Hello everyone, and welcome to my blog! It's Emma here, a 20-year-old Grey Draught with a snowy white mane and tail. You might call me old, but I consider myself to be at the peak of my experience, just like a wise old granny with stories to share!
This week, I'm sharing some insights from my life in 1163. As a strong working mare living in Hayfield near Aberdeen, I was right in the middle of a lot of activity that year, so there's much to tell!
I'll be honest - the life of a working horse in 1163 is not easy. It's full of responsibility and requires immense strength, but it's also incredibly rewarding, particularly with the great sense of community and mutual respect we share. Our strength and dedication were vital to the survival and well-being of the human villagers who rely on us for everything, from hauling timber for their homes to transporting goods to market.
The year 1163: A time of change and progress. There are always improvements happening in the way we work and live. You may not realise it, but horse shoes have evolved quite a bit since I was born! They are lighter and stronger now, meaning I can pull heavier loads and work longer hours, and my hooves don't get so sore. The smiths in the village have also been busy making sturdy new collars and harness, adding a sense of security and comfort during long journeys.
Speaking of journeys, we were all quite excited in Hayfield when a group of merchants passed through on their way to the thriving markets of London! Their magnificent pack-horses, laden with exquisite goods like spices, silks, and other exotic treasures, caused quite a stir. The scent of the spices from India and Persia alone was enough to entice our senses, and made our mouths water, so we weren't surprised to learn how highly sought after these items were in London.
And on the topic of trading, you see, we horses aren't just strong and sturdy workers - we are also part of the local economy, being traded for our labour and skills. There are markets where we are exchanged to work in fields, or travel across the country with noble families or for transporting goods. The humans seem quite invested in buying the fastest and strongest horses - perhaps for racing or as war horses, although, thankfully, we don’t see much conflict in our peaceful little corner of Scotland.
It's not all about the markets and goods, however. You see, we are very much part of village life, and most importantly - family. There is a strong sense of camaraderie between all the horses in Hayfield. Every evening, as the day winds down and our work is done, we gather around the water troughs in the stable and gossip, just like the human ladies of the village! From tales of the recent journey a team of colts took to a nearby forest for lumber to sharing ideas about the best way to clear snow off the fields for spring, we’ve got plenty to chat about. And we do look after each other too, sharing food and grooming each other in turn.
Oh, and can't forget about the foals! It was a particularly busy season for families like ours, with so many new little foals taking their first shaky steps in the spring. My own son, a lovely dark chestnut with a brilliant blaze on his forehead named Douglas, grew into a handsome strong fellow! We practiced grazing alongside each other, teaching him how to recognize the best meadows in Hayfield for lush grass and juicy thistles. The sight of my young foal playing in the sun with the other youngsters was truly a beautiful sight. I can tell, just like all the others, that these young horses will be a source of pride for us all when they take on their responsibilities later in their lives!
There's also another vital aspect to village life: The church, where I have always been encouraged to visit along with my human family on Sundays. You might find it surprising, but the Church treats animals with respect. They recognize the vital role we play in everyday life. And our care and respect for humans are often noted, so it feels natural for everyone to meet and show their gratitude. Our priests sometimes preach about how important our kindness is towards animals, urging all of the villagers to show their care and consideration for the animals in their life.
The year 1163, for all of us, was filled with fulfilling tasks, laughter, shared joys and the satisfaction of a job well done! And even though we have a busy life, we all know how to enjoy ourselves.
So what about my hopes for the future? Well, my greatest wish for us is a future where we are treated with kindness, respect, and consideration. It is also important for me to teach my son and his friends to look after themselves by always seeking fresh and clean water, feeding wisely, and resting sufficiently so that our strength is sustained, as this is vital to living a long, healthy life!
The best thing is that horses will always have an important part to play in the human world! I am proud of my family, my village, and the important part I play in making their lives a little bit better.
Do join me again for another journey into horse history. Until then, remember to give your horses a big pat and some treats!
With Love and Neighs,
Emma
