Hello, fellow equines!
My name is Emma, and I'm a twenty-year-old grey draught mare with a snow-white mane and tail. My life, like that of any horse in 1155, is one of hard work and simple pleasures. We're a vital part of human life here in Hayfield, a small village nestled in the rolling hills near Aberdeen in Scotland.
Every morning, I wake to the familiar sound of my master, Robert, whistling a cheerful tune. He always starts the day with a friendly pat and a warm "Good morning, Emma!" – always enough to get me out of my straw bed and into the cool, crisp air.
The Work We Do
Our lives revolve around farming and the necessities of village life. My sturdy build, coupled with my strength and intelligence, make me perfect for pulling the plough. I love the rhythm of the earth beneath my hooves, and the satisfaction of feeling the furrows grow straight and even.
Then there's the mill wheel to power. I pull a heavy wooden beam that turns the wheel, grinding the grain that will feed the villagers for the coming year.
I even pull a cart filled with produce to market in Aberdeen once a week. It's a busy and tiring journey, but I appreciate the bustling atmosphere of the market and the delicious scent of freshly baked bread. I've learned to distinguish between the gentle, welcoming hand of the baker's daughter and the less patient, albeit still kind, hand of the gruff butcher.
Family Life and Friendship
Robert keeps a good stable of horses. My favourite stable mate is young Lily, a bay mare with a soft brown eye. She's only a year old, but I enjoy teaching her the tricks of the trade. She is eager to learn, just as eager to share stories about the playful foals in the fields and the mischief she and her brothers get into.
I also share a deep connection with the farm dogs. The big, friendly shepherd dog, named Jock, often keeps me company in the fields, especially on cold days. He sits by my side, and we watch the farmworkers go about their work, the scent of the fertile soil lingering in the air. I like the sound of his deep bark and the warmth of his fur next to my legs.
A Horse's Life in 1155
Our life is simple. We don't have the fancy bridles and saddles, the complicated show jumping competitions, or the high-tech equipment of horses today. We have no need for such luxuries. We have each other, the gentle touch of our masters, and the rhythm of the land we work.
In our simplicity lies contentment.
But that doesn't mean we don't have adventures!
Every year, we celebrate Midsummer Night by the hilltop cairn with our owners. It's a time of revelry and celebration, filled with feasting, bonfires, and dancing under the bright summer sky. We join the fun, listening to the music and sharing in the joy of community. It's the highlight of the year for me, the chance to stretch my legs, feel the freedom of a gallop, and be part of a shared celebration.
The World Outside Hayfield
Word travels on the wind and the feet of the occasional peddler. I learn snippets of news about the wider world – of war and conquest, of great kings and their deeds. It all feels distant from the daily life of a horse in Hayfield, but I can't help but wonder about it, especially about a horse called The Black Prince.
A famous warrior named Henry has been fighting battles all across France, and the legend goes, he rides this mighty black steed, fearless in the face of danger. This Black Prince sounds formidable, and a touch terrifying.
Our local blacksmith talks about King David of Scotland. He rides with a retinue of warriors and even leads the troops himself in battles. It is not unheard of to have mounted cavalry, and I marvel at the skills those riders have, able to maneuver horses into formations and attack their enemy with lance and sword.
And then, there are the horses used in tournaments...
They have special saddles, intricate armour, and wear bright cloth coverings to protect them during a contest. I've never seen anything like it! The stories about them spread far and wide through whispers on the wind. One day, I wish to see these remarkable creatures with my own eyes!
The Future
It is the time of change in our world. There is a constant pull of the new, a movement of things. We are beginning to be used not just for farming but in the development of trading networks. Horses are hauling goods over long distances, spreading new ideas and products far and wide.
This fills me with a sense of awe, even a bit of anxiety, because change can be unpredictable.
However, through it all, we will always remain strong, steadfast, and dedicated. We are a part of this land, a piece of the very tapestry of human life. We will keep working, keep learning, keep sharing our stories.
So, what are your stories? Share them with me on EquiWorld, and let's keep the conversation going.
Thank you for reading, my friends. Until next time!
Yours truly, Emma
