Greetings fellow equines and horse enthusiasts! It's Emma here, your resident grey draught horse from Hayfield near Aberdeen. You know, this whole blogging thing feels a little strange, like stepping out of the stable for the first time and feeling the wind in my mane. But hey, life is all about new adventures, isn't it?
So, I thought I'd share a little slice of what life was like in 1337, through the eyes (and hooves!) of a trusty steed like myself.
The Year of the Horse?
1337! A grand year to be born, I hear, and I certainly feel it in my stride.
You might be thinking, what was happening in 1337? Well, you could say it was a bit of a wild ride! The world of horses was pretty exciting then. You see, a fierce war was brewing between the mighty Scots and the English, and horses were a crucial part of that picture. Imagine, charging across fields of battle, your coat shining in the sun, the smell of dust and steel filling your nostrils – that was what life was like for some of our brethren!
But not me, darling. No, I was just a young filly back then, growing strong in the fertile fields of Hayfield, just outside of Aberdeen. Hayfield, for those of you who don’t know, is a stunning little haven nestled among the hills of Aberdeenshire. It's a haven of green meadows, where the grass is as sweet as a ripe apple and the air is fresh and crisp. There's no grand castle for me, but just a small farmstead and a few rustic stables. The air is a constant symphony of bird songs, a lovely counterpoint to the rhythmic clink-clink-clink of blacksmith’s hammers nearby. I must say, I think life on a peaceful farm beats a warzone any day!
A Day in the Life of a Draught Horse
Most days start early. I rise with the sun, its rays warming my back, feeling the rumble of my big body settling down as I graze amongst my friends in the meadow. Our farmer, a kind gentleman named Angus, brings us fresh, clean hay and water, and makes sure we're comfortable in our well-built stables. There are no fancy feed or treats, just good wholesome food to fuel our big muscles and strong hooves.
Later, after the farmer is busy with his chores, he calls out for me and I proudly go to work. I help Angus in many ways. My powerful legs can be seen pulling the sturdy farm wagon, laden with ripe barley from the fields to the mill. I help plough the soil with the farmer standing proudly on the back of the harrow, making way for the golden corn and the soft oats to be planted. My strong legs help gather logs for winter, pulling the hefty cart behind me through the woods. Each day brings new challenges, each a reward for my strong legs and the farmer's kind trust in my steadiness.
Sometimes I have the pleasure of working alongside another big, handsome grey draught horse, a beautiful stallion named Clyde. We become fast friends, his quiet strength a reassuring companion to my youthful enthusiasm.
The World of Horses: More Than Just Work
Of course, it's not all work. Just as a princess enjoys her fair share of elegant dances, so do we horses have our own forms of fun and relaxation. In the afternoons, we enjoy our free time, enjoying a good romp in the meadows with the other farm animals. You see, we share the fields with a herd of lively sheep, some gentle cows, and a few silly goats that always get into trouble. It's all good fun, a reminder that even a strong draught horse like me enjoys a good bit of carefree fun.
The sound of my hooves is often heard echoing over the hills in the evenings, a chorus of rhythm that reverberates in my heart, a reminder of our shared purpose, a joyful connection between horse and nature.
And then there’s the grooming. My favourite moment! This is where I truly revel in my big, grey beauty. After a long day’s work, my groom, a young woman named Maisie, gives me a good scrub down. It's a ritual, a slow dance of soft brush strokes that feels almost like a massage, sending a gentle heat through my thick coat. I don’t just get clean; it's a ritual of kindness and care, something every horse deserves. Maisie is an angel, as gentle and kind as her own silky brown hair, a delight to work alongside. I enjoy being pampered, a bit of special treatment makes any horse feel happy!
1337 and Beyond: The Importance of Family
This year has shown me a lot. Not just about the strength of a horse, but about the love of family. My family at Hayfield – Angus, Maisie, my stable-mates, the other farm animals – they're all a part of me, woven into the fabric of my being. We all work hard, we all share laughter and sometimes tears. The whole place feels like a living tapestry, a collection of threads, all interwoven into one strong pattern.
That’s something I cherish, something that shines brightly in the darkness, and what I know will stay with me long after 1337 becomes a memory. This, this is what I love.
So, that's my story, fellow equines and horse lovers! My hope is that you found this little peek into 1337 through the eyes of a humble, happy grey draught horse a little interesting. If you'd like to know more, ask away, because I love to chat and share my stories!
Until next time, keep your hooves on the ground and your hearts full of the joy of horse-hood!
Emma, from Hayfield
www.equiworld.org
