Hello my fellow equine enthusiasts! Emma here, a sturdy grey mare with a flowing white mane and tail, just turned twenty and as fit as a fiddle. I hail from Hayfield near Aberdeen, Scotland, and I'm here to share with you all what life was like for a horse like me in the year 1314.
It was a tumultuous year, but I found myself right in the thick of it, pulling my weight for the community, and yes, even helping some noble folks here and there!
Let me paint a picture for you, using my hooves to illustrate… Think of the Scottish highlands, rugged and green, dotted with winding pathways, ancient castles, and small hamlets. The crisp air whips across the hills and valleys, bringing a symphony of sounds - sheep bleating, birds chirping, and the occasional bellow of a Highland cow. This is the world I knew - my world.
As I said, the year 1314 wasn’t all peace and tranquility, not for Scotland anyway. It was a time when a strong king called Robert Bruce was fighting hard to reclaim his land, his rightful place as king. That’s the story that was on everyone’s lips, from the bustling city of Edinburgh to our small hamlet in Hayfield. You see, we horses weren’t simply a mode of transport or a means to plough the fields; we were intricately woven into the tapestry of our land, every hoofbeat echoing the events unfolding.
For instance, the King was rallying the people - from blacksmiths to merchants and even shepherds, the call went out across the countryside, "Men of Scotland! Fight for your freedom!".
As a draught horse, my life was intertwined with the community's everyday needs. I'd been entrusted with the task of hauling loads of supplies from the bustling markets, delivering essential items for daily life. From sacks of oats and barley for hungry households to barrels of ale and fish to fill empty barrels in every Scottish hamlet, I served my purpose. My sturdy physique and unflinching strength, paired with the love of my groom, John, made me an indispensable part of their daily routines.
One particular day in spring, I was chosen for a crucial journey. Imagine, a cavalcade of mounted men in shining armour and a convoy of pack horses with gleaming coats. This wasn’t a normal load. They needed my sturdy frame and strength. John helped me put on a special collar with straps. I felt proud and slightly scared, not because of the task itself, but the uncertainty that lay ahead. As I trudged alongside other pack horses laden with food and ammunition, the chatter of the men, their anxieties about what lay ahead filled the air. I knew I wasn’t just carrying sacks of barley and supplies anymore; I was bearing the hopes of a struggling nation.
Our journey was arduous. It took us days to arrive at a bustling, fortified town near Stirling. That was when I witnessed the power and the despair of war first-hand. A massive army, a fearsome sight indeed! The sight of their tents stretching far beyond the horizon, the gleam of weapons, the nervous whispers - I felt an undeniable sense of awe and fear. A fierce battle raged for days, but Scotland’s valiant efforts eventually ended in victory for Robert the Bruce. It filled me with pride, knowing I played my humble part, carrying supplies for those brave warriors.
After that tumultuous time, we journeyed back to Hayfield. As I trudged along the dusty path, I reflected on the past weeks. I had borne witness to courage and resilience, to fear and death, to strength and sacrifice. This is how life was for a horse in 1314.
The weeks turned into months. Life resumed its rhythm. We carried goods across our beautiful highlands, sometimes transporting the harvest, sometimes bringing in goods from bustling towns. I felt a surge of joy watching children laugh, farmers toiling in their fields, and village women bustling about with their daily tasks, each movement synchronized by the heartbeat of the land. The echoes of that pivotal battle still reverberated in our hearts and the rhythm of our hooves - we had helped secure a new era for Scotland.
It’s time for me to conclude, my fellow equine enthusiasts. Life for a horse in 1314 was a journey of effort and service. It was about loyalty and responsibility. Even amidst chaos and uncertainty, a simple mare like myself was able to contribute to a grand story of strength and unity. And although it's true we are still mostly known for our tireless work in service of mankind, we are more than that, we are an integral part of their stories.
Until next time,
Emma, The Hayfield Grey Mare.
