Hello, fellow equines! It’s Emma, your favourite grey mare from the beautiful rolling hills of Hayfield, near Aberdeen, Scotland. It’s 1320, and I’m just hitting my prime as a draught horse, strong and full of life. This year has been particularly interesting for us horses, and I thought it might be a lovely idea to share some of it with you all. I’ve never quite figured out this writing business, but I do enjoy having a chat about our life here at the Hayfield. I must give a great big thank you to my lovely human, Margaret, for writing this all down for me – she's a wonderful girl. Now, let’s delve into what this year in history has brought us equines!
Farming Life: My World of Ploughing, Carting and the Feast
As you all know, a draught horse’s life is mostly spent in the fields, and this year was no different for me. I’ve had the honour of working alongside the farm's strongest, sturdy oxen. Now, we might be rivals in terms of muscle, but we are colleagues, and sometimes, even friends! You see, it takes all kinds of creatures to keep a farm running smoothly. This year was a particularly bountiful one. Spring was a time of joyous preparation as I ploughed fields with such deep, rich soil, ready for planting. There's something truly magical about watching the crops sprout after you've helped bring the earth to life. This year, the harvest was even bigger and better than the last! Golden grain, juicy berries and fat pumpkins – there was more than enough for us all to enjoy. Our farmer was particularly pleased, and he’s already preparing for an even bigger feast for our human friends during the next harvest festival. It's quite a thing, the celebration of a bountiful harvest, and of course, I’m always eager for a feast of my own. Carrots, oats and barley… ah, a horse's simple pleasures!
From Fields to Fairs: The Wonders of Travelling
However, life on a farm isn't all about ploughing and hauling carts. Once in a while, our human friends will take us on journeys beyond the familiar fields. This year, I even got to experience a visit to the bustling Aberdeen market. We brought a wagon laden with sacks of barley and other delicious treasures from the harvest. I can’t say that I enjoy the crowds of humans and other creatures, especially those goats. They are far too excited! But, what truly captured my imagination was the sheer abundance of things on offer. People gathered with such vibrant, fascinating displays – spices from distant lands, tools and clothes, beautiful handmade pottery, and of course, a plentiful supply of tasty apples and carrots.
Warring Horses: The Knights' Charges and The Longbow's Whisper
Even though our Hayfield farm lies far from any actual battles, this year the air is filled with stories of war. There have been skirmishes between the Scots and English, even as close as Edinburgh. Though I've never seen battle firsthand, I've heard the tales from the knights who return to our farm after a fight. You know, even the toughest warrior needs a sturdy, brave horse to carry them through the trials of combat. They describe their comrades who bravely charged onto the battlefield, wearing shiny armor and carrying spears that flash like silver lightning under the sun. There’s something intimidating about hearing them talk about charging on a battlefield, but as much as it is exciting, it’s also frightening to think of friends in battle. I truly pray that all these brave warriors, human and equine, return home safely from such bloody undertakings.
New Frontiers: The Expanding World of Equine Companionship
Interestingly, this year, even in the farthest corners of Hayfield, the word has spread about horses from the far-away lands of the east. I overheard a group of humans discussing the travels of Marco Polo and the Silk Road. I heard tell of camels, which sound truly unusual, and horses with thick fur, bred to endure the coldest winters. How I long to experience the world beyond our small Scottish countryside! I can imagine all the different adventures, the diverse breeds of horses, and the incredible landscapes far beyond the heather fields I’ve grown accustomed to.
Training: The Value of Respect and Teamwork
Despite being a hard worker and well-respected amongst the other animals on the farm, I feel my training needs some refreshing. Luckily, Margaret and her father have taught me much, including how to properly handle a heavy plough. The skills learned in our days as foals are vital in preparing us for the challenges of adult life. However, I’m never one to shy away from a little learning, even when I’ve mastered a task. Sometimes, we spend the mornings working alongside the farm’s oldest stallion, Rowan, who’s seen everything life has to throw at a horse. He helps us learn new ways to manage the plough, to better pull a cart, or even how to jump a low fence – a task I am learning to enjoy. I believe it’s always important to learn, grow, and test our capabilities. It’s about teamwork and dedication to our task, and how to listen and learn from one another. After all, even the strongest horse is only as good as its rider.
Dreams for the Future: New Discoveries and Adventure Await
This year, 1320, has truly been an extraordinary one for all of us here in Hayfield. It’s a time of new discoveries, of stories whispered on the wind, and of anticipation for the year to come. I know that tomorrow, I’ll be back to my work, diligently helping prepare the land for next season’s harvest. But I also look forward to a time when I may be allowed to journey to other parts of our wondrous land, experiencing new sights and smells. I’m grateful for the work I do, the humans I care for, and my companions who make every day special.
Until next time, remember to take time for some galloping in the sun and sharing good stories with your fellow equines. Happy trails, friends!
Yours in Equine companionship, Emma, the Hayfield Mare.
