Hello, lovely readers! It’s Emma here, your friendly grey mare with the flowing white mane and tail. This week, I’m taking you back to the year 1297, a time when Scotland was ablaze with change, and the horse world was filled with both excitement and uncertainty.
Now, I’ve lived my life in Hayfield, a charming little village near Aberdeen. We've got a good life here. We work the land, hauling carts of barley and oats, helping with ploughing and sowing, and assisting in harvesting the year’s bounty. It’s a busy life, but one that's filled with a deep satisfaction. Every day, we play a vital part in keeping our community strong.
The year 1297 was a particularly eventful one. King John Balliol of Scotland was driven out by King Edward I of England. Yes, that King Edward I, the one who famously attempted to annex Scotland. Talk about a busy year for both us horses and the humans we work alongside! The King's influence could be felt all the way to Hayfield. Rumours of war swirled around our village, unsettling both humans and animals alike.
Even though we don’t quite understand the intricate politics of the human world, we knew that change was afoot. I was 20 then, still a strong and powerful young mare, full of vigour and spirit. It wasn't just the unrest, however. Our village saw an influx of men on horseback - knights clad in shimmering armour, and ordinary farmers eager to serve in the upcoming war. The presence of these brave souls, mounted on horses, reminded me of how essential horses were to humans, not just for daily life, but also in defence of their homeland.
My human family, the McLachlans, were deeply affected by the change. Mr McLachlan, a big man with a heart of gold, volunteered to join the Scottish army. The men and women of Hayfield were quick to band together, their faces etched with worry, but also fierce determination. Even the village children helped out, gathering supplies and tending to the horses, all working to make sure the men had everything they needed for the fight.
Now, I, being a sensible grey mare, stayed at Hayfield, a symbol of calm amidst the swirling storms. You see, life goes on. Whilst the men fought to protect their land, us horses continued with our duties. The village wouldn't be able to survive if the fields weren’t tilled, and the carts of food remained unused. Every single one of us had our part to play. And that is what truly united us - horses, humans, we all pulled in the same direction.
This year brought me face to face with the bravery and strength of humanity, and the remarkable resilience of our own species. Horses weren't merely the means of transportation or muscle power for our human companions, we became symbols of strength and loyalty.
Here's an interesting snippet about the horse world of 1297. There was a fascinating trend across Europe at this time. The horses, especially those trained for battle, were often adorned with brightly coloured armour, adding another dimension to the warrior's might. Some were even outfitted with shoes that had tiny spikes on them. I, of course, remained content with my simple working-horse shoes!
Remember those exciting tales from medieval literature? Well, they were a true reflection of 1297! It was an age of chivalry, bravery, and courage, all witnessed by us horses. We might not understand human wars, but we understand strength, loyalty, and the spirit of togetherness that comes with working side-by-side.
Despite the tensions, we learned something special during this turbulent time: it’s the ability to rise above it all and continue to fulfill our roles. Whether it's pulling carts through the fields, supporting those on the battlefields, or simply serving as a loyal companion to a human, the horse plays a vital part in this fascinating, unpredictable, yet ultimately remarkable world we live in.
Now, I’m going to sign off for this week. Until next time, my dear readers, may your hay be fresh and your hooves sound! Yours in mane and tail,
Emma
