Hello, fellow equines and equine enthusiasts! Emma here, a 20-year-old grey draught mare with a flowing white mane and tail, living in the picturesque Hayfield near Aberdeen, Scotland. Today, I want to share some thoughts about what a fascinating time this is to be a horse, with exciting developments and adventures on every corner. We're in the year 1198, a year of dramatic shifts, both on the battlefield and in the fields. Buckle up, my dear readers, it's going to be a grand journey through time!
The wind whips through my coat as I stand on the rolling hills of Hayfield, the vastness of the North Sea shimmering in the distance. You might think a gentle mare like me wouldn't be thrilled with such a blustery day, but you'd be wrong. I feel most alive on days like this, feeling the wind play with my mane and the earth rumble beneath my hooves. These hills have seen generations of our kind come and go, carrying burdens and serving those who depend on us.
Today, life is much the same as it was for my mother and her mother before her. My days are spent working alongside my brethren, hauling ploughs across the fields, drawing carts for farmers, and providing strength for the tasks that sustain life in this harsh land.
But, this year is special, a time when whispers of change flutter on the wind. The human world seems more restless, with a flurry of activity both near and far. Word has travelled to our stables, carried on the hooves of travellers, about a fiery King Richard across the sea, making his name with tales of courage and power in faraway lands. His presence, it seems, stirs things up. This has had a direct impact on the lives of horses like me, for we are, after all, the loyal companions and steeds of those who wield such power.
One of my most trusted sources of news is old Bob, a wise, grey, experienced warhorse, who has seen more battles than I have had oats. He often shares tales of distant lands, describing grand tournaments with riders clad in armour, jousting with lances and battling with swords. The sound of his voice is a mix of war drums and rustling leaves, making his stories even more enthralling.
From Bob, I learn of how King Richard's wars are changing the role of horses in battle. The mighty knights, riding on sleek, powerful steeds, are spearheading this change. They need our agility and strength, the speed and courage that we possess, to win on the battlefield. They're developing new types of armour to protect us from arrows and spears, new tactics that depend on our abilities. These brave horses are becoming legendary, their courage and valor shaping the destiny of war.
Bob also talks about a strange new style of horse riding. This is a form of riding for leisure and entertainment, and not for the sake of war. This new form of riding is called 'riding for pleasure' or 'riding for sport', and is making waves in other parts of the world. There are tales of young noblewomen and gentlemen alike enjoying leisurely rides in the countryside, some even partaking in games and competitions.
I’m intrigued by these new concepts and ways of life. It is all quite fascinating! Whilst war horses gallop bravely into battle, these elegant and nimble horses seem to be living a gentler, more peaceful existence. And perhaps, it's something we all aspire to in our heart, a quieter life filled with beauty, grace and tranquility. It’s not that I am longing for life outside these pastures, it’s just nice to know that for some, it exists, and for some, it may even be possible in the near future.
Although I find the world of knights and tournaments thrilling, the majority of our world revolves around simple but essential duties. My daily tasks bring their own kind of reward, the satisfying feeling of having completed a good day's work, of contributing to the well-being of our human family. I feel a kinship with the other horses in the field. There's nothing like working alongside your fellow creatures, feeling that shared strength, a shared sense of purpose, and a shared enjoyment in simply being together.
Life as a farm horse in 1198 is full of routine, yet a subtle change in attitude towards our breed is undeniable. This is a period when horses are becoming more valued, not just as work animals, but also as powerful creatures deserving of respect and care. This newfound respect shows in how we're cared for. The oats are plentiful, our stables are well-maintained, and there's always a gentle touch and a soothing word from our human family.
However, I must mention the looming shadow that hangs over the lives of my kind – a new disease that whispers through the countryside. They call it 'strangles', and its deadly presence spreads like a creeping fire through our world. It is a fear that weighs heavily on every equine’s mind, especially mothers like myself, who fret for the health of our foals. It brings sadness and heartbreak to our world, for we have witnessed our own friends and family succumb to this cruel plague.
My owner, the gentle John, takes no chances. He diligently keeps the stables clean and often visits us with a touch of his hand, offering us a calming presence and his understanding that fear often runs rampant amongst our kind. John even tells us tales of herbal remedies and magical incantations passed down from his grandmother, in hopes that these traditional treatments might help us recover should any of us succumb to the illness.
Yet, even amidst these shadows, life prevails. Each sunrise brings hope, each spring blossom reminds us of the enduring strength and resilience of life itself. We continue our lives, working, grazing, and enjoying the companionship of those we love, holding fast to the belief that hope will prevail.
Perhaps that is what makes the life of a horse in this year so unique: the dance between challenges and opportunities. While we strive to do our duties, the world outside continues its journey. Kings wage war, knights roam the land, and people develop new ways to ride and use our kind, embracing the power and majesty we possess.
Life as a horse in 1198 is a mix of routine and adventure, hard work and a simple joy in the life we lead. Even as the world shifts around us, our essential role as horses, be it on the battlefield or in the field, remains vital. We remain ever vigilant, trusting in the future and continuing to share our strength with those who depend on us.
But that's enough from me for now! This is Emma signing off. Until next time, my fellow equine enthusiasts!
