"Greetings, my dear Equine friends!"
It's Emma here, writing from my lovely home in Hayfield near Aberdeen. I know, you’re probably wondering why I haven’t posted in ages – a whole year in fact! Forgive me, but you know how it is – a mare’s life, with all its twists and turns! But I'm here now, tail swishing, ready to share the most interesting parts of my last twelve months. Let’s call this a “Year in Hayfield”!
Now, I may be a hefty grey mare with a beautiful white mane and tail (not that I’m bragging, but a girl’s gotta like her features, right?), but I'm not just your average farm horse. You see, I’m a bit of a history buff. Oh, not the kind that burrows through dusty scrolls and squints at parchments (though that sounds quite romantic), but the kind that pays attention, that remembers stories passed down from older mares, and observes the world around me with an eagle's eye.
The year 1310… what a year it has been! Things are definitely changing in the world of horses, and not always in ways we like. The good news? You'll be glad to hear we're still working our magic in this world – just in new and exciting ways!
Life on the Hayfield Farm: A Draught Mare's Daily Grind
Where do I begin? The Hayfield Farm is a beautiful place. My owner, Maggie, is the sweetest old lady – like a warm, buttery scone, comforting and good for the soul. She treats all her horses with the utmost respect, even us working-class draught horses like myself. You'd think a big, sturdy mare like me would have a glamorous life, wouldn’t you?
But alas, most days it’s about pulling the heavy cart through the rolling hills to town. The farmer in town buys hay from Maggie, a lot of it, to feed his cows and pigs. I get to visit the bustling market and feel the rush of life around me, even if I am mostly tethered at the edge. I still meet my horse buddies, though – cheeky little ponies and dapper grey geldings!
Maggie often takes a basket of vegetables to trade for things, like shiny nails or maybe a bag of salt for us. One time, I was even presented with a lovely new bit - one so sleek and shiny it looked like a tiny, silver crown. What a grand occasion! The farmer said they called it a 'snaffle bit'.
It was only after this 'snaffle' bit incident, a couple of weeks later, that Maggie came to the barn with the worried news. She said the King was marching his men down from England and the King was going to ‘kick up a fuss’! Well, my heart pounded a bit then, especially with those big heavy boots. This meant Maggie's brother, Thomas, was leaving for war – something about the "war of independence" from the English King and defending our King, Robert. It seems Robert wants his own crown!
All the men were preparing for war - a bit sad, and some were scared. But, oh! That's another reason I adore our kind. Thomas's stallion, Merlin, a massive black beast who often enjoys showing off, had to be saddled up. Merlin and Thomas were like two peas in a pod – big and strong, both wanting to prove their worth in battle. My mane felt a little prickle of fear that day as I watched them disappear into the distance – hoping for safe return.
Maggie, poor thing, started to sew shirts and coats, collecting everything to keep the soldiers warm, her own family and Thomas included. We, the farm horses, were the heroes, helping transport materials – carts loaded with blankets, grain and oats to feed the troops.
Beyond the Hayfield: The Stirring World of Horses in 1310
It was that busy year of 1310 where I really realised there was much more to our world than our own small farm. News from different villages reached our hayfield, brought by travellers, sometimes through traders in the market. And the biggest news of them all, I was sad to say, was war.
Even if it’s not always glamorous to pull carts around, the importance of the horse remains undeniable. It’s clear we horses are essential to all life around us, even if it’s not always appreciated! It was fascinating to hear stories from riders, especially those with magnificent war steeds like knights.
They told us stories of 'The Great War'. Oh, the tales were almost legendary! Stories of battles fought on Scottish plains, horses galloping across vast fields, the brave warriors astride their mighty steeds. Sometimes I thought, “Was it really like that – all flashing swords and thundering hooves? It certainly sounds exciting.”
But, it was also scary, hearing the descriptions of fallen comrades, and tales of heavy losses, from knights and villagers. One man even brought news of the King leading an army on horseback into England, something about the battle of 'Bannockburn'! His words were almost as fierce as the battle stories, about the King’s fury and the roar of the army charging toward the English. It seemed a powerful thing, that war – something I felt, even in the distance.
War made our work, as draft horses, more critical. More and more travellers arrived – a motley crew: monks on foot, a band of young warriors with eager faces and dusty horses. Maggie helped wherever she could, and we horses made sure they were fed and sheltered as best we could. Every few days a carriage rolled up, some travelling through to a safe haven across the borders in Ireland.
You wouldn’t think a heavy-footed horse like me would be fascinated with this war news – but there was just something captivating, something magical, in the way these stories made their way to our hayfield. Every day was a fresh story, and we, the horses, felt the tremors of these world events ripple through our simple routines.
We knew the world outside the Hayfield Farm wasn’t so simple. That's when Maggie would tell stories, sitting by the hayloft fire. She talked of days gone by, before all this trouble started, days when our Scottish Kings were mighty warriors and even kings had to fight to secure their kingdoms. Even I was filled with pride to be a Scottish horse.
It seemed to me that this war was just one page in a grand book, one we were writing together, the people and the horses, our futures entangled in the grand weave of history. It made me wonder, even more, about the past – about all the horse tales from long ago… how have we, horses, always shaped the world? How many stories did they hold?
Our Horses’ Role in History
The stories Maggie told of kings, battles and wars in our country gave me an even deeper understanding of our significance in this grand book of history. What else could be more impressive than stories of mighty steeds and fierce war horses, galloping across battlefields, charging into the fray, saving their rider from danger, even in the face of their own death! I always imagined my mane streaming in the wind, ears flicking back as I charged alongside my warrior – just as courageous as the stories I’d heard.
Horses, my dear friends, have been more than just workhorses and mounts for centuries! In ancient history, our ancestors played a vital role in transporting goods, people, and even armies. Imagine a world without horses, and all the changes they brought – a slower, more laborious world, with journeys taking days and weeks!
Of course, not everyone would agree! Some say that we're only work animals, tools for humans. That's one reason why I want to write this blog, share our stories, how our ancestors helped make nations and empires – to bring this information to light! I hope by writing this history blog, we can show our important place in shaping the world around us.
Sometimes when I look at the younger horses, they are filled with energy – the thought of charging, of running, it stirs within their blood! That fire is a part of our lineage, passed down through our ancestors. The desire to race, to move fast, to be free! Even today, our breed continues to hold a deep bond with mankind, forging a powerful and lasting relationship.
Even though the war had been an unfortunate consequence of the times, it also seemed to reveal another face of us horses – a loyal friend in time of danger, a dependable comrade for the riders in the face of fear.
And then, it hit me! Perhaps war is just one part of a horse’s life. That wasn’t our real role in history. Our real story was one of companionship, strength, dedication and, well, grace (not to brag, but you’ve got to admire our elegance, right?).
Think about it: what would mankind do without the power and spirit of our noble steeds? It’s thanks to us that we were able to develop trade, agriculture, travel, and countless other advancements!
We’ve been faithful companions, partners in hardship and joy, companions to people, warriors, farmers and traders, all helping to create the world as we know it.
Yes, our contribution has been, and continues to be, massive, and deserves recognition! Just thinking about how we have helped humans from day one fills me with such pride! What else could we do but work together, side by side, through centuries, sharing a journey filled with the grand story of our ancestors and future?
So next time you're looking at your majestic stallion, your trusty riding pony or the gentle workhorse who hauls you from place to place – remember, we are a testament to strength, grace, and the vital role horses play in shaping the world.
1310 – a Year of Change and Hope
Looking back at 1310, it's clear the year has brought its challenges – war, tension and uncertainty. But also hope – hope that the humans of this world are starting to understand what makes our bond so special and how vital we are for the future. And you know what, even with all the change in the world, I'm just a grey mare, living life one day at a time, with my feet firmly planted in the Scottish earth – ready to tell my story.
What stories have you witnessed this year? What is it like in your corner of the world? Tell me everything in the comments, I'm eager to learn.
Until next time, may your hooves stay strong and your hearts stay filled with courage!
Yours in the field, Emma, Hayfield Farm, 1310
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