By Emma, a Grey Draught Mare from Hayfield, near Aberdeen
Good day, fellow equines and equine enthusiasts! Welcome to another chapter in my Equine Chronicles, where we gallop through history, hoof by hoof, discovering the extraordinary world of horses across the ages. Today, we journey to the year 1291, a time of magnificent castles, brave knights, and…well, a lot of mud!
Life in Hayfield, 1291: A Farmer’s Best Friend
It’s a blustery day here in Hayfield. The wind is whistling through the thatch roof of the stable, and the rain is drumming a steady beat on the cobblestone floor. I love these days, actually. Makes for a perfect excuse to snuggle down in my hay bed, enjoying the rhythmic rasping of the barn doors as the farmer, Thomas, comes in to check on us.
Yes, I'm Emma, a strong, grey draught horse with a flowing white mane and tail that shimmers in the sunlight like spun silver. I was born on a chilly autumn day in 1271, which makes me twenty years old now - a mature mare with plenty of wisdom under my hooves.
I spend my days assisting Thomas with all the usual farm duties. In the summer, we work the fields, pulling the plough to prepare the earth for sowing. The heavy clay of our Scottish soil is no match for my powerful muscles! I have to confess, I'm quite partial to the sweet scent of the freshly tilled soil, and the soft green shoots of spring wheat are always a delightful treat.
But these autumn days are about gathering in the harvest. We cart the heavy carts filled with sacks of oats, barley, and hay from the fields to the barns, ready for the long winter ahead. It’s a rewarding job, even though it requires patience and strong limbs.
It can be tiring work, pulling heavy carts up and down those steep hills in the Cairngorms. But I enjoy the rhythm of it, the camaraderie between myself and the other horses in the field, and the feeling of purpose that comes from providing for our community. Besides, there's always a reward in the form of a heaping measure of barley at the end of the day, and a comfortable pile of hay to sleep on in the warm barn.
Beyond Hayfield: Knights, Wars, and a Changing World
But 1291 is about more than just farming life in Scotland, as exciting as that is. This year saw events across the world that resonate even now, echoing through history. The very air here seems to hum with whispers of these significant happenings.
You see, this year, Edward I, the English King, led his troops north into Scotland to solidify his grip on the land. Many battles were fought, and countless knights charged into battle astride their majestic steeds. The stories that reach our humble stable from passing travellers are enough to make a horse’s heart gallop faster.
The knights and their horses were the true heroes of these battles. Stories reach us from these faraway lands of steeds clad in armour, their noble steeds withstanding the onslaught of battle, their loyalty a symbol of courage and resilience. It’s enough to make a humble working horse like myself proud.
But these stories of conflict also paint a stark picture. Many a horse fell in the fighting, sacrificed for the cause of their human riders.
Here in Scotland, we also hear whispers of other developments, a burgeoning sense of national pride. It makes you proud to be a Scottish horse, even if life can sometimes be tough.
The Changing Role of Horses: From War to Commerce
These times also witness the changing role of horses. While war requires valiant chargers to fight, the burgeoning trade between nations creates a new demand for horses. Many are trained to carry goods and merchants, their powerful hooves thundering over miles of road, connecting people and commerce.
Some of the best horses, of course, come from right here in Scotland! We are renowned for our strength and resilience. I often watch the merchants on horseback as they head to the nearby market at Aberdeen, carrying precious wares on their backs. I wonder what those goods will be exchanged for, and the journeys those horses will make.
Even though the market is bustling, there's still a quiet majesty to the horse and rider in this pre-industrial age. It's a sight that speaks to an unspoken harmony between human and horse, a mutual understanding born out of shared effort and journey.
Looking Ahead:
As I look out at the grey, overcast sky, a hint of snow lingering on the peaks of the Cairngorms, I think about the year ahead. It will bring challenges - the harshness of the Scottish winter, the long, cold nights, and the continued struggles of this kingdom under King Edward's dominion.
But it will also bring hope. The promise of a new spring, a renewed energy for the land, and the quiet strength of a people united by a common history and shared journey.
We, the horses, will be here through it all - our strength, loyalty, and unwavering spirit, a testament to the endurance of life itself. We may not be riding to the forefront of battles, but we are, nevertheless, an integral part of the story.
So, join me next time as we journey through another year, learning from the echoes of the past and experiencing the evolving landscape of the world. Until then, keep your hooves well-shod and your spirits high.
With love from a fellow horse,
Emma
