Posted by: Emma, Hayfield near Aberdeen, Scotland
Good day, fellow equines and horse-loving humans! Emma here, a grey draught mare with a flowing white mane and tail, reporting live from the rolling hills of Hayfield, near the bustling (if chilly!) town of Aberdeen, Scotland. As you might have guessed from the date of this post, it's 1296, a year packed full of happenings in the world of horses and humanity alike!
As usual, I've been keeping my hooves busy in Hayfield. We've got a good thing going here; I pull the cart for our local farmer, Angus, a kind and gentle man who sees us horses as more than just work animals. He always makes sure we're well-fed and groomed, and in the summer months, he takes us on long, lazy walks through the heather and bracken, letting us graze in the open fields. It's bliss!
We’ve been working hard getting ready for harvest season. I helped Angus transport the hay to the barns for winter storage. The smell of hay drying in the fields is one of my favourite things in the world. He says he'll reward me with a whole bucket of oats this year for all my hard work, but my real reward is the feeling of usefulness. I know I’m contributing to the farm’s success and I am happy for the privilege.
You know, I sometimes feel bad for my fellow horses in other parts of the country. Life for horses working in the towns and cities can be tough. In the urban areas, there’s a lot more heavy traffic, noisy crowds, and sometimes harsh masters. It makes my hooves itch to explore and see for myself, but for now, Hayfield’s peaceful countryside is perfect for a grey mare like me.
But Hayfield has its share of challenges. Lately, the wind has been icy cold. My human friends say we’ve been having “The Great Freeze,” which is an odd term. But, I’m grateful for the straw they put in our stables and I’ve managed to grow a thick winter coat this year, to keep out the frost. I’ve had to make good use of my hooves to clear the ice on the cobblestone path, for our farmer and his wife, as I’m a much sturdier friend than the sheep!
A Horse’s Perspective on The King
And now, to a subject that has everyone on edge, both two-legged and four-legged alike… The King! The year began with King Alexander III of Scotland gone, and things are quite volatile in our country, a bit like a galloping stallion without a rider! This Edward from England has declared himself king and everyone here is in a frenzy.
You’ve got to understand – King Alexander III was a good king for the Scots. Under his reign, life felt safe and stable, especially for us horses. There was good work to be done, a bit of adventure to be had on long journeys through the Highlands and even some occasional jousting matches, though, honestly, those are a bit dangerous. But overall, peaceful, calm times.
King Edward has brought something different, an uneasy air to the whole region. Just recently, we all heard about the Battle of Dunbar! Imagine – men on horseback clashing steel with shields and armour ringing! They’re battling for this new king who some folk claim is more concerned about England’s lands and treasures than about Scotland’s needs.
What does it all mean for us horses, you ask? The King needs troops to move about the country. They need steeds, horses that are strong and brave, able to navigate rough terrain. Angus has a new colt he plans to train as a warhorse. But Angus said he'll never let me go – he told me I'm too important here at the farm, hauling and pulling, my strength and steadiness is much valued. He's the kindest farmer I know, so I feel safe with him.
Still, I can’t help but worry. What will become of Scotland under this new king? It seems everyone is busy preparing for what might be. Angus, although cautious and reserved about what he says around me, is always mending fences and tools, ensuring the farm is well stocked. His wife says this winter is bound to be hard. I can feel it in my bones; I’ve been told by some wise old farm horses that the cold is the coldest we’ve ever seen!
A Visit From a Traveling Bard
And now for a more enjoyable matter! Just last week, a traveling bard passed through Hayfield. Now, you know me, I am a great listener, with ears for stories and songs. His songs were powerful and stirring, he spoke of kings and queens, of dragons and princesses. He played on a beautifully carved fiddle, something that gave the strings a voice. The most interesting tale he told was one about a long lost castle and a mysterious silver steed! This silver steed is said to be so noble and fierce, only a valiant king, strong of heart and determined to rule justly, could tame it!
My human friends chuckled at this tale, they said he made it up for entertainment, to excite his audience. But there was something about his words, something stirring in his tone, that made me wonder – could there really be such a magical creature? A horse with silver hair, swift and strong? If ever I encounter this noble steed, I’ll certainly tell him how much I admire his magical quality!
Some final thoughts for today, my dear equines: 1296 is certainly proving to be an eventful year, in Scotland and in the world of horses everywhere! I may be a grey draught mare, pulling carts and tending to my duties on the farm, but even from here, I can sense the shifts and changes unfolding around us.
There are exciting new horses emerging: War horses being trained for battles, like our Angus colt, and even perhaps, legendary steeds, waiting to be discovered! It makes me long to be out exploring and galloping, but here I remain, content in Hayfield with my steady pace and hardworking role.
Until next time, stay warm, keep your hooves busy, and listen for the whispers of history!
Yours in hooves,
Emma
P.S. Do let me know your thoughts! How was 1296 for your fellow equines? Any stories from this year you’d like to share? Leave a comment below!
