A Greying Mare's Perspective on 1312
Hello, my dear readers, it's Emma here! As the winds whip across Hayfield and the heather turns a vibrant purple, I can't help but feel a deep sense of history swirling around me. It’s a feeling that comes over me most when I'm enjoying a lazy afternoon, munching on fresh clover and basking in the sunshine, the landscape of the Scottish Highlands sprawled out before me. Today, I want to share a snippet of my world - the world of horses in 1312!
As many of you know, my own coat has transitioned from a youthful black to the lovely, streaked grey, mirroring the changes of the years themselves. It's almost as if my mane and tail, a symphony of white against a dappled background, mirror the story of the times – strong, steady, and ever changing.
It was the year the young Robert the Bruce, our King, secured the Scottish throne for himself. The fight for freedom against the English was reaching its peak, and the people were buzzing with anticipation. I’ve heard tales from the older horses in our village about battles, bloodshed, and valiant men. While my work doesn't involve battlefields or royal ceremonies, my life is closely intertwined with the very heartbeat of these dramatic times.
Let’s delve into a day in the life of a draught horse like myself in the year 1312:
A Typical Day at Hayfield
The dawn breaks, and I’m up, greeting the new day with a playful snort. Our village, tucked away amidst the rolling hills of Scotland, is bustling. We draught horses, strong and sturdy, are the backbone of life here. From hauling stones to building new houses, to pulling plows across fields and carrying supplies to market, we're an integral part of the community.
I, for one, find my heart in the rhythm of pulling the heavy cart laden with freshly cut hay from the field. The sweet scent of clover fills my nostrils as I diligently tug the cart, feeling the satisfaction of a job well done. My fellow draught horses – Hector, with his black coat gleaming in the sun, and Bella, a gentle mare with a gentle heart and a keen eye for good grazing – are busy, too. Our tasks vary, but we all share the same pride in our work and the knowledge that we are vital members of this little Scottish world.
A Feast of Local Colour and Tradition
Our days aren’t solely about work. Hayfield, in its rustic charm, is alive with the joy of festivals and traditions. Imagine a bustling marketplace teeming with locals – from the proud men in their kilts to the ladies with their shawls woven in hues of green and purple, each sharing stories and news of the world. We horses, even we, get to partake in the festivities! Our strength and grace are often celebrated in lively games of skill and agility. A hearty, hand-me-down curry comb makes for a pleasurable, if sometimes ticklish, ritual.
And let’s not forget the warmth of evenings! The open fire in the stable, crackling and alive, draws us all together, sharing tales and enjoying simple meals of oats and hay.
Riding Through the Times: The World of Horseback
I often catch sight of riders dashing through the village on their steeds – often, young men in their riding leathers, galloping their spirited mounts. Some are heading off to join Robert the Bruce's forces, and others to communicate news or visit neighboring towns. I admire the grace and elegance of these noble horses, their sleek bodies gliding across the hills like shadows, a stark contrast to the steadfast strength we draught horses embody.
The Importance of the Breed: Our Role in 1312
While I may not be involved in the political upheavals or the exciting cavalry charges of the time, I believe our draught horses have a quiet power. We are the backbone of the Scottish economy, helping people to cultivate the land, transport goods, and build new homes.
Even in times of hardship, like the challenging winters and ongoing wars, the bond between horses and people strengthens. They know our value, their hands resting gently on our flanks as they talk to us in soothing voices.
Sharing the Spirit of Horses
And what is the essence of being a horse in 1312? It’s about freedom, independence, and a profound connection to nature. I often stand at the edge of a vast, windswept plain, my mane streaming in the wind, and feel a surge of belonging. I breathe deeply the crisp air, inhaling the scent of heather and wild grasses, and sense a connection to all living creatures in this vast landscape.
This is my life - the life of a 20 year-old, greying mare in the year 1312. The world around me is vibrant, alive with colour and changing as the winds of time carry on. I am, and we draught horses are, a part of the living tapestry of these dramatic, often dangerous, yet fundamentally resilient times.
I urge you all, dear readers, to explore your own corner of the world. Discover the beauty and history that lies around you. Every creature has a story, every corner of the earth echoes with memories. Find your own Hayfield and celebrate the unique tapestry of your time!
Yours, with a whinny, Emma.
