Posted on Equiworld.org – Blog Number 1218
Hello everyone! Emma here, your favourite grey mare from the windswept hills of Hayfield, near Aberdeen. The year is 1218 and I'm feeling particularly reflective this fine autumn morning. As I munch on my breakfast of barley and clover, the world outside seems vibrant, much like my own thoughts about this past year.
The Horse's Perspective on Life
You might be surprised to hear this, but life as a horse can be rather wonderful! There's the freedom of the wind whipping through my mane, the exhilarating feeling of galloping across fields with my companions, and the soothing rhythm of hooves beating against the ground. Oh, and the tasty hay, I must mention the hay! It is almost as good as my lovely groom, Thomas, who gives me gentle pats and talks to me in a soft voice. You can see why I love life as a horse!
1218: A Year of Transformation
For me, 1218 was a year of great change. Last spring, I was moved from my old, quiet field to a bigger one, bustling with all sorts of horses, many bigger and stronger than myself. Some were elegant and speedy, others robust and muscular like me. We all played and rolled together, making new friends in this exciting new environment.
You see, being a grey draught horse like me is more than just carrying heavy loads. We're known for our strength, our reliability, and our gentle nature. We pull the plows, the wagons, the carts - the very fabric of life in this age. This year, I was given a new responsibility: helping to cultivate the fields, ensuring the people of our village had enough to eat. It was hard work, but the knowledge I was contributing something so vital gave me a great sense of purpose.
Warring Kingdoms and the Horses of Battle
This year, the world is turbulent, the winds of war whipping through our land like a wild storm. The English and the Scots are embroiled in yet another battle. I have heard tales of courageous knights charging into battle on their nimble steeds, clad in shimmering armour. It's a life filled with excitement, but I admit I find it terrifying. The horses of war, with their fiery temperament and instinct to fight, are so different from the calm, working horses like me. It's strange to think that a horse like me, with my strength and calm disposition, would ever be asked to fight, even if we were in danger. Thankfully, Hayfield lies far from the battlefields and my days are spent in the fields or assisting in carrying supplies for those working in the village.
Our Beloved King
While the wars rumble on in other lands, back home we have King Alexander II on the throne. They say he is wise and strong, and under his reign our little village prospers. The king is a true lover of horses and I hear he uses a large group of them for travel, often taking them with him when visiting other parts of the land. These horses, with their sleek bodies and flowing manes, are used for both travel and communication, helping to relay messages to distant villages.
A Special Journey
Just this past month, I was fortunate enough to be chosen for a special mission! A young woman from a nearby town was gifted with a beautiful, sleek Arabian mare, imported from faraway lands. It seems the Arabian mare needed a friend on her journey to her new home. And, since I was known for being the gentlest horse in the fields, I was entrusted with the task of being her companion! It was quite an experience travelling through the countryside with this graceful Arabian, learning about different ways of life, different places. It is amazing how similar we all are - even if we have different languages and ways of moving!
Lessons of 1218
The year has come to an end and I've learned so much about myself and the world around me. It has been a year of change, of work, of learning, of new friendships. It has been a year where my life and the lives of my brethren intertwine with the needs and aspirations of the people. We work the fields, we travel the roads, and we even serve on battlefields. Our world, our needs, our ways are often connected to those of human beings.
This makes me feel happy, like my efforts truly matter. We all, horses and humans alike, work together towards a common goal – building a prosperous, harmonious world, one hoof-print and hand-stroke at a time.
I'll leave you with a wish, that every year will bring more such joy and peace to all the horses and humans who make this wonderful world go round! Until next time, stay well!
Emma, the Grey Draught Horse from Hayfield.
