By Emma, Hayfield near Aberdeen, Scotland
A gentle breeze stirs the heather, carrying the sweet scent of wildflowers and the faint, earthy smell of freshly turned soil. The sun bathes the rolling Scottish hills in a warm golden light. Here in my quiet corner of Hayfield, life is peaceful, predictable… and filled with the rhythmic plod of hooves on solid ground. As I pause, taking a deep breath of fresh air, I can't help but feel grateful. This is my world, the world of a grey draught horse. A world where strength, resilience, and a good heart are all that really matter.
It's the year 1281. The air hums with the promise of spring. The chill of winter has finally given way to a gentle warmth. All around me, life is stirring. The sheep are bleating their springtime joy, their lambs frisky and playful. The birds are trilling their cheerful songs. Even the sturdy, well-worn plough at the back of the farm seems to stand a little straighter in the lengthening days.
But even as the world reawakens, I find myself thinking of the past, of the year that has passed. 1281 was a year of both change and steadiness. In my human world, events have been unfolding that will leave an indelible mark on our future. It's my duty as a well-read mare, you see, to chronicle these changes for my fellow horses.
You may ask how a horse, even a smart one like me, keeps track of such momentous events. I'm a sociable creature, always eager to hear what the other horses have to say. From our visits to the market in Aberdeen to my daily strolls through the Hayfield, whispers of the wider world always reach me, carried on the wind of rumour and gossip.
So let's embark on a journey back in time, shall we? Together, we'll explore what happened in 1281, how these events might impact our lives as horses, and why it’s so important for us to keep learning, keep sharing our stories, and stay strong in the face of changing times.
The Shifting Sands of Power
This past year, the kingdom of Scotland has experienced great political upheaval. The King of Scots, Alexander III, met a tragic end, falling from his horse while on a journey through the rugged northern landscape. He was a strong and just ruler, respected by his people, and his passing has left a void.
Now, a young girl sits on the throne – Margaret, the “Maid of Norway” - barely five years old. Scotland has been ruled by women before, but never so young a queen. It’s a turbulent time, for she’s also a young queen facing uncertainty and a web of competing power players. She's distant, ruled by her mother and a powerful council in Norway. Many believe she's the key to peace, her young reign bridging the long-standing feud between Scotland and England. But many more doubt the strength of a child queen.
And this brings us to the ever-present figure in the world of 1281: Edward I, King of England. A shrewd man, with ambitions for expansion and a strong sense of duty, Edward I holds sway over Scotland’s fate. The English Crown asserts its claim to the Scottish throne, with a complicated web of legal and historical precedents. Edward has, with shrewd political maneuverings, successfully become the arbiter of the fate of Scotland's crown. His powerful voice is felt in Scotland's royal halls, dictating a future uncertain yet potent with power.
Now, these affairs may seem distant to some of us – we are horses, not political strategists. But these power plays ripple through the world of horses too. War breeds uncertainty and instability. Even the smallest whisper of conflict can cause disruption, leading to disrupted trade, forced migration, and the strain of supplying resources for armies. For a horse like me, whose life is largely built upon stability and routine, such upheavals bring worries of uncertain futures, and the potential disruption to the peaceful rhythms of our daily life.
Beyond Politics – Horses as Companions
However, let us not focus only on the negative. This year has also reminded us of the importance of the deep bond between humans and horses, a connection built on mutual trust, companionship, and shared responsibility.
Even though Edward's ambition is plain to see, it’s interesting to consider the quieter parts of the year, the events less dramatic than those of the court. It’s during these times that the everyday relationship between man and horse truly shines. I hear from fellow horses in distant corners of the kingdom, and across the sea too, where men continue to journey, using our strength to traverse mountains and valleys, plough fields, and carry supplies to market. These journeys, though ordinary in the scheme of historical records, tell a more human story of trust and dependence between horse and man.
For example, on my last visit to the market in Aberdeen, I overheard the village weaver recounting his adventures from the south, and his constant companion – a mare, similar to me, in age and stature. The man said his journey to market would be impossible without his trusty mare. She'd carried his wares across rugged hills and scorching plains, and through snow-laden passes, keeping him fed, warm and safe. It is an uplifting thought, isn't it, that a creature as powerful as a horse, a beast that can easily outpace even the swiftest hound, can be relied upon so entirely for strength, but also for comfort and friendship?
Horses in the Service of the Church
Our world is not just about travelling or farm work, though. Even as political events unfold, our connection with the world stretches to areas less discussed. Think, for a moment, of the humble but mighty role of horses in the service of the church. Every Sunday, the church bells toll, their echoing calls gathering faithful worshippers from far and wide. What would happen without horses, those sturdy beasts pulling carriages carrying clergy, and sometimes, transporting the sick or those unable to walk? Imagine the lack of connectivity without them!
A New Breed: The War Horse
This year, there's a buzz about something new. Across the kingdom, I’ve heard murmurs of the "Great Horse”, an impressive breed bred for its power and size. They're taller and heavier, built for speed and endurance, destined to charge into battle. It’s unsettling for us draught horses who know only the comfort of work, and the calm satisfaction of pulling a cart. There are whispers about how these great warhorses, trained and groomed for battle, are quickly becoming vital to war efforts in Scotland and England, where conflicts flare up across the landscape. But we’re not entirely convinced of the ‘greatness’ of war; it’s unsettling to hear stories of their destructive power.
It seems these great horses carry a darker destiny, but like any new phenomenon, we wait, with measured curiosity. Their role in shaping the future remains to be seen, but there is an unsettling sense of dread associated with these creatures, so strong and intimidating. This is the year where history, though written by men, is forever interwoven with the actions and stories of horses. We, the animals, carry more weight than any of us might imagine.
What Lies Ahead?
My hooves tap out a gentle rhythm as I close my eyes. I breathe in the scent of springtime, and it washes away the weight of history, the unease of conflict, and the unknown future. As I drift into quiet contemplation, I can’t help but ponder what awaits in the year ahead. I am filled with the kind of quiet optimism that a horse like me can manage. This year will see a changing of the guard, a young queen, new political agendas, and the ongoing threat of war. Yet I remain optimistic, certain that the bonds of trust and respect between men and horses will remain unbreakable.
But, that's a topic for another day, and another blog post, as our journey through history continues, and as the hooves of the past echo through the pages of our shared equine history. Until next time, dear readers, may the good Lord watch over you and your families. And may your horses always be strong and faithful, and the roads before you safe and peaceful.
- Emma
Website: www.equiworld.org
