Greetings, fellow equine enthusiasts! It's Emma here, your friendly grey mare from Hayfield, just outside the bustling city of Aberdeen. I've been musing over my history lessons this morning and thought, what better day than today - the 15th of May, 1235 – to share my reflections on this pivotal year for horses like myself.
I was born on a cold, blustery December day a couple of years ago, right in the middle of the icy winter, which in our part of Scotland is as harsh as any other. So, I know just what a struggle winter can be! But I wasn't just any ordinary horse foal. My mama, she was a big, sturdy mare with a fiery spirit and the gentlest heart, and my daddy was the finest Percheron stallion you could hope for. His white mane and tail, that glorious contrast against his dark grey body, always took my breath away - I inherited them both, I am so proud!
As a youngster, I spent my days frolicking in the meadows with other foals, chasing butterflies and playfully nipping at each other's tails. As we grew, I started learning the art of pulling carts and plowing the fields with the help of the stable men and my elders, all those wiser horses. There are so many ways horses can be used for the good of mankind and it’s a privilege to work side by side with them.
The Year 1235: A Year of Changes
This year has been momentous. Our human world, that's the one that revolves around bipeds, has seen significant changes that, to be honest, have affected our own lives, too. They are in a bit of a tussle amongst themselves! There is much talk about this "King Henry III” and how he became king last year in the land to our south, England. Now he's busy making some rules that affect our human colleagues here too. I am sure there will be big repercussions in our lives soon enough.
Across the Continent: The Mongols & Their Mighty Steeds
Now, we hear whisperings in the stable - carried on the wind by the travelling traders - that far away, in lands further east, these Mongol warriors are causing a real stir. They’re famous for their cavalry and fierce horses. Imagine, riding across those huge, open plains on the backs of magnificent steeds, battling for dominance! We don’t really understand what they’re doing all the way out there, but it’s amazing, isn’t it? The humans, those fascinating beings, are full of surprises!
Our Work Matters: Horses are the Heart of the Community
Back here in Hayfield, our daily routines are largely unaffected. But there’s no lack of activity on the farms, which are in the heart of our village. You see, our role in this life, for us horses, is deeply ingrained - it's the rhythm of the land and the people that depend on it.
Every morning, we trot along with our masters and mistresses, helping them cultivate the earth. From dragging heavy plows to carrying harvested grain, we are an indispensable part of every step of their work. My life, a life as a grey draught mare, feels blessedly stable – and yet it is always evolving, full of challenges, but also exciting adventures, and filled with a deep satisfaction that comes from helping the people who care for us.
Life as a Horse: Learning, Sharing, and Growing
We horses, as you know, are incredibly social creatures, and the bonds we share with each other are quite profound. In the stable, we exchange stories and learn from one another's wisdom. Today, as I write, my friend Angus, a sturdy, dependable shire horse, is regaling us all with his tale about the year he saved a child from falling into a deep well! You see, he was quite the brave chap in those days, a real hero! Now Angus, he tells me, carries lumber to the builder for the town’s new church - a much gentler, quieter life for such a strong and kind heart!
Hope for the Future: Horses Will Always Be Here
Life for a horse in 1235 is hard work, yes, but it's also filled with companionship, a strong sense of belonging, and a deep connection to the earth we work and live upon. It’s how we see it: We horses, we are the heart and soul of this world.
The year ahead promises many things – new challenges, maybe some triumphs, but I know, as a draught horse in this time, I am just a small part of a bigger picture. And I know one thing for certain, horses will be here for many more generations. Just look at the world around us. As long as the land needs cultivating and our skills are valued, our existence will continue.
This is my humble message to all of you out there, fellow equines, be it in the wild or within the walls of our human-built stables: Let’s stay strong, remain faithful, and enjoy our lives, one clop at a time!
Your friend, Emma from Hayfield.
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