Hayfield, near Aberdeen, Scotland - 2nd November 1226
Neigh! Hello everyone, Emma here! A rather splendid autumn day here in the Scottish Highlands, with the air crisp and the colours of the leaves a real delight for the eyes.
As I stand here nibbling the lush grass in the paddock, I find myself lost in thought - thinking about what a whirlwind of a year it has been. We all know that history happens, well, throughout history! But for a mare like me, born into the working class, the big changes in the wider world of horses often don’t seem too far away. This year, I've found myself truly observing the ways that we, horses, play a vital part in the everyday life of everyone, from the peasant to the king himself.
The year is 1226. I’m a bit of a grand lady now, having just turned twenty. I may have a bit more grey peppering my coat than I used to, and my muscles have developed a lovely maturity, but let me tell you, I am as strong and energetic as the day I was born!
My lovely stable mate, Daisy, just gave birth to her first foal - such a beautiful filly! It makes me feel so proud to watch Daisy nurturing her, especially as we share a special bond - Daisy’s mother, Willow, was a truly kind mare who took me under her wing when I first came to this stable in Hayfield. Daisy has inherited the gentleness and strength that her mother and grandmother were known for. It’s amazing to see the life cycle continuing on around us.
Life in Hayfield has its rhythm, especially for us draught horses. My job, like so many others, is primarily to work the fields and the farm. My big and powerful build comes in handy! And what's more, you see, we are a sturdy, resilient breed, so we thrive here, even in the sometimes harsh conditions of the Scottish climate.
The good news is that it seems the weather's been kind this year, at least here in Hayfield. This means a good harvest - barley, oats and some fine rye - which is great, especially with so many mouths to feed, including, of course, Daisy and her baby!
Horses & The Changing World:
It has been an eventful year. We’ve all heard of King Henry the III's coronation in Westminster. It was quite the event, with knights galloping, banners waving and all sorts. Some say it's not only in England where new things are happening. I've even heard stories of people in the east - places like Persia - being interested in horses just like us. How fascinating! They even call some of them 'Turkoman horses’ and talk of their amazing agility! Makes me wish I could trot over and have a good sniff!
Of course, our role in life, especially here in Hayfield, is very real and practical. As draught horses, we are fundamental to the everyday working life of people in the village. And our gentle strength comes in handy when we are asked to haul loads on the roads, in fields, in the forest, even in the busy bustling city centres! It's how we provide, making sure things get done in this bustling world, a bit like cogs in a huge machine - except we have our lovely big heads and powerful hooves!
A Day in The Life
Right, I am a bit of an early riser, and my favourite thing to do is stand and have a sniff around the pasture early in the morning before the rest of the horses in the stable wake up. It's so peaceful. The fresh scent of dew on the grass makes me want to munch and chew it all day long.
After the initial grazing time, it's off to the day’s tasks. My owner, a fine gentleman by the name of James, asks for us to pull the cart and bring supplies for the nearby village. I am used to being in harness and enjoy it. Being a cart horse brings purpose and rhythm to my days.
We often head off to Aberdeen - a lively city! Sometimes we pass other teams, carting the finest meats from butchers to local shopkeepers. I like those moments, we often nod heads to each other and let out a little neigh of greeting.
As a wise old horse, I’ve been told stories of those days long ago, when war and conflict ruled the lands. Those were dangerous times, but our kind, with our power and strength, had an essential role to play.
In 1226, the world has changed! More of us are helping to move things and people in times of peace. For example, sometimes we are needed to ferry patients from their homes to hospitals or healers' houses. This reminds me of a time a little over 20 years ago - remember the ‘Black Death’ epidemic? Those were horrifying times - and it wasn't just the sickness we suffered from, but also, the harsh measures imposed to combat it, even towards our kind. We saw horses being hunted down and killed simply for fear of the disease spreading.
We’ve learned so much since those tragic days!
Now, here in Hayfield, things are rather peaceful. Sometimes, my master will ask me to carry wood from the forests to build houses and heat homes, or haul bricks and stone to construct sturdy walls. I like it - I’ve got a certain sense of satisfaction when we're doing things that are important, that make a real difference!
It makes me appreciate what we, horses, are all about!
My Thoughts & Dreams
Do you ever think about things in a far-away future? There’s so much to imagine… will we have better housing? How will life be for the foals being born today? Will our way of life change further even from today? It’s truly fascinating.
Here in the stable, in this beautiful corner of the Highlands, life seems good. With my gentle and lovely Daisy, who just gave birth to such a delightful little filly, my life is fulfilling. We nurture, we protect and we make things happen with our strength. I'm so grateful that we can make the world a better place - for everyone. That's why I think being a horse in this age is so wonderfully special.
That’s all for this time, friends. I've had so much to write about, the days are truly busy here in Hayfield.
But until the next time I write, I send you my greetings, from one equine to another! Happy hoof-steps!
- Emma, 1226
