Hello everyone! It's Emma here, your friendly grey draught mare, writing from Hayfield, a beautiful little place nestled near the rolling hills of Aberdeen in bonnie Scotland. It's always such a pleasure to share my thoughts and what I've been learning about the history of horses, especially since our species has played such a vital role in shaping the world!
Today I want to take you all back in time, back to the year 1221!
A Whirlwind Year in 1221: Life as a Draught Horse
Oh my, what a year 1221 was! A year of change, bustling activity, and some mighty exciting news that spread across the lands faster than a greyhound on a racecourse! I'd only turned twenty that year, still feeling like a young'un, but full of energy and a heart that throbbed with the rhythm of a thousand hooves.
Now, you might be wondering what a draught horse was doing in Scotland back then. Well, the land was far from the paved roads and sleek carriages of today. The fields, meadows, and rugged mountain passes needed sturdy, strong, and steadfast horses like me!
In Hayfield, life was pretty much the same as it had always been for my kind: working alongside farmers, pulling plows, transporting goods, and sometimes even hauling heavy timbers for new houses. Life was demanding, yes, but rewarding. We were an integral part of the community, vital to the very heart of their lives.
The most exciting event of the year had to be the arrival of King James I of Scotland! Oh, the pageantry! His arrival was marked by the resounding clanging of trumpets, the clashing of swords, and the fluttering of banners.
Now, let's be honest, most horses don't fancy the clanging of swords and the cacophony of battle. It’s not exactly music to our ears! But, King James' presence brought hope, and an assurance of peace and prosperity to Scotland.
As for myself, I was entrusted with carrying the Lord of the Manor's daughter to the castle for a grand feast thrown in honor of the King. Dressed in her finest silks, she looked like a beautiful bloom nestled in my sturdy saddle. What a thrill it was, even if her silk gown threatened to unravel on my coat!
A Whisp of News: The Rise of Genghis Khan
1221 was a year of powerful happenings in the wider world too! Although the Scottish countryside remained largely unaffected, the winds carried whispers of an empire taking shape far to the east: the Mongol Empire, under the legendary Genghis Khan!
We learned of him through passing merchants and travelling monks who brought news of his conquests, the vast landmass he controlled, and the strength of his army. Imagine, an empire larger than most kingdoms in Europe, spanning from Central Asia to China! The stories whispered of the Mongolian horsemen's fierce skills in warfare and how their nimble horses could gallop through scorching deserts, across frozen tundras, and even climb treacherous mountains.
For us in Scotland, far away from those steppes and deserts, it was an adventure enjoyed in whispers, a taste of the wider world that made our daily toil seem just a little less mundane.
The Gentle Touch of a Woman’s Hand: The Power of Patience
During this time, I also got to experience something rather magical: the gentle touch of a young woman named Mary. Mary had this uncanny way with animals, particularly horses. She had a quiet understanding, a gentle spirit that calmed us, and a keen eye for what we needed.
I still remember how she would meticulously braid my white mane and tail, adding colorful ribbons woven with her own hands. We’d spend hours in the stables, Mary whispering stories of mythical creatures and faraway lands while I gently nibbled on the hay she’d offered. I always felt a strange sense of peace and comfort in her presence. It's something that truly resonated within me.
She'd even teach me new tricks! I was already skilled in plowing the fields and carrying heavy burdens, but under Mary’s guidance, I began to learn intricate movements, learning to weave my way through obstacles, and perform light-footed maneuvers that made the other horses admire me with a hint of envy.
The Whispering of Winds: Signs of Change
But even as life continued in its predictable rhythm, I felt the winds of change whispering through the fields of Scotland. It was more than just a feeling, but something deeper, something like an instinctive knowing that the world was slowly changing, much like the changing of the seasons.
This sense of anticipation, coupled with a hint of uncertainty, echoed across Hayfield and throughout the entire kingdom. Little did we know at the time, this would usher in an era of exciting changes for horses, opening new possibilities and changing the course of our lives for generations to come.
I look forward to sharing these changes with you in my future posts, dear friends! It is so important to me that we keep the memories alive and celebrate the profound history of horses, who have been more than just beasts of burden, but our role as faithful companions, trusted steeds, and symbols of strength and resilience.
Until next time, stay strong and keep those hooves a-thumping!
Emma, the Grey Draught Mare, signing off!
