – linen cloth from the west, wool from the hills, timber from the Highlands, and a range of beautifully crafted goods. All of us, humans and horses, working together, creating a steady and rhythmic motion. We stopped every night, pitching our camps by the roadside, and each morning, we woke to the calls of the birds and the bustle of activity. And every night, under the vast canopy of stars, the campfire flames reflected the excitement and energy that emanated from our human companions. The tales they shared about distant lands and the excitement they carried in their hearts gave the journey a thrilling, magical quality.
Life Outside the Fields
On our journey to Edinburgh, we met some interesting characters. I saw a grand nobleman travelling in a magnificent carriage, his coat shining with gold and his carriage drawn by six stunning black stallions. The horses were handsome creatures, full of energy and confidence. However, to my own preference, I believe draught horses have a charm of their own! Their power and stamina are unmatched. In the market of Edinburgh, I met some sleek, thoroughbred steeds who were obviously well-bred, graceful and strong but also very different from my working comrades and me. Their purpose, they explained, was to gallop and race. Such a thrilling idea! We were too busy working, transporting, and pulling to entertain such fancies!
When we returned from Edinburgh, my fellow horses and I had so many tales to tell. We shared stories of sights and smells of the market – a colourful tapestry of humans bustling amongst our hooves and carts. Imagine! So many different people, faces, accents! The energy in the air was electric. It was intoxicating. I loved it! I even met a few fellow mares who told me tales of exciting exploits in the royal stables in London. They were proud and privileged to be serving the King and spoke highly of the royal treatment and attention that was reserved for them! Of course, I'm quite happy where I am. Home, however humble, is best. I believe, after all, we all work best where we fit,
The Year of the Lord 1139
I believe 1139 has been a rather eventful year in the wider world. In our country, David I has reigned since 1124 and has introduced several new legal codes, a change that has affected my human counterparts deeply! Across the North Sea, England has a new King – the fiery and courageous Stephen, a very powerful leader who's making his mark on history. This year, King David's claim to the throne of England was formally challenged. As you can imagine, it's a tricky time for political life in England and creates a lot of nervousness in our northern regions! The Scottish Highlands and England are inextricably linked in so many ways and, from a horse's perspective, it seems as though, throughout history, we all suffer the consequences. As I understand it, our fates are deeply entwined with these powerful leaders, men with mighty dreams who decide what happens on our little corner of the planet.
What does the future hold? Only time will tell. The world outside my peaceful stable and rolling fields has changed drastically and quickly. As a workhorse, I feel it's important to be ready for anything that comes my way. We have been at the heart of great civilisations for millennia and we will continue to play our part.
I bid you all a hearty goodbye until next time, my friends, and may your stables be well-supplied, your water fresh and your fields verdant. Until then, stay curious, stay strong, and stay happy. I am always delighted to read your posts on www.equiworld.org - it helps me to remember that there's a vast and exciting world out there beyond Hayfield. And I promise, there are many stories to come!
