By Emma, 20-year-old Grey Draught Mare
Well, dear readers, this is it! The year is 1216 and I’m feeling a little, shall we say, “stirred up.” It’s a time of great change and excitement – for me, anyway!
Now, for those of you who don’t know me, I'm Emma. A lovely, grey draught mare with a white mane and tail, I've called the beautiful, rolling hills of Hayfield near Aberdeen home for the past ten years or so. I spent my younger years at a farm in Lincolnshire, but the journey north was an adventure in itself!
Now, life in Hayfield is peaceful enough. Our farmer, Donald, is a kind man, though sometimes I suspect he’s just too busy staring up at the clouds to really understand my need for the occasional juicy thistle. It's not a bad life at all, with fresh fields and friendly sheep as company.
However, my tranquil existence may soon be a thing of the past. This year, 1216, feels different. There's a sense of… urgency in the air. People are talking, whispers carried on the breeze, and everyone’s on edge, a bit like the old donkey with a bad case of flies, if you ask me!
It seems the whole world is in a bit of a tizzy! The rumour mill is buzzing about some “King John” who has died and someone called “Henry” now wears the crown. Honestly, I'm just glad Donald has been making extra good on the barley! These tumultuous times are going to take all my energy, I just know it!
Anyway, the change doesn’t seem to affect my daily life just yet, thank goodness. Days are spent pulling the plough and carrying heavy loads of barley and oats from the fields. I must admit, I do enjoy a good bit of rolling in the grass while Donald catches his breath. He always forgets how strong I am!
Recently, there have been many new arrivals at our stable. Young horses, still with baby faces and shiny coats, they look wide-eyed and full of excitement. They're getting used to the work and training, though it's been rather difficult to explain to them the importance of being careful when you’re pulling a cart full of fresh milk. It’s the simple things!
One of the young horses, a handsome chestnut filly with a playful personality, is called Millie. She reminds me a little of my mischievous niece, Lily, from my old farm in Lincolnshire. It’s quite sweet watching Millie learn to behave and follow instructions, even if her little snorts and kicks make me shudder sometimes. I just can’t imagine what those bright, curious eyes will see and experience.
Beyond Hayfield
Of course, news from further afield still finds its way to Hayfield. It seems there are many big events happening in the world this year! The biggest story that seems to be captivating the townspeople is the building of this huge, impressive cathedral in a place called Cologne!
Imagine – a towering, imposing building dedicated to worship. Now, my experiences of worship are usually confined to an extra oat or two during harvest time. But these townsfolk seem absolutely mesmerized by the prospect of grand structures and religious celebrations. Who knew religion was so… exciting? I’d much rather a good, old-fashioned feast to celebrate a successful harvest!
Then, the whispers about crusades. Crusades! You know, I can’t quite understand the whole idea. The men all bundled up in armour and riding far away to fight for the same things we fight for here at home: land, honour, and power. I find it all a bit pointless, really! Surely we have enough to worry about here in the countryside?
But the tales, they keep coming! People tell stories about faraway places, battles, and daring escapes. Sometimes it all gets a bit confusing, like trying to remember the best grazing spot for clover in summer. But I can't help but feel fascinated, my own heart stirred by the thought of all these adventures beyond Hayfield.
The people of Hayfield tell me the world is filled with all sorts of wonders – wild forests, majestic mountains, powerful rivers, and strange creatures we’ve never seen. I long to know what it's all like, to feel the earth under my hooves in faraway places.
I suppose every horse dreams of exploring, right? I, for one, wouldn’t mind stretching my legs and galloping across uncharted landscapes, leaving my usual life for a time, even if just for a fleeting glimpse of the world beyond the hills. Maybe I'll tell you about my dreams next time, or about the next juicy gossip from Hayfield.
Whatever life has in store for us, one thing’s for sure: the world in 1216 is alive with possibility and change!
Until next time, stay strong, my equine friends.
Yours,
Emma
