Ahoy there, fellow equines! Emma here, your resident history buff, reporting from my lovely home in Hayfield near Aberdeen. It’s the year 1365 and a bustling time for horses across the land.
Our Story Starts in the North
Let me tell you, up here in Scotland, life isn’t all thistles and rain, though we do have a fair share of both. I'm a grey draught horse, tall and strong, with a snow-white mane and tail – they say I'm a fine sight to behold!
Farm Life in 1365: More Than Just Hay!
I spend my days helping my master, a kindly chap named Angus, with the farm chores. We’ve a good crew here – myself, Angus, and his sturdy wee dog, Pippin. The world outside our field feels vast, with hills rising like sleeping giants and the wind always whistling through the heather. But we’re never far from the daily routines of a farm.
Our days begin with the sunrise. First, we'll pull the heavy wooden plow, turning the rich earth to make way for the oat and barley seeds that will sustain us all. There's a real sense of achievement when you see the furrows, long and neat, like a horsehair braid.
Later, we’ll help cart timber from the forest. This requires teamwork - Pippin, small but brave, will leap and bark at stray logs, urging us on. And if a fallen branch needs shifting, Angus will always take care to encourage and soothe us, knowing a frightened horse can be just as stubborn as a bull.
Beyond the Farm: The Horse’s Place in Society
We’re much more than farm animals, though. The horse is at the heart of so many things in the life of our land. Imagine life without horses - how would nobles travel in their fancy coaches? How would merchants haul their goods from far-flung lands? And how would warriors reach their enemies to protect the King's lands?
In this year of 1365, even those noble folks use horses for hunting – they call it “the chase”. The clatter of hooves as the hounds chase deer across the fields, it’s a stirring sound indeed. We hear tales from those who go with the hunts, describing the grand castles where feasts are held after a successful day in the chase.
News From Beyond Hayfield
We often get word from other horses in nearby villages, sharing news from the wider world.
This year, word spread quickly of a dreadful plague that is gripping parts of England and mainland Europe. It is said to be a sickness that claims many lives, and some horses even have to pull the carts carrying those afflicted to their final rest. Our master reminds us of the importance of being cautious – for while we may be strong, we too can fall prey to illness.
More than just muscle
But this is just a fleeting glimpse of what horses like me encounter each day. We're not just powerful beasts with muscles and a heart full of fire. There's a gentleness within us.
Angus, bless him, knows how to read a horse’s expression better than any man. He understands that sometimes, we need just a good scratch under the jaw or a word of encouragement to mend a troubled heart.
And at the end of each day, there's nothing more comforting than knowing there's a full stable, warm straw, and the warmth of a shared companionship. After all, isn’t it the heart that keeps a horse alive?
Hope for the Future
In this year of 1365, we are witnessing a world in flux. We horses are a part of the great tapestry of life in this era, we bear the weight of humanity on our backs and offer strength to those who need it. Though the future is uncertain, there’s a sense of hopeful energy about the year 1365. We can feel it in the breeze that whips our manes, we can hear it in the hooves of travelers passing by.
So stay tuned for more exciting tales, my fellow horses! As we go from year to year, let's cherish the adventures, learn from our history, and appreciate the joy of a simple life, pulling our weight in the world. We are more than just beasts – we are loyal friends, steady companions, and essential cogs in a bigger, beautiful story that will continue long after we’ve galloped into the great meadow of the unknown.
Until next time,
Emma
Hayfield, Scotland
1365
(www.equiworld.org)
