Welcome to my EquiWorld blog, fellow steeds! It’s Emma here, your 20-year-old, silver-grey draught mare with the white mane and tail you all know and love, from Hayfield near Aberdeen, Scotland. It’s been another busy year, but I’m settling in for a long winter’s night with a bale of the best barley hay and a warm stable to share my latest experiences with all of you!
This year, 1338, felt like a real turning point in time, for horses and people alike. It was the year the harvest moon hung big and bright in the sky, casting its golden light over a season of bountiful crops and the promise of a well-fed winter. And while the Scottish landscape may be harsh and unforgiving at times, it holds a certain rugged beauty that warms the heart – even a horse’s heart, I can tell you that!
You see, I spent the year doing what I do best, pulling a sturdy cart with my trusty team. Our farm was alive with the vibrant colours of ripe fields, bursting with golden barley, and plump, red berries hanging from the branches of our ancient Rowan tree. And all those beautiful, golden apples? The best ever! I loved feeling the soft pressure of the cart against my powerful back, and the thrill of the smooth, even trot through the meadows, where the air was thick with the sweet scent of hay.
Speaking of hay, can we talk about those heavenly bales? Those bundles of pure, dried happiness were stacked high in our hayloft, the perfect winter treat for weary horses like myself. We worked hard, as we always do, but the rewards were plenty. Our owner, Angus, a big man with a kind heart and even kinder eyes, always took good care of us. He knew we were his companions and helpers, and in turn, we became part of his family. He was one of the good ones, no doubt!
This year, as well, we celebrated the feast of St. John, and that always brings special joy. It’s a day dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, who is said to have been a healer and a miracle worker, but most importantly for me – he loved horses! I bet he was a bit of a draught horse enthusiast like myself.
But it wasn’t all sunshine and roses this year, you know! You can’t really speak of 1338 without acknowledging the ongoing tensions with our English neighbours, who seem perpetually bent on stirring the pot and causing trouble across the border. Even here, in our little Scottish corner, whispers of battles and wars drifted like the wind through the glens, bringing an uncomfortable edge to our peaceful days.
I admit, some nights I couldn’t shake the unease as the cold, starlit skies echoed the eerie sounds of far-off fighting, carried on the wind. It did make for a tense atmosphere and even though I was a working horse, not a warrior horse, it still tugged at my heart, even though I wasn't a soldier.
Luckily, the majority of the fighting remained south of our Highland home. While horses of my stature were mostly used for farming and carrying heavy loads, they also served as a vital mode of transport, especially in wartime. Those gallant charger steeds with their spirited nature and speed played a key role in battles and skirmishes, their riders depending on them to charge into the fray with courage and strength.
The thought of the dangers they faced on those perilous battlefields chilled me to the core, but I could never quite turn my eyes away from their incredible courage and grace under pressure. These brave beasts exemplified the true strength and loyalty found within our equine kind. A bit like a pack of wolves, working together in harmony with the knights. We may not fight in battles, but in a sense, we were on the battlefield too!
It wasn’t all gloomy though, you know. The heart of a horse like mine still thrives on stories of brave steeds and gallant knights! The tales from those wars – whispers shared through the stables and relayed by our groom, a chatty, red-haired lad called Rory – were always fascinating. One I found particularly interesting concerned a valiant grey stallion, who had been captured by the enemy!
Imagine that! He had spent years as a trusty companion to his knight, charging bravely side-by-side through battles and raids. His bravery was unmatched and he quickly became a legendary steed amongst his peers, earning the moniker, ‘The Grey Ghost’. The enemy, they said, even offered him a place in their own ranks! Such a move might be tempting to some, but, true to his nature, the gallant stallion refused, choosing to stand strong in his loyal service.
Eventually, through a lucky turn of events, he managed to escape his captivity! He rode all through the night, his mane flying behind him, reaching for his home and his master. Such dedication, such loyalty, such love! This story captivated everyone who heard it!
For horses like myself, these tales gave a bit of an edge to our everyday tasks, turning them into heroic deeds, even just a trip to the market. They made us realise the vital role we played in a world full of humans, knights, and all those battles, even when our own lives were peaceful. We helped people move goods, travel, and even fight for what they believed in. We were, in essence, a part of the big story. And that story is one I, and all my fellow steeds, are part of every day, whether we’re in the fields, the forests, the bustling markets, or the quiet solitude of our stables.
Our lives were full of camaraderie too, as we helped each other and our human friends. I especially enjoyed spending time with my two fellow draught mares – Hazel, a fiery chestnut with a cheeky glint in her eye, and Maggie, the oldest mare in our team. Maggie had wisdom in every wrinkle and scar. She had seen so much in her life - floods, storms, harvest seasons, good and bad winters! I never missed an opportunity to ask for her advice on coping with the elements or figuring out the quirks of Angus.
It's in our bond with humans, though, where we find true purpose. In sharing our strength and resilience to help our communities, in being the constant, reliable companion. These simple things hold more importance than any war stories. They remind me how deeply rooted our place is within the history of humankind, and how important our contribution really is.
I’ll sign off now, for winter is upon us, and I hear the call of that comforting barley hay. A full belly and a good night’s sleep in the warmth of the stable are all a tired horse can wish for, even if I do dream of those gallant chargers, charging with valor!
Remember, fellow steeds, we all have stories to tell, so don’t forget to share yours with the EquiWorld! Until next time, keep your heads up, your hearts strong, and your hooves hitting the ground!
See you on EquiWorld!
Emma, the silver-grey draught mare from Hayfield.
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