By Emma, Hayfield Grey
Greetings, fellow equines and horse lovers! Emma here, from the rolling hills of Hayfield near Aberdeen, Scotland. It's been a while since I've shared my thoughts with you all, but this year has been a particularly eventful one. I wanted to tell you all about it, not just for myself, but for all the brave, strong, and kind-hearted horses out there who share the journey of history with us.
Now, I know many of you might be thinking, 1303? That seems so far back in time! Well, believe me, it doesn't feel that long ago for us old-timers. The world is constantly changing, but for horses, our core purpose remains the same: to serve humankind in strength, grace, and with a steady hoof.
The Majesty of a King:
1303 marked a significant year for us Scots horses. You see, King Robert the Bruce was crowned King of Scots, ending a time of war and unrest. He brought with him a strong leadership and a fierce determination to ensure the Scottish people thrived. A King who stood for the land, the people, and, let's be honest, the horses! His own charger was a noble steed, a magnificent black stallion known for his courage and swiftness. We all knew then that our new King understood and valued horses, something that made us all breathe a collective sigh of relief.
A World of Change
Of course, life on the farm wasn't all about kings and crowns. This year, for me personally, saw the arrival of a new foal – a beautiful little chestnut mare with a blaze of white on her face. Her name is Elsie, and she's already learning the ways of the farm, pulling carts alongside her mother.
But let's talk about the bigger picture. You see, around this time, we started to see the rise of heavy draught horses like myself. While nimble horses still held a special place for riding, hauling, and war, it was the larger horses that proved essential for moving goods and materials.
The way we were treated back then wasn't always so fair. Some humans were rough and dismissive, seeing us only as tools. However, in Hayfield, we were fortunate to have caring masters. My owner, a farmer named Thomas, respected our needs. He'd even rub our legs after a long day's work. This compassion wasn't always commonplace, but the growing understanding of how horses truly benefited humanity made a difference.
The Importance of Companionship
I often think about my fellow equine companions – those who toiled alongside me, those who faced danger, and those who found solace in the fields. This year saw a huge demand for war horses. They were needed not just for the Scots but for their neighbours across the border too. It broke my heart to hear about the hardships some of our kin faced, but it filled me with pride to know that their bravery helped protect others.
From the Battlefield to the Field:
However, this year also witnessed a significant shift towards the practical and necessary role horses played in day-to-day life. I think many horses find contentment in their work, especially when that work brings sustenance and happiness to others. My fellow workhorses are as vital as any knight on the battlefield, and it's an honour to serve in that way. We helped till the land, carried burdens across difficult terrain, and transported supplies to remote villages. Without us, people wouldn't have been able to live their lives.
Looking Back, Looking Ahead
Looking back on 1303, I'm filled with a sense of optimism for our equine future. We may have faced challenges and injustices, but our dedication and resilience paved the way for the horses of tomorrow. As we adapt to the evolving needs of humankind, it's clear that we, as horses, have a vital role to play in shaping the world.
From the grand palaces of Kings to the quiet lanes of country villages, from the fierce battles fought on the frontlines to the steady pace of daily work, we, as horses, have found our purpose. And what a grand, fulfilling purpose it is!
Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts on this remarkable year, 1303. It is, as we say in these parts, "a good day's work done" for us horses!
Until next time,
Emma, Hayfield Grey
