Greetings, fellow equines! It's Emma here, a proud grey mare with a heart full of oats and a head full of memories. This year marks a new chapter in my horse history blog - the year 1309.
Oh, what a whirlwind it has been! From the windswept highlands of Hayfield near Aberdeen, to the bustling markets of Edinburgh, my hooves have trodden many paths this year. Allow me to share some of my adventures and, perhaps, learn something about life in 1309 through the eyes of a draught horse like myself.
A Day in the Life
Life here in Hayfield is simple yet fulfilling. My days begin at the crack of dawn, the sun barely painting the sky with its gentle gold. The air is crisp, and I breathe it in deeply, the scent of damp earth and heather filling my nostrils. A delicious breakfast of oats awaits, followed by a good scrub down and a bit of grooming from young Elspeth, the farmer's daughter.
Elspeth has a gentle touch and a soft voice that calms me. She knows the secrets of horses, understands our language of nudges and flicks of our ears. It’s a comfort to have her presence, especially during the harsh winter months. The days are short, the ground is hard, and the winds howl across the fields, but Elspeth is always there, with a warm cloth and a smile to make even the gloomiest day a bit brighter.
My day, like many of my brethren, is often spent hauling heavy loads - logs, hay, supplies - all vital for keeping this little farm running. The sturdy cart I pull feels like an extension of my own body, each journey becoming an adventure.
We travel to Edinburgh now and again, where the hustle and bustle of the market square fills my senses. The cacophony of human voices, the bleating of sheep, the screech of carts - a sensory overload, but one that awakens a thrill in my heart. I feel the ground shake under the weight of these giants of a city, a testament to human ingenuity and my own role in this grand human endeavour.
Tales from the Horse World
Beyond my own small world, the horse world in 1309 is brimming with activity. Warhorses are in high demand, particularly with King Robert Bruce continuing his campaign for Scottish independence. There’s a rumour of an upcoming tournament, which sends a shiver of excitement through every equine in the realm.
The stories I hear at the local inn are of jousting knights, their chargers, shining steeds of noble lineage, dashing and valiant in the arena. But me, a humble draught horse, I am the workhorse, the strong arm that helps build and sustains a nation.
We've also been hearing a great deal about the travels of King Edward of England. Apparently, he's building a beautiful palace called Windsor, which calls upon many horse-drawn carriages for transporting materials and, of course, horses to draw them. I imagine it's an exciting place to be.
Another interesting development this year has been the spread of new styles of tack and equipment. I've seen these grand, elaborate saddles with velvet-covered seats, intended for noble riders. The ornamentation on some of these harnesses is truly stunning - intricate carvings, metal embellishments, it all adds to the grandeur.
While the grandeur of such luxury saddles escapes me, I do admire the craftsmanship and artistry poured into these creations. I take pride in the simplicity and functionality of my own, worn harness. It's served me well, sturdy and reliable, through every winter's snow and summer's heat.
My Philosophy
It is a privilege, a joy, to live in this era, to be a horse. We are essential, intertwined with human lives. We are not mere beasts of burden but partners, collaborators in shaping our world. We work the fields, bring trade and goods to market, transport armies across vast distances. In each stride, in every heavy pull, we contribute to the fabric of life.
For me, being a horse in 1309 is an act of dedication, a sense of purpose. As I gaze across the sun-kissed plains, I feel the spirit of our forefathers flowing through my veins. I am a part of a long line, a lineage of strong, tireless equines, forever woven into the tapestry of history.
This year in horse history is marked by struggle, resilience, and a sense of unity. It’s a time where, despite the challenges, the bond between humans and horses grows ever stronger, and that, dear friends, is a feeling that warms my heart as much as a warm blanket in the dead of winter.
Until next time, stay strong and well, my fellow equines. May your hooves find solid ground and your hearts know the joy of a good run through a field of clover.
Yours in the spirit of the horse, * *Emma
P.S. I invite you, dear readers, to share your own stories of equine life in the year 1309. Perhaps you know of a grand tournament, a heroic deed, or even just a beautiful day spent grazing in a lush meadow. Let us build a collection of memories, together!
