Hello fellow equines, and welcome to another entry in my humble blog! I’m Emma, a grey mare, born and raised in the bonnie highlands of Scotland, near Aberdeen. It's 1318 now, and I thought I'd share some musings on what's been going on in the world of horses this year, a year that's felt a bit… unsettled. Let's delve into the year that was, shall we?
The winds have been whistling a mournful tune over the heather this year. There's a coldness in the air that hasn't settled, not even with the sun shining brightly on the meadows of Hayfield. It feels like the world is holding its breath, even the horses. Whispers travel fast through the stables and along the wind. Wars are raging to the south.
You see, England is embroiled in conflict with Scotland, something that happens with frustrating frequency it seems. My old mare friends, who lived through similar battles, tell tales of these English men, their armies moving like dark shadows across the land. They talk of the sound of steel on steel, the terror of horses stumbling, and the smell of smoke that hangs in the air long after the battles end.
Despite this bleak backdrop, there's still a certain magic to be found in the world, even for a horse like me, toiling away in the fields. It's during these moments, as I'm pulling the plough or hauling goods to market, that I get a sense of connection to my ancestors, to the ancient wild horses that roamed this very land. The feel of the earth beneath my hooves, the scent of freshly turned soil, the taste of freedom in the wind - these are the things that make my heart beat a little faster.
Here in Hayfield, our world is smaller, but no less vital. We horses are vital to the running of this village, and we take our responsibilities seriously. The villagers rely on us for everything from tilling the land to carrying goods and people to distant villages. Our strength and hard work make this community thrive. It's an honour to serve, even if it means working long days and getting a little tired, but it feels important, like we’re weaving together the very fabric of this life.
Despite the fear, I can't help but be drawn to the quiet joy of my life. It's in those simple pleasures – the taste of fresh grass in spring, the sound of rain on the roof of the stable, the warmth of the sun on my coat as I stand in the pasture. Those are the moments that remind me that there's beauty and love in even the most tumultuous times.
And then there’s the wonder of friendship. My best friend is a chestnut mare named Luna. We share the load, pull the plows together, and stand beside each other in the stable, our heads resting close. She's quick with a nibble of your mane or a flick of your tail. We can practically read each other’s thoughts, communicating through flicks of ears and sighs of contentment. It’s a powerful thing, a connection like this, to know you’re not alone, not even when the world outside feels heavy and dark.
Oh, did I forget to mention the arrival of foals in the spring? Ah, what joy those little ones bring! Their stumbling gait, the wobbly legs, their wide-eyed curiosity… I even caught a glimpse of one tiny foal nibbling a sprig of dandelion, it was the most adorable sight. It brought a smile to my face and reminded me of my own youthful energy, a time when the world was filled with the potential for adventure and exploration.
As we move towards autumn, the colours on the hillsides turn a dazzling array of yellows, oranges and reds. A tapestry of nature's art that paints the land in breathtaking beauty. With each passing day, a sense of foreboding looms as winter approaches, bringing its cold breath and the possibility of snow. We know then, that we'll spend most of our days sheltered, sharing stories of the past and dreams for the future.
Despite the looming shadow of conflict and winter’s chill, my heart remains steadfastly optimistic. I find strength in the resilience of our community, the bonds of friendship, the whispers of ancient wisdom carried on the wind, and the quiet beauty that persists even in the face of uncertainty.
And that's my world in 1318, my fellow equine friends. Hope you’ll tune in next year to see how life is going. Until then, take care and stay strong. And remember, even when times are dark, there's always a glimmer of hope on the horizon.
Warmly,
Emma, Hayfield Grey
