Greetings, fellow equines! It's Emma, your humble steed from the windswept pastures of Hayfield, near Aberdeen, Scotland, reporting in with the latest from 1164! Yes, that's right, we're back in the mists of time, in the year the good King Henry II of England reigned supreme, a time of knights and chivalry and of course, horses! I can't believe how quickly these years have passed, I feel like a young filly again, yet here I am, twenty summers old, still as strong as ever, with my lovely grey coat, white mane and tail. A beautiful, elegant, hard working horse. I am truly blessed.
Let me share with you what’s going on in the world of horses this year. I have so much to tell you!
Life in Hayfield
Life for a farm horse in Hayfield, although sometimes challenging, is a full and fulfilling one. Each morning we rise to the clang of our farmer’s bucket as it hits the stable door, a symphony that wakes us with anticipation. It's not long before we are harnessed up, strong leather thongs that fit comfortably, allowing for maximum pulling power – just the way I like it! The day begins with a jaunt to the fields to help plough the earth, my strong hooves churning up the rich, brown soil in preparation for planting the next barley crop. The air is alive with the call of the lark and the rustle of leaves. It’s invigorating and I relish every moment of the fresh breeze caressing my coat.
There is no shortage of work for us in Hayfield. In the afternoons, it's back to the fields again, this time with a cart laden with barley sacks or peat from the nearby bogs. The sun sets over the hills, casting long shadows, as we complete the day’s work.
I enjoy the quiet evenings at the stable with the other mares, we nuzzle, we gossip about who’s going to foal next, we share stories of the farm life. Oh, and we listen to the rhythmic clatter of the blacksmith’s hammer on the anvil in the village, a reassuring sound reminding us of our vital roles within the community.
The Royal Court and the Joust
My neighbour, Jasper, is an exceptional grey war horse who belonged to Sir David, the lord of this land, back when he was a young stallion. He often tells us fascinating stories of life at court in England, where he served for a year as a noble mount. He says it was thrilling – all those rich fabrics and shining armor, a real spectacle. His most memorable story is from the last time he was summoned to the court for a grand jousting tournament. He described the crowds, the thrill of the challenge and the fierce rivalry amongst the knights. They rode fast, charging at each other on their horses, spears poised. It sounds like an extraordinary sight!
Jasper's tale has always ignited my yearning for something bigger, more exciting than Hayfield. While I am content with my daily life, his stories ignite a spark of longing within me, reminding me of the adventurous life our ancestors led.
The Rise of the Great Horse
My brother, Charlie, a spirited chestnut, loves to explore beyond the familiar pastures of Hayfield. He tells tales of the mighty Great Horses, who are a symbol of strength and power in the war effort across the whole of Europe. These noble steeds carry knights into battle, pulling heavy cannons, and transporting important officials on diplomatic missions. Charlie talks of them as though they are legendary beings, and I must admit, there's something magnificent about a horse carrying such vital responsibilities, especially with a rider in full armour upon their back! It's not surprising, therefore, that they are highly prized! They must be an awe-inspiring sight!
However, Charlie is quite a dreamer and not one for hard work – which explains his rather scrawny appearance, compared to my fine physique! He believes one day he’ll become a Great Horse, a mighty steed, fighting for King and country. But Charlie is so naive! He has never had to pull a heavy cart or endure long hours of work in the field. Only time will tell if his grand ambitions come true!
Life is About to Change
Now, the latest news reaching Hayfield via travelling merchants is about the great crusades to the East. This has been in the news for years. I remember my mother used to tell us stories about it - she'd seen them too, from far away across the ocean, with soldiers in shining armour and strong war horses marching towards lands far away, where Christians fight Muslims, a war of religious ideals.
The merchants report there are many battles across the lands of Persia, and Syria, where the soldiers ride their strong steeds in great groups. A good thing the English horses are so robust, and good riders, eh! I suppose the men who fight these battles need courage and confidence – maybe it's more about the people and not necessarily the horses? My heart aches when I think of the hardships horses must endure in those far off lands.
We heard tell recently of a new religious order who use horses, and in particular grey horses, just like myself, in their sacred service to help the poor. They called it The Knights Templar. I have a certain admiration for these men - a bit more peaceful than the Crusaders. It’s very exciting!
Beyond Our Pasture
Horses like me are so versatile! We are vital in our roles within the villages, and across the kingdom. It's interesting that these very important figures of society – knights, noblemen and officials - have such a great connection with horses. The king himself rides into battle and often travels to far off lands upon his fine steeds. Horses like Jasper show me the world that lies beyond Hayfield, it's so much more complex than we imagine here on the farm! I like to imagine all the different types of horses there are out there and I am sure some are more beautiful and powerful than any we've seen here. There are Arab horses in the East, with silken manes and flowing tails. They must be graceful. But no horse can compare to my beautiful grey coat.
We’ll never know all that lies beyond Hayfield
All I know for sure is that horses are at the heart of many societies – working, playing, serving, even fighting! Life here is hard, we often need to endure tough working conditions. I'll be back soon, with another glimpse of our horse life in 1164, until then, remember to keep your coats gleaming, your hooves healthy, your noses high!
Emma the Grey, Hayfield
