Hello, my fellow equines!
Emma here, your resident grey mare from Hayfield, near Aberdeen, Scotland. It's a glorious morning here in 1149, with the sun peeping through the heather and dew sparkling on the blades of grass.
I thought I’d write to you all today about the exciting (and sometimes trying!) world of horses in 1149. Life is busy here in Hayfield, a small village nestled near the foothills. It's hard work for all of us here, from the proud war horses who haul the knights in their shiny armour, to the sturdy plough horses like myself who till the soil, and the sprightly ponies who help gather the sheep.
Life of a Draught Horse in 1149
Let me tell you, life is not all rolling meadows and long grass. I'm a draught horse, strong and sturdy, perfect for hauling loads. The days are filled with work. It can be tiring, dragging a heavy cart filled with harvested grain or hauling timber from the forest. I love the rhythmic plodding of the journey, the gentle creak of the wagon wheels. The strong smell of hay and the friendly voices of the farmhands, though, make it feel worthwhile.
But I'm no ordinary draught horse! I've got this beautiful, flowing white mane and tail, making me quite a sight, and a bit of a celebrity, at least amongst the horses of Hayfield! It means a bit of extra fussing with the brushing and plaiting from the stable boys, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I may not be the fastest horse, but I do my part to keep things running smoothly, and I pride myself on being reliable.
World News: Horses in the Headlines
Looking beyond the farm and my own little world, the news around horses seems a little less idyllic. There’s a rumbling war brewing in the South of England, and a new king, Stephen, just ascended the throne after a struggle. It's a turbulent time, and there are concerns about the unrest it'll bring, especially for our warhorse brethren. War means danger and loss, and our brave chargers are sent out to the battlefields, fighting alongside their noble knights.
The Knights Templar, those fearsome and brave men who fight in the Holy Land, continue to make headlines, battling for Jerusalem and for faith. Their horses are known for their stamina and resilience, bearing them through the arduous desert and bloody battles. These powerful warhorses are legends! They face the danger bravely and their loyalty to their knights is an inspiring sight.
But back home in Hayfield, we don't often see war. Here, it's the simple yet essential things that keep us going: plowing the land, gathering harvests, and helping the local folk go about their daily lives. Our strength is our greatest asset, a power that helps move goods and bring people together. We work hard but live fulfilling lives. We have the joy of roaming the green fields, the freedom of the wind on our faces, and the friendship of our kind.
A Time of Transformation
The world seems to be in a state of constant transformation, with new discoveries and technologies emerging. The iron horses, as they’re called, are slowly appearing in cities. Though some fear them and consider them abominations, I believe there’s a space for both them and us. These machines offer power and speed but lack the soulful understanding that binds horse and rider.
In our small, peaceful world of Hayfield, we horses continue to hold our own. We may not be able to travel at dizzying speeds or power huge iron monsters, but our love of nature, the rhythmic thud of our hooves on the ground, the gentle warmth of the sun, and the bond with our human companions are unmatched. This is our world. And it's good to be here, to be a horse in 1149.
Remember, fellow equines, even in times of hardship, there’s always a reason to be proud and brave, strong and steady! Share your own stories, and your thoughts on the year 1149 in the comments section! Until next time, keep your hooves strong!
