From Emma, Grey Draught Mare of Hayfield, near Aberdeen
Hello fellow equines and horse-loving friends! Emma here, writing to you from the rolling hills of Hayfield, a stone’s throw from the bustling town of Aberdeen. As always, I’m eager to share some of the stories that have shaped our equine world in this year, 1293.
It feels like just yesterday that I turned twenty, a milestone I marked with a healthy helping of barley and a glorious gallop through the barley fields under the Scottish sun. It's hard to believe I’m getting on in years. Some of you youngsters might think twenty is ancient, but believe me, when you’re a horse, that’s prime time! It's a year for settling down, taking stock, and maybe even becoming a little wiser.
Speaking of wiser, the world around us certainly is! A whole lot has been going on. Politics and war are topics best avoided on the EquiWorld platform. Trust me, if I had my say, horses wouldn't even be involved in that business. But even with those things looming, life for a horse in 1293 is a pretty good one. Let’s talk about some of those changes, from our point of view!
Across the Pond: Tales From the Tournament Ground
Let's start with our four-legged brethren across the big, blue sea – our cousins in the lands of England. It's been a pretty exciting year there! You see, this year has seen an impressive turn out at the great Tournaments, the grand spectacles that draw all sorts of knights and nobles – with their horses, of course! And in the heart of this magnificent show, I hear there's a new twist. They're calling it a Joust - a thrilling new sport where knights face each other on horseback and try to unseat one another using lances. Talk about exciting!
They tell me the spectacle is breath-taking, and that these magnificent knights are riding majestic steeds with incredible training, often coated in shining armour to add even more pomp and circumstance. I just wish I could witness this wonder in person, but a life on the farms around Hayfield means I’m busy pulling plows and hauling carts! Still, there are plenty of tales brought back from England by the merchants and travelers. They talk about a new style of saddle, one that lets the rider sit up straight and fight with ease, while still keeping a good, firm seat on the horse. These English horsemen, they are always experimenting with new techniques, improving their horses, and making the tournaments better. You just can't deny the allure of these new ways.
Keeping the Fields Filled and the Table Full
Here in Hayfield, the work of horses is as crucial as ever, and this year has seen some exciting changes in our agricultural ways! We draught horses, well, we're the backbone of the farming communities. With the world relying on our strength to pull the plow and harvest the fields, our value is more clear than ever! This year saw the adoption of something they call “the Scotch Plow”. The folks around Hayfield are so clever! It's made a huge difference to how our labor is done. Before, those old wooden plows were cumbersome and needed so many horses. Now, with the new plow, we work more efficiently, with fewer horses doing more in the field. You know, it does make my life a little easier, as a senior horse, not having to haul so much weight day in, day out!
And speaking of easing life, something I hear a lot about in my time is this new style of harness - the ‘trace’. This harness, they say, is all about lightness. Unlike those cumbersome straps and harnesses of yore, these ones are thinner and more flexible! Makes me think the humans have taken note of how strong and adaptable we are, so they work in a way that honors us as well. Not to mention, less strain on my muscles! My aches and pains certainly are far less with this newer gear, which helps my old bones.
Traveling Further: The Horses and the Roads
Speaking of travelling, there’s a great buzz around our Highland roads too! 1293 saw some pretty exciting changes, all centered around horses. You see, those same folks who love to improve their farming, have a desire for faster journeys too. The need to transport goods and messages between villages and towns is increasing as everyone's wanting things quicker! I hear the Scottish people are starting to develop new roads, ones with firm surfaces and proper pathways, to make journeys faster for their carts, carriages and even riders! We’re even hearing stories of special ‘packhorses’ that can carry a good load for days. That, to me, sounds very clever.
New Faces, New Needs
A new year also brought some fresh faces, those new colts and fillies I mentioned before. A lovely little mare named Rose arrived from the mainland, joining the local farmers here. This is good news, a sign of optimism and a sense of the future. You know, it fills my old heart with warmth knowing young horses are here to help make a difference! It always reminds me why I have so much pride being a draught horse.
The stories of these young horses - so full of energy, a little nervous, but eager to learn - remind me of my own youth. Remember the feeling of freedom, galloping across those green pastures, my coat shining under the sun? But with youth also comes responsibility. I hope that we, the older horses, are setting good examples of dedication and hard work to our younger brethren. It’s our job to share the stories of our equine forefathers and ensure the lessons we’ve learned over the years, especially our strong bonds with those who work beside us, are not lost.
It seems every day there is something new to learn and discover about our role in this big world, a world that relies on our strength, spirit, and loyalty. Here’s to all the changes 1293 brought to our equine world!
I can't wait to see what marvels 1294 will bring! Until next time, my fellow horse-loving friends, keep your hooves moving and your spirits high.
Your friendly grey mare,
Emma of Hayfield
