Greetings, dear Equine friends!
Emma here, a grey draught horse with a white mane and tail, from the beautiful Hayfield near Aberdeen in Scotland. This year, 1359, has been a whirlwind, and I thought I’d share some of the adventures and observations that have filled my days. As a sturdy draught horse, I’ve always been a witness to the ways of man and his use of our kind, and 1359 was certainly no exception.
I’m about twenty years old now, still young but with plenty of wisdom gleaned from the years. It seems that our world is changing. I've been fortunate enough to have witnessed some of this shift in the last two decades, and it seems the tide is turning in favour of, dare I say, better treatment?
I'll be the first to admit, it hasn't always been easy being a workhorse. You're born, raised, trained, and, for most, put to work hauling goods, pulling ploughs, or carrying heavy loads. Our days are filled with labour, the rhythmic clip-clop of hooves on the cobbles becoming a lullaby as we tirelessly navigate the fields and roads.
The Horse: A Faithful Servant
But life for a horse like me has never been solely about toil. Our strength and endurance have always been crucial to our owners. They need us for transportation, agriculture, and even for battle. In times of war, the sturdy and steadfast nature of our kind shines through, carrying soldiers into battle and providing invaluable assistance in moving vital supplies. We are the backbone of the society in so many ways.
This year, for instance, my strong cousin Beatrice was used in the ongoing battles in France. They called it the Hundred Years' War, a struggle between the English and the French, a war that seemed endless, lasting for decades. Sadly, Beatrice succumbed to her injuries during the battle of Rossignol. War is a harsh and relentless mistress, and the consequences for all involved are immense. But she died bravely, doing her duty, a valiant warrior among the horses of our breed.
Whispers of a New Era
The air has felt a little different recently. I don’t know if it's the harsh winter we endured, the uncertainty of war, or perhaps the changing ways of the humans who share this land with us. Yet, there's a sense that change is in the air.
New carriages, pulled by lighter and quicker breeds, now flit through our streets, making our work seem less necessary. People seem less dependent on our strength alone, as they explore other means of transportation. These "wheeled beasts" as they are called, are certainly quick, but they lack the sturdiness of a draught horse. They might take over some of the work in the future, but there's always room for us. A good, strong draught horse like me, will always be needed for heavy work and transportation.
The changes in how humans use horses are happening at a rapid pace. We're finding a more crucial role in leisure. Carriage racing, hunting with the aristocracy, and even participating in games at the local fairs are becoming more prevalent. This trend toward enjoying the company and talents of horses in their free time, fills me with hope for the future. We aren't mere working machines anymore. Perhaps we can also be partners and companions!
A Day in Hayfield
Speaking of our lives, I should share a day in the life of a draught horse here in Hayfield. Our morning begins with the sound of the bell ringing. It signals it’s time for breakfast. A heaping pile of oats, barley, and some fresh hay - that’s a draught horse's perfect start to the day!
After the meal, my friend Angus and I spend a few hours being groomed by our caretakers. The brushing and combing is rather pleasurable. I find the attention quite enjoyable! It helps to keep us healthy and sparkling. A fine, glossy coat is quite important for a horse. It reflects the care and quality of the human handling our daily needs!
The rest of the day usually sees us harnessed to a cart or plough. We often deliver supplies from the Hayfield farms into Aberdeen. We encounter busy townspeople and the clatter of shops on our way, which reminds us of how connected to the lives of others we truly are. Our job may seem mundane at times, but we contribute to the wellbeing of those around us.
Occasionally, we even venture out of the city, trotting along scenic, rugged coastal roads, taking in the scent of salty air and watching the wind dance with the wild heather fields. We stop for a picnic in the shade of ancient oaks or beside a rushing brook, enjoying the simple pleasures of the natural world. It is then that I remind myself why being a horse, despite all its hardships, can be a wonderful and fulfilling life.
Horses in Literature
Speaking of fulfillment, I've heard about the newest literary work making its way across the country. People whisper about it, sharing tales in hushed tones of this new tale: the poem The Canterbury Tales. You've likely heard of it! It tells the story of pilgrims on a journey, with all kinds of adventures along the way. But the best part? Horses are mentioned prominently.
The narrator rides upon a "steed" – a word that stirs something deep within my horse-heart! He calls it a "proud grey," much like me. He notes the importance of "horses well fed and strong" and the ability of the right steed to take riders on great adventures. I must confess, hearing of the tales about horses makes my heart yearn for some exciting adventures of my own!
Our Roles Beyond Labour
Yes, horses are changing their roles in society, even during a time of upheaval. From hauling goods to joining in on the thrill of carriage racing, our lives seem to be morphing with each passing day. I feel it deep in my soul, the shift from sheer physical labor to a space of more refined companionship and fun. It’s a feeling that stirs optimism within me. We can be powerful and agile, brave and intelligent, even graceful and elegant, in the hands of a kind human. Perhaps we are much more than merely useful? Perhaps, like those words penned in that poem, we are truly "proud grey" souls, with an essence worth acknowledging, worth admiring!
This is just a snapshot of our year. Life for a horse, just like life for humans, is filled with both joys and hardships. But through it all, our steadfast spirit prevails. We are horses, creatures of immense strength, loyalty, and endurance. As I look into the horizon of this year, 1359, I see new opportunities, new connections, new experiences on the horizon. It's not just the world of horses that is changing; we are changing, evolving right along with it. I eagerly look forward to witnessing what the future holds for my kind, for the beautiful horses of our world, and for all of us who share this wondrous Earth together!
**Until next time, may your hooves find the best paths, and your heart stay filled with joy.
Yours in hoofbeats,
Emma**
