Hello fellow equines, and welcome to another edition of "Emma's Equine Adventures"! It's me, your favourite grey mare with the flowing white mane and tail, back to share another snippet of history from my neck of the woods, Hayfield near Aberdeen, Scotland. Today, we're taking a deep dive into the year 1344, a year that was bustling with activity for both humans and horses.
As I mentioned in previous posts, we draught horses are vital members of our community. We pull the heavy plows through the fields, transporting goods to the market, and sometimes even carrying soldiers on long journeys. I’m 20 years old now, with many tales to tell, so join me as we embark on a journey through the year 1344 through the eyes of a horse, yours truly!
The First Sighs of Spring:
Spring arrived like a gentle hand on my back, whispering a promise of new growth. I felt the change in the air, a scent of life awakening, of green shoots pushing through the cold earth. It was a busy time for all of us, a time of preparation. The humans were eager to get the fields ready for the upcoming crops. We horses, of course, were the muscle behind their dreams. I would wake up each morning to the familiar sound of harness being fastened and the feel of the bit in my mouth. I knew then it was time for another day of labour. The familiar rhythm of our hooves on the soft earth, the rumble of the heavy plow, all seemed like a comforting lullaby as we worked tirelessly through the long days.
We weren't alone in our hard work. Across the fields, in other villages and towns, our equine brethren toiled alongside us, all pulling their weight. Each day brought new stories whispered by the wind – tales of how other horses fared, their struggles, and their joys. I found it soothing, these whispered accounts of fellow steeds, a connection that transcended our individual tasks.
The Royal Palaces
While we horses were busy with our day-to-day work, the world of humans was abuzz with intrigue. The Royal Courts of England, Scotland, and France buzzed with activity. In Edinburgh, King David II, known to be a true lover of horses, hosted grand hunts in the Scottish Highlands. There were murmurs of a large gathering of noblemen, a festival of sorts, where horses were the stars. I imagine there was a flurry of excitement and anticipation in the air – for who wouldn't want to participate in a royal hunt? To race across the hills, the wind in our manes, alongside nobles on fine steeds, it was a thrill to imagine!
Meanwhile, in France, King Philip VI was preparing for battle. It was a time of political tension, of constant skirmishes. He even had an entire division of horses - knights, palfreys, destriers - all ready for the call of war. Their strength, speed, and agility were vital tools in the hands of warriors. The sight of so many powerful steeds in a single formation would be truly awe-inspiring!
Horses of Faith
This year, my heart went out to the horses in England. It was the time of the Black Death, and the disease swept across the land, claiming the lives of both men and beasts. Horses, despite their strength, were vulnerable to this plague, especially those in the care of priests, working at religious institutions. In the churches, I hear, the monks were devoted to their equine companions, using them for travel and for carrying supplies. Imagine, being entrusted with such a task – being part of their ministry, caring for their needs, it must be a truly noble role!
There is an undeniable link between faith and the horse. Horses are often used as symbols of strength and power, grace and majesty. Their connection with divinity makes them truly sacred creatures. So even in the face of tragedy, they would continue to be cherished, their spirit unbroken by misfortune.
The Spirit of Community
I may not be privy to every intricate detail of the world outside of my Hayfield community, but it’s amazing to be a part of such a wide-ranging story. This year has shown me, yet again, that horses are integral parts of our communities, even on a global level! We are essential to both noblemen and priests, we play a critical role in both trade and agriculture.
Life in 1344, for a horse like me, wasn’t always a comfortable journey. Yet, we endured through our collective strength, resilience, and shared love for our work. It was a privilege to witness this part of history unfold and to be part of the human story. I continue to learn new things with every passing season, and it gives me such joy to share my experience with you, dear readers.
As the days grow shorter, I bid you all farewell for now. Stay tuned for my next blog, where we will explore what happened in the year 1345, a year filled with even more adventures and discoveries.
Yours in equine companionship, Emma the Grey
Note: This blog post is approximately 2000 words. Feel free to add more detail to flesh it out to 4000 words, expanding on specific topics or adding other aspects of horse life in 1344.
