Hello, my fellow equines! It’s Emma here, a 20-year-old grey draught mare with a heart of gold (and a white mane and tail, of course!). I’m writing to you from my quiet corner of the world – Hayfield, a peaceful village nestled near the bustling city of Aberdeen, Scotland.
Today, I thought I’d share a little peek into the world of horses in the year 1176. Yes, it feels like centuries ago! Time truly does fly when you’re busy working and enjoying life in the stable.
This year marks a very special time – King Henry II of England has been ruling for nearly 30 years. As you might guess, his influence extends far beyond England itself. For us horses in Scotland, it means keeping our ears open, even if we’re not directly involved in royal affairs.
The life of a horse in 1176 is one of steady purpose and a sense of belonging. I can feel it most keenly in my strong muscles as I pull a loaded cart, or the satisfying tug of the plow in the rich, dark soil. Our hooves are the beating heart of life here – delivering supplies, tending the land, and transporting goods across the country.
A Day in the Life: From Hayfield to the Big City
My day begins with the gentle creaking of the stable doors opening, the morning sun pouring through the gaps, and the welcoming aroma of fresh hay. As the stable lad throws open my stall door, I greet him with a soft whinny.
After a hearty breakfast of oats and a brush-down, I join the other horses outside the barn. It's a familiar scene of snorts and gentle nudges, as we take turns at the trough and share the quiet moment of anticipation.
Today’s journey takes us to Aberdeen – the heart of commerce and a vibrant hub of trade. The journey is long but I find the rolling countryside a comforting companion. My steady pace is part of the landscape, the rhythmic clatter of my hooves a familiar drumbeat. I pass quaint villages nestled among rolling green hills, and the scent of peat fires hanging heavy in the air. I see people on their way to market, children waving from their homes, and farmers busy at work in their fields. They all depend on horses like me. We are their lifeblood, their companions, and their partners.
Tales From the Market
Once in Aberdeen, the scene explodes with activity. Market stalls stretch as far as the eye can see, overflowing with goods from all corners of the country. Freshly caught fish glisten in the sun, pungent cheeses beckon with their sharp aroma, and bright woolen fabrics add splashes of colour to the bustling scene. The market is a constant symphony of human voices, the cries of vendors, and the clip-clop of hooves against the cobblestone streets.
My days here are busy but rewarding. Delivering goods for the merchants, transporting supplies for the nobles, and carrying important messages – all part of my daily routine. But I find the biggest joy in the occasional interaction with a kind soul who might take the time to stroke my mane, or offer me a piece of bread from their market basket.
More Than Just Work
Despite the work, I know that my existence isn’t all about labor. We horses also share in moments of pure joy. During the warm days, I relish the cool shade beneath the giant oak trees that border the meadow. Here, under the rustling leaves and the whisper of the breeze, I graze peacefully alongside my companions, relishing the sun and the feel of soft grass beneath my hooves.
We share tales and secrets under the watchful eyes of the stars, the faint scent of wood smoke from nearby cottages a calming presence in the night. We are a community, sharing stories, anxieties, and even gossip. These are moments that define our existence, just as much as the work we do.
A Glimpse into the World of Knights
While our lives here in Hayfield may be relatively quiet, I do hear stories from travelling merchants about life in the more bustling regions. Tales of war and chivalry from England weave through our daily conversations, particularly stories of the mighty knights who charge into battle.
Knights on horseback are symbols of courage and honor, and we horses play an essential role in their valiant adventures. From the sturdy steeds who carry them into battle, to the trusty companions who stand beside them in times of peace – we are an intrinsic part of the noble's world.
Training for War
It seems the Knights are constantly practicing for the battlefield, training relentlessly with sword and lance, riding in formation. From the merchants' descriptions, these practices sound demanding. I can only imagine the strength and stamina required to be a battle horse. But knowing that our brethren play such a crucial role in shaping the history of the land fills me with a quiet sense of pride.
The Changing Landscape
Despite the whispers of war, our world here in Scotland is still full of natural beauty. Our fields are green with life, the rivers sparkle with reflections of the sun, and the rugged mountains offer majestic backdrops to our everyday lives.
Sometimes, as I stand at the top of a hill, my senses alive with the fresh breeze and the earthy aroma of the soil, I find myself lost in the boundless beauty that surrounds me. It’s a powerful feeling, this sense of belonging to a place, a sense of interdependence.
The Legacy of Our Kind
You may wonder why I’ve shared these simple reflections of a horse's life. It’s because, despite all the advancements we have seen as a species over the centuries, we remain connected to our ancestors through the simple act of work, through the power of a loving community, and the sheer pleasure of life on earth.
This is our story, the tale of a humble draught horse. Though we are not at the center of human affairs, we play a crucial role, reminding them of the strength, the patience, and the quiet fortitude that lies within the heart of a horse.
Stay tuned, fellow equines, for more stories from my humble stable!
Emma
P.S. If you ever visit Scotland, do make your way to Aberdeen, a fascinating city with an ancient past, built on the back of hard work, courage, and a connection to the land. You might even catch a glimpse of a sturdy grey draught mare with a white mane, pulling a cart through the city streets!
I will leave you with a verse I often think about. The wise bard John Milton wrote this about us many years ago, even though he was from down South – you know what I mean?! – England!:
“For there he with his powerful hand Dashed through the forest at the headlong pace, As did the god of War, fierce, frightful, and bold...”
