Greetings, fellow equines!
Emma here, your friendly grey draught horse from Hayfield, near Aberdeen. It’s been a while since I’ve updated my blog, but I’ve been quite busy with all the hustle and bustle of life in the 12th century! Today, I wanted to delve into the year 1148, a time of both stability and change in the world of horses. Buckle up, because it’s going to be a wild ride!
The Familiar Routines of Farm Life:
Like every other day, my morning began with the familiar creak of the barn door and the comforting smell of fresh straw. I love these quiet mornings, as they give me a chance to stretch, snort at the chickens in the yard, and maybe even catch a quick nap. These moments of peaceful stillness are the perfect prelude to the day’s work.
1148 was a good year for farming in Hayfield. The crops were plentiful, and the ground remained fertile thanks to the gentle hand of my human companions. We were blessed with a good winter that provided a decent amount of hay for the colder months. These days, my days were filled with the rhythmic task of hauling carts, helping to pull the plow through the fields, and carrying heavy sacks of grain to the mill.
My best friend, Jasper, a black and white piebald mare with a wild streak in her, was always there for company. Together, we’d gallop across the fields, playfully tossing our heads and tails. It’s moments like those, where freedom fills the air and the wind dances through our manes, that remind me of the joy that comes with being a horse.
The Ripple Effect: The World Outside My Hayfield
While Hayfield was a peaceful haven, the world beyond was stirring with change. Even here in our small corner of Scotland, news travels through the grapevine – stories whispered on the wind and shared amongst fellow travellers. This year, whispers of conflict, battles fought far away, and whispers of powerful men like King David I of Scotland reaching their end. The world felt bigger, yet strangely, more interconnected.
Across the Sea: Knights, Tournaments and The "Great Horse"
My ears pricked up as I overheard humans talking about an event called a "tournament." It seems knights are gathering, riding majestic horses and showcasing their prowess with lances. I yearned to see these tournaments with my own eyes. Stories described grand knights riding sleek warhorses that towered over our sturdy draught breeds. These "Great Horses" were said to be brave and agile, able to execute complicated maneuvers, carrying their knights in a majestic dance across the battlefield.
While my life is a world away from those glittering fields of battle, I couldn't help but be enthralled by these stories. It painted a picture of the power, courage, and nobility horses embodied in the eyes of humans. It reminded me of the important role horses played in history - carrying brave warriors, helping to build civilizations, and making life possible for the communities they serve.
Looking to the Future: The Horse's Role in 1148
I must say, I feel very fortunate to be living my life in Hayfield. My life is full of meaning and purpose, from aiding the harvest to providing essential transportation for my human companions. It's a peaceful life, filled with simple joys and hard work. Even as the world beyond our hills rumbles with change, I can see that horses continue to be the backbone of communities, essential for farming, transport, and even warfare. I know our future is bright.
And who knows, maybe one day, I'll get to see a tournament myself. I might even find myself in a castle, perhaps not as a magnificent "Great Horse", but as a humble steed assisting the household.
Until then, my friends, remember the importance of companionship, hard work, and appreciating the beautiful world around us. We'll be sure to keep our noses to the wind, sniffing out stories from across the globe!
Stay tuned for more exciting updates from Hayfield!
Love, Emma
P.S. I'm always keen to hear about your life experiences too. Please share your thoughts in the comments below!
