My Name Is Emma
Hello, fellow equines and horse enthusiasts! Emma's here, a proud grey draught mare from the heart of Scotland. I hail from a small village called Hayfield, nestled close to the bustling city of Aberdeen. While I might be a farm horse at heart, with a coat the colour of a misty morning and a white mane and tail that flows like a silken waterfall, my heart yearns for adventure, knowledge, and tales of horses past and present.
A Year of Change
It's the year 1193, and the world feels alive with a subtle hum of change. This year, for instance, has seen a new King, Richard I, crowned across the border in England. I’ve heard whispers of battles and sieges – of how Richard is known as ‘the Lionheart’ and that he’s currently away in far-off lands called the Holy Land.
I know it may sound strange for a humble draught horse to be concerned with the affairs of kings and distant battles, but horses have always played a vital role in human history. We carry the weight of the world on our backs, both figuratively and literally! We are the backbone of trade and travel, our hooves echo across the fields, and our powerful chests haul heavy wagons that bring life and sustenance to villages and towns.
Life on the Farm
My days are a rhythmic cycle of work and rest. I start with the crisp chill of the dawn, my breath misting into the air as I step out into the barn. The air is fresh, alive with the sound of chickens clucking and the sweet aroma of freshly churned butter. My loyal groom, young Thomas, awaits, his eyes shining with the promise of a new day.
After a hearty breakfast of oats and hay, the real work begins. I pull the heavy cart, laden with barley, to the mill, my powerful stride echoing against the morning calm. Thomas walks beside me, whistling a tune as he guides me with gentle touches of the reins. The world unfolds around me as we journey, with rolling green hills painted gold by the rising sun, and the sound of a distant stream rushing towards the sea.
The mill is a bustling place, filled with the rhythmic churn of gears and the comforting aroma of freshly ground grain. As I rest my weary muscles, the miller, a gruff but kindly man named Angus, offers me a sweet apple and a pat on the neck.
Then it’s back to the farm, to continue my daily chores: hauling logs for the carpenter, transporting heavy bags of grain for the baker, and pulling the plough across the fields, preparing the earth for new life. Every day is a dance of strength and dedication, and I take pride in my role as a loyal workhorse.
But What Does History Say About My Kind?
My world, though peaceful now, is not always tranquil. From tales passed down through generations of horses, I know of the fearsome, fierce knights of the past, men and women who rode powerful war horses into battle, their swords flashing in the sunlight.
I’ve heard whispered stories of ancient warriors, who raced across battlefields on steeds so swift they seemed to fly, their neighs echoing through the air like the roar of a storm. I’ve also heard of battles fought on horseback, with lances gleaming and hooves pounding the ground.
This is a part of our legacy, my friends – we horses have been warriors, defenders, and the loyal companions of heroes.
More than Just a Farm Horse
Even today, there are brave horses who ride with knights in service to the king, galloping through fields and participating in tournaments. They are known as destriers, powerful, noble creatures built for strength and endurance, and they are highly sought after. Though not every horse is built to carry the weight of armour and weaponry, we draught horses play an equally vital role.
We bring food and supplies, haul carts that deliver much-needed provisions for the knights, and even assist in the transport of wounded warriors back to safety. We may not be galloping in battle, but our work is vital. It is how we keep the wheels of civilisation turning, and contribute to a world beyond our humble farm in Hayfield.
What’s Going on in the World of Horses?
There’s a lot going on in the equine world! I recently heard tales of horses being used in tournaments throughout England, with their speed, agility, and strength on display for all to see. I am particularly interested in a new trend, horse racing, where thoroughbred horses with slender, graceful builds compete in races across open fields.
Then there’s the magnificent Arab horses, famed for their speed and agility. I’ve heard tales of these graceful steeds from traders who travel from faraway lands. They are revered for their beauty and grace, often cherished for their elegance and intelligence. I hope to learn more about these fascinating creatures and their unique capabilities one day.
My Dreams of a Better World
Sometimes, in the stillness of the night, under a canopy of twinkling stars, I dream of a world where all horses, be it the noble destriers, the swift thoroughbreds, or us sturdy draught horses, can live in harmony. A world where our contributions are acknowledged, our strength appreciated, and our spirits celebrated.
And so, fellow horse lovers, I continue to plod forward, pulling my cart through the lanes and fields of my humble farm in Hayfield, Scotland.
But, even as I do, my heart dreams of larger pastures and grander adventures. I know, beyond any doubt, that horses have played and will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the world, one powerful step, one valiant leap at a time.
And who knows, maybe someday, I'll get the chance to travel far and wide, to witness all the incredible ways that horses, like myself, shape and inspire this magnificent world.
Stay tuned for my next post, where I will explore the fascinating history of horses in this very year!
Yours in Hoofbeats,
Emma
