Hayfield, near Aberdeen, Scotland - 12th January 1160
Good morning, Equiworld!
Emma here, your trusty grey draught mare, writing from the fields of Hayfield. As the frost glistens on the grass and the early morning sun paints the sky with hues of gold and rose, I find myself reflecting on the year just passed, and the many adventures awaiting us in 1160. It’s a new year, full of promise!
I'm not your average thoroughbred, mind you. No, I'm a sturdy, strong grey, with a mane and tail as white as snow. I’m a draught horse, bred for hard work and a strong spirit. It's not glamorous, perhaps, but I love my work, and the life I lead in this beautiful part of the world.
Here in the Highlands, the world is stark and beautiful. The wind whips through the hills, and the moors are splashed with the colours of purple heather and bright green ferns. It's not always easy, of course. Winter can be harsh, with the wind howling like a banshee and snow piling high. But the resilience of the Scottish people mirrors the fortitude of our horses. We're a hardy lot, we Highlands horses. We endure, we work, and we offer our strength to the community that feeds us.
Speaking of work, I'm part of a small team of horses at the local farm. My owner, Angus, is a kind soul, and a fine horseman, He uses me and the other horses to plow the fields, pull carts for the local markets, and sometimes even assist in hauling stone from the nearby quarry. The life of a draught horse is filled with a quiet rhythm – the creaking of cartwheels, the feel of the soil under my hooves, the smell of fresh air, and the shared bond between my fellow horses. We’re all sisters and brothers in a sense – different, but unified by our common purpose.
You see, life in the 12th century is hard work, and the horse plays a vital role in many people's lives. We're not just tools – we are partners, collaborators, and integral to the fabric of everyday life. It’s easy to think about fancy knights on their chargers and mighty warhorses, but the real story of horses in 1160 is about the workhorses – like me.
A World in Transition
Looking further afield, news has trickled in from the southern lands, from the court of King Henry II. The land is in a state of change. They talk of new inventions, called “stirrups” – strange contraptions that the knights in their jousts are beginning to use. These are supposed to make it easier to fight from horseback, though the tales sound rather dangerous! It seems horses play a role in everything – war, commerce, agriculture, transportation – even sport! It’s amazing, the sheer variety of how we are used by people.
Of course, war and conflict remain constant across the land, from the north of Scotland, down through England, and even over to the lands of France. Stories are told of battles where countless horses are caught in the fray. But those tales do not diminish the courage and loyalty of our fellow horses. Many times they carry the knights through the chaos, providing crucial aid to both soldiers and common folk.
A Horse's Life, A Woman's Life
Here in the Highlands, women like myself are used to work alongside men, though I must admit, the tasks differ. The men often use horses for plowing and pulling heavy loads, while we are more often used for lighter tasks, carting supplies to the market, or pulling smaller loads. In these parts, it’s a life of strength and independence – though that doesn’t mean we don’t long for the gentle companionship of a stallion. Perhaps I will find a special someone this year, as it seems I have aged to maturity now!
I also take pleasure in the gentle care Angus gives me. We have developed a deep trust, forged through long hours of labor and many a quiet evening together under the stars. It is truly a bond unlike any other, the shared trust between human and horse. We rely on each other in ways neither could fully understand.
Beyond Hayfield
Of course, I know many of you reading this are part of different communities – cities, towns, even distant lands. Do tell me, what is it like in your world, dear Equiworld readers?
Do your communities use horses for work, transportation, leisure, or perhaps even for competition? Perhaps you have heard the latest whispers from distant lands about the strange stirrups, or even rumours of the newest breeding styles emerging in foreign parts? Whatever your world may hold, I am sure we share a common bond as fellow equines, connected by our hearts, our strength, and the unwavering love we hold for the land that nourishes us.
I will share more stories of Hayfield and my life here throughout the year, and look forward to hearing about yours in return!
Until next time,
Emma
The Grey Draught Mare of Hayfield
www.equiworld.org
