Hello my fellow Equine friends! It’s Emma here, your resident grey mare with a passion for history. It’s been a while since I last wrote, I’ve been so busy! Today I’m going to be sharing a little peek into life as a draught horse here in Hayfield, near Aberdeen in 1331. Let’s step back in time, shall we?
A Day in the Life
I start my day just like any other draught horse – with a hearty breakfast of oats and hay, followed by a good groom. You see, a horse can't look her best unless she’s well-maintained! Once we're all brushed and ready, we’re harnessed up, and it's time for work. We draught horses have a very important role to play in the lives of our human friends. You’d be surprised what we can pull!
Our main tasks here are hauling and carrying. Today I helped load hay bales for our farmer, Mr. Angus. Those heavy bales are a workout, but I do it all with a smile, you know! Mr. Angus is a kind and gentle man; he makes sure we have the right amount of hay and oats for our work, and we always get a nice, cool drink from the nearby stream in the evenings. We’re a well-looked after team here!
The War
The biggest topic of conversation in the stables this year has been the war. I’m talking about the long conflict between Scotland and England. War is such a messy business; it fills the air with fear and worry. Even us horses know it’s an uneasy time. Our humans need to feel safe and protected. They often take the field to help protect their homes and loved ones, and some of them, unfortunately, never return. War takes a heavy toll, but as horses, our strength and stamina play a crucial role.
You see, the Scottish troops rely on us. The soldiers can’t fight without the means to carry their supplies and their weapons. And who better to haul them around than trusty horses? We gallop swiftly and are resilient in the face of hardship.
Life in Hayfield
Back here at Hayfield, though, life still has a pleasant rhythm to it. The days may be filled with chores and work, but there's a beauty in the simplicity. We stand together, all of us horses, in the fields as the sun sets and paints the sky with hues of pink and purple. Our voices mix with the mooing of cows, the bleating of sheep, and the chirping of birds.
We are family, and these moments of quietude remind us that there is so much to appreciate in this life, even amid difficult times. Our humans share this peaceful existence with us, and I know we’ll keep working hard to ensure that their lives are made a little easier.
News from Other Parts of EquiWorld
There's so much news circulating throughout the land this year. You know, even horses keep tabs on current events, especially those related to us! My friend, Rosie, who’s from near London, writes in her letter about a special competition, a kind of game for horses called "Jousting."
It sounds exciting! You know, these contests where knights charge at each other on horseback. It’s thrilling to hear about, even though I’ve never seen it.
The letter from our cousin in France speaks about how they have tournaments! It's a big event in their region. People dress up in fancy costumes, and they use swords and spears for these jousts. Their King is really keen on these games, and he wants to create a whole festival dedicated to this sporting activity. Sounds grand, don’t you think?
My Thoughts
It's remarkable to witness all these developments. Horses are always at the forefront of so many activities. We transport, we entertain, and we help make life easier for humans. And I know there will be so many other interesting things to discover in the years to come. We're living in exciting times, just look at how much has changed in our lives since my mother was a foal!
Stay tuned, my friends! We'll be sharing more fascinating discoveries and stories soon. Till next time!
Emma, the Grey Draught Mare
