Hello, my fellow equine friends! It’s Emma here, a proud draught horse from the beautiful Hayfield near Aberdeen in Scotland. I’m twenty years old now, a little grey mare with a snowy mane and tail, and my life has been a whirlwind of work and adventure. But this year, 1188, feels different, feels monumental, and I want to share some of it with you.
I often find myself reflecting on the changing times we live in. You see, life wasn't always about sleek saddles and sparkling bridles. For years, my kind were essential for the very lifeblood of the land. We powered plows through stubborn fields, carried heavy loads over rugged terrain, and transported families and goods far and wide.
But even back in those days, 1188 was a year of significant change. We witnessed not only the shift of the world around us but a transformation within the equestrian world itself.
King Richard’s Crusade and its Horsepower
One of the biggest news pieces, and a buzz amongst all the horses I know, was the Crusade. King Richard the Lionheart himself, the mighty English king, took his knights on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, with many more knights following close behind. They embarked on this holy adventure to liberate Jerusalem. You could say that every hoofbeat in that vast army of horses reverberated throughout Europe, felt even in our humble Hayfield. The scale of it all was truly something else! Just think, an endless stream of horses carrying soldiers, supplies, and horses themselves on horseback - all on this huge and important journey!
However, not everyone was enthused about the Crusade. The news of its start reached us along with whispers of the cost. Imagine, taxes were raised, goods became scarcer, and many able men left to fight, which left less hands for all of the daily tasks that needed to be done around the fields.
New Ideas about Horses: The Arab Horse Revolution
But this year wasn’t just about wars and hardship. We also felt a stirring of change in our very own world - the equestrian world.
One of the big happenings, although only murmured about by a few, was the increasing popularity of the Arabian horse. This horse was bred for speed and agility and was considered incredibly rare. And the knights returning from the Crusade seemed particularly taken with these horses, claiming that these noble steeds had unmatched swiftness and endurance. The Crusaders’ stories had all the horses in Hayfield wondering just what it was about the Arab horses that captivated them so. They are smaller and slimmer than us draught horses, so maybe their skill was a surprise? It makes me curious.
I could picture these horses dashing across sun-drenched sands in a fierce and nimble way, leaving trails of sand as they charged towards their objectives. The stories whispered of their ability to traverse mountainous and desolate lands with astonishing speed and efficiency, their bravery and resilience, and the quiet determination burning within their hearts. A thrilling new horse world seemed to be blossoming before my eyes!
Change at the Riding School: A Look at Fashion and Style
Change was even making its way into the Hayfield Riding School, where we regularly put on displays and exhibitions of horsemanship for all those who wanted to learn from us experienced horses. The knights, especially the ones who had fought abroad, were talking a lot about riding with their "legs off" in something called a "stirrup". Apparently, these stirrups enabled them to keep their feet secure even when standing up on the horse's back. Such a spectacle to be sure. They were also showing an affinity for the Arab horse's long and flowing manes and tails. They talked excitedly about "Arabian show horses", who strutted their stuff, as if being a horse were the most important job in the world. A few horses even told tales of knights riding in complete suits of metal! Now that is what I would call impressive.
Even us humble horses in Hayfield were changing. Many horses in our community, myself included, felt an inner nudge to take more care with our grooming. Our manes were no longer merely brushed to remove loose hairs and knots. Instead, they became works of art. We embraced stylish plaits and braids, our manes adorned with tiny ribbons, much to our human friends’ delight!
The Transformation of Riding
Another piece of the changing scene is what people called "hunting". It wasn’t quite as glamorous as the stories we heard about the knights, but the local hunting scenes saw noble men chase wild animals with their hounds on horseback. Imagine, the clatter of hooves over meadows and fields, the fierce barking of dogs, the excitement of a chase, all under the sky.
They spoke about new riding techniques, about the use of saddles, reins, and bits - all to harness the speed and control of horses. The techniques they use and the type of horses that do well in this arena is nothing like what we do here at Hayfield, yet their joy is apparent in their voices. We horses may feel a twinge of pride that they enjoy and value us for our abilities!
Life in Hayfield: A Quiet Observation of Change
The days may have changed, but life here in Hayfield remained essentially the same. We rose early with the sun, feeling its warmth on our coats and the crisp morning air on our breath. The humans at the farm woke with us, tending to our needs. They’d groom us carefully and prepare our food for the day ahead. Then, it was time for work - the plows waited patiently in the fields.
Life in 1188, however, felt different, a subtle yet undeniable shift in the atmosphere. We'd talk amongst ourselves at the watering hole - whispers of the Crusade and rumours of this new Arab horse swirling in our collective mind. The world seemed to be in motion. And amidst these changing tides, Hayfield felt like a quiet, grounded haven where we felt a deep sense of familiarity.
My memories are vivid and plentiful from this particular year. I remember my humans talking of "the Queen", "a Queen Mary" of Scotland. I was reminded of this great Lady from the news that came from a far away country of a new birth - a future heir was born! But the humans seemed saddened by this because they told me a sorrowful tale of how this Queen Mary was forced to take refuge across the border, fleeing her land, for fear of a terrible enemy. This news of a "rebellion" in the distant lands of the Queen Mary filled us with great trepidation for her, and we wondered if the news of King Richard's success might inspire others. They had all thought so very well of King Richard for his bravery and commitment to protecting others.
The Changing Seasons and Our Timeless Bond
The autumn turned the hills around Hayfield into fiery displays of red, orange, and yellow, casting long shadows across the land. A chill in the air brought a reminder of the harsh winter to come. It was a time for quiet, a time for gathering supplies and preparing for the colder months.
Despite all that the world outside of Hayfield was throwing at us, one thing remains unchanged - the profound bond we horses share with our human friends. They treat us with kindness and respect, understanding the weight of our work and the importance of our role.
We understand too that our lives are deeply intertwined. They depend on us for their livelihoods, and we depend on them for care and security. It’s a quiet companionship, the rhythmic movements of our legs pulling the plows, the silent understanding shared during grooming, the quiet contentment of being loved.
Perhaps it is this steadfast relationship that helps us remain grounded and calm, a small yet vital haven of familiarity and consistency in a world changing around us. As the winter winds howl outside and we gather near the warm fire with our humans, there's a deep sense of serenity. We are home.
Stay safe and sound my fellow horse friends. And stay curious as you embrace the change.
Until next time, Emma.
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