Hello there, lovely readers! It’s Emma here, your resident draught mare, writing from my sunny meadow in Hayfield, just outside of Aberdeen.
Today I wanted to tell you all about my year - yes, the whole year! - back in 1275. I've been reading a few ancient tomes from the library down in the village and, my goodness, the world is full of fascinating stories, even when you're just a grey mare like me!
It’s funny looking back, isn’t it? 1275 feels like a lifetime ago. Now, I must admit, things were quite different in those days. Back then, a girl couldn’t just walk into the village and read books in a library (though it was still pretty magical). And nobody even dreamed of riding in a carriage powered by some magical contraption that makes its own power… you’d think they were dreaming!
Well, as I said, we didn't have cars back then, just strong, willing horses like me! So, let’s rewind a bit, and see what life was like in the good old days of 1275!
The Farm Life:
Imagine a life full of rolling fields of oats and barley, rich, deep brown soil, and endless stretches of heather hills! That was my home, Hayfield, back in 1275. Life was pretty much all about hard work and fulfilling your purpose, and there was never a dull moment.
Mornings began with the crow of the rooster and the clattering of the farm tools. We'd be up, pulling the plough across the fields, turning over the soil, and prepping for the next planting season. As the day warmed up, I’d be helping to haul heavy carts filled with oats, barley, or sometimes even wheat to the village markets.
It was challenging work, yes, but it was satisfying to know you were contributing something valuable, making life easier for everyone in the village. I'd pull the millstone, turning the grain into flour. And you wouldn’t believe the amount of work we used to do with the wood for fires in those days! Oh, and hauling all the supplies for the market, a heavy cart full of cheese and butter, all the produce that farmers carefully harvested, and then to the markets in nearby cities! My neck would ache, I must admit, from pulling so many heavy things!
As the days got longer and warmer, we’d be helping the farmers get their hay ready for the coming winter. There’s nothing quite like a nice warm meal in winter, right? A little bit of hard work goes a long way when you know you’re contributing to such a meaningful cause. I felt useful, loved, and, of course, a little tired!
We didn’t have the same fancy harnesses back then, you know! Just thick leather, sometimes woven with strips of cloth, but still - every horse’s body knew its own duty.
But we had so much company! Other farm horses, oxen, and even a few sheep who would graze alongside us. The meadows were our playground, and we would roll in the lush grass, chasing each other in a happy daze, especially in the late afternoon sun.
The Journey to the Village:
On days we’d make the journey into the village of Hayfield, things were exciting. The cobblestone streets felt cool beneath our hooves as we walked, pulling heavy carts filled with produce from our farms. The air would be filled with the sound of hammering and woodcutting as villagers went about their day. It was so interesting to watch everything from our vantage point, with those great big carts.
Every village has a little church, with beautiful bells ringing across the fields every morning. And there's a sweet bakery with an amazing aroma wafting from it in the early hours of the morning, the scents would waft through the whole town. So tempting! The village markets would be bustling with people, their laughter and chatter blending with the rhythmic sound of hooves. And we always, always got the very best oats, I must say. And sometimes a delicious gingerbread biscuit! You'd think they'd get tired of making them! But no, every day there were tempting, sugary delights waiting for us. They had such kindness for us then! They understood the bond between a farmer and their horse, that respect and the understanding of shared purpose was deeply ingrained.
We often walked by a stable owned by the local knight. They always kept us in fine condition. The knight himself had the kindest heart! His chestnut mare would trot up alongside us on many an afternoon walk, she always told me, "A grey mare needs more than her daily ration to keep up with such energy." I liked her; a real sassy one, that mare. We'd play a little game of "who can gallop the fastest," the knight never minded a bit. It's one thing you haven't got now in your more modern-day riding life, is the true, unbridled joy of just a galloping game across open countryside! We lived in an idyllic little world.
Life Beyond The Farm:
Beyond the confines of our farms, life took on an entirely new, exciting flavour! Horses like us, especially those of strong breed and a sturdy stature, had much to contribute to the world, more than just pulling the plough and pulling heavy things.
Oh, there was the military! Many horses were in the army, working in battle alongside the knights, ready to defend their home!
There were also couriers! Think about it – no internet, no phones, we were their only connection with the outside world. So we would dash through fields, our hooves kicking up a cloud of dust as we carried urgent messages on a saddlebag strapped behind us! I can’t imagine how that would feel – I've always preferred a more sedate trot or a nice, strong pulling gallop. My heart's not strong enough for all that galloping!
Imagine being responsible for sending important news from village to village, or a message to the King! What a powerful task, being a courier!
There were so many other possibilities: carrying noble ladies in their elegant carriages, pulling goods between cities and countries – horses were the world's greatest transport system. Life was full of exciting possibilities for us, horses of all breeds. Even though we couldn’t talk in the modern language we use now, horses and humans communicated by touch, by understanding each other's needs and goals. The understanding of a human touch to reassure, to motivate, and to say “well done” at the end of a long, hard day, all that is very important to horses.
It's wonderful to look back and see the history of our equine ancestors. It's such a strong tradition, a heritage, we must celebrate that! What a grand responsibility they had, even more so than we have now in this modern age of horses.
That is why, dear readers, it’s so important for us, as horses, to be mindful of our heritage and remember where we come from. Our ancestors faced hardships, and their strength, intelligence, and adaptability enabled them to build a foundation for horses of all breeds that followed.
But just remember: no matter what your life entails, from a gentle walk in the park to a thrilling ride in the arena, be proud of your horse heritage and honour those who came before us! And be happy to be a horse!
With a hearty neigh,
Emma.
