Ahoy there, fellow equines!
Emma here, your favourite grey draught mare with the white mane and tail, reporting from my little corner of the world in Hayfield, near Aberdeen, Scotland. Today, we’re taking a trip back in time to the year 1253 A.D., a time when horses like myself were truly at the heart of everything. Let's dive in, shall we?
Now, this year 1253… a whole lot was going on in the world. I couldn’t be at the heart of it all, you see, since I was quite busy here, working hard on the farm. But the tales travelled far and wide, carried on the backs of my kin! It was a year of exciting changes and even a bit of chaos.
Imagine my surprise when I heard rumours of a king far, far away, ruling over a whole land called "France", wanting to conquer another! A king, by the name of Louis IX, if you please, was trying to add a little bit of France to the vast kingdom of "Aragon". Of course, the horses, in both these kingdoms, were ready to be there, with their riders, to help make it happen! Some folks whispered about it with a hushed awe, some with fear. As for me, well, I preferred the quieter pace of hauling ploughs and carting supplies. The world was big, but Hayfield felt like home.
Over in the Middle East, stories about another king, Saladin, were also doing the rounds. It's been said he’s a brave and fair ruler, loved by many and remembered with respect for how he protected people from injustices. Quite the gentleman, they say! My dear old grandfather, who remembers these times well, says horses were used a lot in this part of the world to patrol borders and defend their homeland. Just like we are protecting our farmers and our crops here. It's our duty, after all!
Speaking of duty, back in Hayfield, life continued as usual, filled with the everyday wonders of being a working horse. Each day brought its own adventure, pulling carts loaded with barley and oats for the farm animals, or dragging plows across the field in preparation for the next season’s harvest. These were the days when horses weren't just used for riding. We were true working partners, the backbone of any community.
And my oh my, did we have strong ties to the community! I’d love to tell you about my best friend, Lily. She's a big, strong bay mare with a mane as black as night, and we always had our mornings together. She's the farm cart's best friend, hauling produce to the market, ensuring the whole community could enjoy the fresh, juicy vegetables.
As the year wore on, there was an air of anticipation amongst us horses, especially around the time of the harvest. I'll admit, the extra food and the sense of accomplishment we felt were pretty amazing. You know that feeling of pride when you’ve worked hard and helped everyone have a plentiful supply of food? We felt that. And boy, did we get all the lovely oats for doing such a fantastic job.
Sometimes, when we weren't pulling, we'd be used to ferry riders for trading. It's quite a sight, you see. All these horses in a long line, hauling merchants with their wares across the hills and through the glens. These days, our work takes us across the entire countryside, making sure everyone can have what they need. It's exhausting, sure, but also very rewarding!
There's a tradition we share in Hayfield - we're famous for our strong, well-trained draught horses, used in the ancient and very important ritual of plowing and harvesting, as you can imagine. Our dedication to the farm, coupled with the strength that runs through our breed, is what makes us so valuable. It's how we provide for everyone and ensure everyone thrives. It's not just our job - it’s what makes us who we are. It's our heritage!
Of course, not all of us are meant for hard work like ours. My cousin, Millie, a chestnut mare with the most delicate mane, she goes riding in the countryside. I hear her tell tales about gallops in open meadows, wild, exhilarating trips, where she gets to explore the world on the back of her rider. I'll admit, I’m rather jealous sometimes. But her life is different from mine, and she loves it! You have to do what makes you happy, after all, don't you think?
Then there were the horses who were bred solely for their speed. We heard tales about those horses that raced. Imagine, horses racing across fields, so fast they become a blur! It's an incredible spectacle, they say! I have a lot of admiration for those nimble creatures, galloping through the air like birds.
But don't mistake our life here in Hayfield for all work and no play! You know me well, you know my love for the simple pleasures. I can often be found, in the evenings, under the warm glow of the setting sun, enjoying the company of my fellow steeds. We have our tales to share - funny moments, heartwarming adventures, stories from our work. We find a comfort in being together, knowing that we are in this journey, called life, together. The evenings are truly special in Hayfield, filled with the low neighs of horses sharing stories and experiences.
We also enjoy, occasionally, a delicious treat - the farm workers, being as generous as they are, often share their bounty with us! Sometimes it’s fresh carrots, a juicy apple, even a delicious lump of bread - those small gestures of kindness make a big difference to our lives! And it makes my heart sing to see them showing so much affection for us, for after all, we are more than just horses! We are companions, helpers, and most importantly, friends. We play a crucial role in this little world, and it's a role that I am deeply proud of.
This year, 1253 A.D., we saw the world change around us, a constant shift in what was happening beyond the rolling hills of Hayfield. But for us horses, our journey continues. We learn and adapt, carrying on with the important work we do. The history of the horse is written not just in the grand battles and the mighty races, but also in the quiet dedication to hard work, in the friendships we form, and the bond we share with the people we serve. It’s a history full of strength, resilience, and quiet grace.
Now, let me leave you with a little bit of wisdom from our wise old grandfather, the grey stallion who remembers a time before my own, back when knights were riding on steeds that were even stronger, braver than us: “The life of a horse, young lady, is all about service and resilience. We might be powerful creatures, capable of running across vast distances and carrying the weight of the world on our backs, but it’s how we use this strength that truly defines us.”
Until next time, stay strong and gallop happily!
Emma
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