Hello fellow equines and horse-loving humans! Emma here, from the rolling hills of Hayfield, just outside Aberdeen. I've had a rather interesting year so far, and I thought it would be lovely to share a little of what I've seen and experienced with all of you.
This year, 1195, is already feeling pretty historic! I know you might not think so, you little chestnut yearlings who spend your days rolling in the clover and snorting at the sparrows. But for us old timers, there’s a real sense that things are shifting – a bit like when that particularly stubborn farmer switched from oats to barley, which was so much tastier, don't you agree?
You see, we horses, we are more than just beasts of burden. We are woven into the tapestry of history, and the year 1195 has been an eventful chapter in our story! From the bustling markets to the echoing battlefields, there's a hum of activity, a pulse of adventure. And we, the noble steeds, are at the heart of it.
The Knights and their Chargers
Now, you all know I am a draught horse. I haul goods, plough fields, and generally contribute to the peaceful rhythm of life. But even I, a loyal servant of the common folk, feel a flutter in my chest when I see a knight clad in gleaming armour, mounted on a magnificent warhorse. Their connection, the sheer energy and beauty of that duo, fills the air with a potent energy that is hard to describe, even for a veteran like myself.
I see them at the tournaments, where men clad in heavy steel compete with lance and sword. The air vibrates with the clash of steel, and I feel a rush of excitement and nervousness in my sturdy legs as I witness the knights charge and parade in all their glorious, shiny glory. I even hear tell of a young man from my region, one Robert the Bruce, who won a local jousting competition! Now, I wouldn't recommend he enters the great tournaments just yet, but the fire in his eyes reminded me of myself at that age - full of ambition and ready to prove myself.
But the Knights don't only have fancy armour and bright plumes; they are at the heart of a vast system. Armies, they are called, led by powerful monarchs who travel the land on sturdy steeds just like me. The air is thick with whispers of battles far and wide, from the crusades in the Holy Land to local skirmishes for land and power. I'm a peace-loving horse, but even I can feel the raw strength and danger that these warriors represent.
The People and Their Needs
Horses are woven into the fabric of life for all of us, not just the elite knights. We're essential to the rhythm of day-to-day life in all sorts of ways. As I said, I’m a draught horse, a part of the everyday world. Farmers, tradesmen, and villagers depend on our strength to pull ploughs, wagons, and carts. It’s rewarding work, to be part of something larger, but can be tiring. This year, it seems that trade has been brisk, thanks to a more stable peace. I’ve pulled wagons brimming with cloth from the weavers, strong Scottish ale from the local breweries, and even heavy bundles of precious salt, needed to preserve food and make our land more productive.
There is something deeply satisfying about carrying all sorts of precious cargo. I am always surprised to see what can be piled on my broad back. A farmer's wife from our village, one Agnes, even hired me to pull a wagon filled with the beautiful purple heather that blooms in abundance here in the Highlands. It’s amazing the range of tasks that we are asked to undertake, truly, the humans rely on us greatly.
Horses are More Than Just Beasts of Burden
Now, don't think that all the horses in the world are pulling ploughs and transporting goods. No! Just like with humans, there’s a diversity within our equine community. I hear tales of the finest Spanish steeds, famous for their beauty and spirit, which are coveted by kings and nobles for their noble presence and elegant movements. They're not meant for carting hay; these steeds are meant to be admired.
And of course, there are the smaller horses, ponies. Just the other day, I was travelling along the coastline, pulling a fishing boat, and saw a group of children playing with some sturdy ponies. Their small size and agility allowed them to maneuver in the tight confines of a sandy shore, bringing the children delight as they took them for short rides. The bond between these creatures and children is beautiful, almost magical. It reminded me of my own early years, playing in the fields and bounding around with my foal companions.
The Challenges of our Time
All this said, life as a horse isn’t all sunny fields and happy riders. There are struggles, as there always are. For example, disease can run through the horses in a herd just as easily as it does in any other population. This year, there has been a lot of talk about a "sturdy" illness spreading throughout the land, impacting mainly work horses. We hear stories of animals growing weak and being unable to carry out their tasks, causing hardship to the families that depend on their labour. Many are turning to herbal remedies and traditional care methods. While I haven't had any issues myself, it's been a source of worry for the entire community.
And then there’s the matter of the unpredictable weather. I don't need to tell you that in Scotland, it rains. A lot! We are built for the wet and wind, I can assure you, but sometimes even our strong constitutions are challenged. This winter was particularly rough. For weeks, the ground was frozen solid, making it nearly impossible for me to pull the farmer's plough, and the icy wind seemed to bite right through my thick coat. Even the bravest steeds needed an extra layer of care to get through it.
Looking Forward to the Future
Overall, 1195 has been an interesting year, with a lot happening on the equine front. As I see it, the world is constantly changing, even here in the tranquil corners of the Highlands. But one thing stays true - horses are at the heart of this evolution, a vital part of humanity's progress. We are, and always will be, inseparable companions on this wild and unpredictable journey we call life.
Keep neighing, and I'll share more of our story next month!
Emma
Hayfield, Scotland
1195
