Greetings, dear readers! It's Emma here, your resident equine historian from Hayfield near Aberdeen, Scotland. As we all know, life in 1366 was pretty different for us horses compared to today. We weren't pampered in luxurious stables, nor were we ridden for pleasure alone. No, our role was firmly rooted in the practical, essential tasks that kept society running.
Now, you might be wondering, what was life like for a grey mare like me back then? Let me tell you, it was a life filled with hard work, unwavering purpose, and a deep bond with my fellow horses and humans.
A Typical Day in Hayfield
My day usually started before the sun even thought of peeking over the horizon. My stall was comfortably tucked away within a sturdy, stone-built barn that, frankly, could withstand the harshest of Scottish storms.
The first whispers of the dawn were usually greeted with the clang of metal on metal as our blacksmith, a burly chap named Angus, pounded on the hooves of a fellow working horse. The scent of freshly forged iron mixed with the earthy scent of straw - the unmistakable aroma of a working horse's life.
My human companions, the MacGregor family, would rise soon after. I loved those MacGregors, you see, kind people all of them, with the patriarch, Jamie MacGregor, a wiry, gentle man who spoke to his horses like they were his equals.
Breakfast consisted of a heap of oats and barley mixed with a sprinkling of hay, always enough to fill my belly and provide the energy I needed for the day ahead. With the sun finally showing itself above the hills, our workday began.
The Work of a Draught Horse
You see, a draught horse like me is built for power and endurance. I, with my sturdy grey coat and long, white mane and tail, am perfect for hauling the heavy carts, ploughs, and wagons. The work could be tiring at times, especially during the long hours of harvest, but I always felt a sense of pride, knowing my work helped keep my community fed.
This particular year, 1366, was one of many challenges. We were faced with an unexpected long, cold spell. Snow blanketed the land, and hauling the winter provisions was a task I truly didn't relish. However, knowing that those laden carts carried essential food and supplies for the people, a strange sense of warmth would fill me, as though the frozen landscape were itself grateful for our efforts.
The Wonders of Horseplay
And amidst the serious business of work, life offered a touch of playful joy. Every now and then, after a long day's work, we would gather together, all of us horses, for a playful trot around the hayfield, letting the wind tousle our manes and tails. We would nibble at each other's coats, whinny with delight, and playfully chase one another, our laughter echoing through the Scottish countryside.
The Journey of a Lifetime
That same year, 1366, Jamie MacGregor received an order from the Earl of Moray, a distant relative of the MacGregor family. He had need of a strong draught horse to pull a royal coach to Edinburgh. This news was quite an event for Hayfield. I had heard tales from other horses, tales of grand cities, towering buildings, and kings who rode in shining carriages. My heart thumped with a mixture of fear and excitement. This could be my chance to see the world outside of Hayfield!
After much deliberation and careful selection, Jamie chose me. And I am so glad he did! I would never have imagined that this year, 1366, would see me embark on a journey that would shape my life in the most extraordinary ways.
Onwards to Edinburgh!
Jamie and I, along with a small caravan of people and supplies, set out on a journey. As we travelled south, the Scottish landscape rolled before us, changing from rugged hills and dense forests to lush meadows and gentle streams.
Each new place brought a new experience, and new horses to share stories with. I heard about the war horses of England, renowned for their speed and strength. They even told me of the grandest city of London, a bustling centre of commerce and culture. My ears perked at these tales. The world was vast, and there was so much to see and experience!
Finally, we reached Edinburgh. The city was truly a sight to behold, with its majestic castle perched high upon the hill. My senses were overwhelmed by the sights, smells, and sounds - the busy market square with its vibrant stalls, the rhythmic clatter of hooves on the cobblestone streets, and the aroma of baking bread and fresh sea air.
It was at the grand palace that I met the Earl of Moray. He was a kind, even jovial man. We met at a bustling stables, with its glistening copper bowls, thick blankets, and grooms with knowing smiles. His carriage, it turned out, was not just any carriage, it was a grand affair - a magnificent coach drawn by six majestic steeds, each more finely bred and gleaming than the next. I was not surprised. After all, this was the carriage of royalty!
My role was that of a lead horse, the horse that dictated the pace and direction of the coach. You can't imagine the excitement and thrill! There was so much to see, from bustling market squares to stately gardens and beautiful houses. My travels took me all over the country, across miles of rolling countryside.
I became quite a familiar sight on the streets of Edinburgh, hauling the Earl's magnificent coach. The people who lived there were friendly and often tipped their hats or bowed as we passed. There was always a sense of respect, almost reverence, towards a horse who had the honour of serving the aristocracy.
Edinburgh, a Haven of Horse Traditions
And Edinburgh itself held a unique place in the world of horses. In 1366, Edinburgh held a grand event known as the "Horse Fair". I had never experienced anything like it before! Thousands of horses from far and wide flocked to the city, vying for attention from merchants and noblemen alike. There were the sturdy, hardy breeds of Scotland, graceful steeds from England, and even some majestic horses imported from the Iberian Peninsula, with coats that shone like silk. The very air vibrated with the neighing and snorting of horses and the voices of men and women haggling over prices, swapping tales, and exchanging greetings. It was a truly extraordinary event, one that forever solidified my respect and admiration for this bustling city.
More Than Just A Working Horse
Throughout the year, I witnessed many changes in the world of horses. We became not just a vital force in commerce and agriculture but also partners in recreation. I often watched people from all walks of life riding horses in the park or racing in small gatherings, for a good sport. This opened up a new world of opportunity, showing that we horses were capable of so much more than just pulling carts.
As the year came to a close, I felt a profound sense of gratitude. This journey, from Hayfield to Edinburgh and back again, had been one of both hardship and extraordinary rewards. It had changed my perspective on the world, broadened my understanding of humanity, and made me realise that even a grey draught horse like me could play an important role in the unfolding tapestry of history.
And so, as the snow began to fall once more upon the hills of Hayfield, I was content, my heart filled with warmth, knowing that I had been a part of something bigger, a testament to the enduring bond between humans and horses, a bond forged through centuries of shared experience, resilience, and understanding.
Until next time, my dear readers! Until next time, fellow equines! Stay curious! Stay safe! And keep galloping!
Love,
Emma
