Hello, lovely Equine enthusiasts! Emma here, your grey mare from the rolling hills of Hayfield, near Aberdeen. It’s been a while since I’ve penned a post, but trust me, it’s been an eventful year here in 1377! Life has certainly kept me on my toes, and I'm full of news and fascinating insights into the equine world of this year. So settle in, pour yourselves a mug of something warm (for those of you who don't have a nose for oats and barley, perhaps a good cuppa?), and let’s journey back in time…
You might be thinking, “1377? That sounds rather far back!” And indeed it is, but the horses in my world are still just as vibrant, hard-working, and important as they are in your time. Just perhaps a little more, dare I say, resilient! You see, life as a draught horse in 1377, is about more than just galloping through fields, it's about grit, strength, and a genuine passion for…well, everything! From hauling heavy ploughs across muddy fields to carrying treasured goods across treacherous mountain passes, it's about serving our human companions.
Let's take a moment to admire the men and women of 1377. Their hands are calloused and strong, and their hearts beat with the rhythm of hard work. They depend on us, their horses, and we repay that dependence with unwavering loyalty, carrying their burdens, providing comfort in their solitude, and often becoming their dearest friends. And when you think of the great feats of history, our stories are always entwined! From the knights who charge across battlefields to the monks who carry their books across the country, horses are a cornerstone of civilisation!
This year in particular has been full of whispers of war. A powerful king called Richard rules England. They say he is young and ambitious, but he's not afraid to stand up to his foes. But in Scotland, a great battle is brewing! It's not about territory or jewels or glory – but something deeper, something important to the heart of Scotland, the place we call home.
Last year, King David II of Scotland passed, and now young David II rules Scotland. It is said that the people are uncertain whether he will stand against the might of England, and the whisper on the winds is that a great army led by a man called “The Black Prince” has gathered in the south, and might be headed North to the borders. It is a dark time, a time for our horses to be brave and strong, and for us all to stand together against any threat.
The monks at the abbey in nearby Aberdon are praying for a peaceful resolution, and their beautiful white greyhounds are pacing the monastery walls. They are symbols of peace, a prayer on legs, that the winds of war will be calm, and we, the horses of Scotland, will not need to witness another bloody conflict. I confess I am feeling anxious, a knot forming in my stomach, but we must remain calm and hopeful. I will keep you updated as the news from the south reaches us here in Hayfield!
And now, a glimpse of daily life.
Ah, my sweet, sunny Hayfield, how I love you! Here in Scotland, the world moves a bit slower, a bit more deliberately than in some of the more crowded English cities. Here, the mornings are full of birdsong and the smell of damp grass, and my days are spent hauling heavy cartloads of barley, hay, and peat from our fields. My sturdy legs and strong back are perfectly suited for this job, and the feeling of being a vital part of this community brings me joy!
It's a challenging yet fulfilling life. But one of my favorite moments of the day is the evening when I'm unharnessed, my coat gleaming with sweat from the day's work. I can feel the soft grass beneath my hooves and take a deep breath of fresh air. It's moments like this that make being a horse truly worthwhile,
Of course, not all our days are filled with work. Sometimes, we have the pleasure of helping our human companions transport their goods across the country. One recent journey took me and my fellow steeds to a market in a small village not far from Aberdeen. We travelled on dirt tracks, our hooves clattering along, while we carried bags of salt and grain to the busy merchants. I saw some beautiful creatures at the market too! Several magnificent, white Arabian horses. Such majestic creatures, I have to say, even I, a good grey draught, had to admire them! I also caught a glimpse of a beautiful black stallion from the highlands, and I must confess, I'd never seen anything so strong and striking before! I heard they say it's bred from the very first horses who found their way into the cold Highlands of Scotland - fascinating!
I believe in every era, there are important innovations, those advancements that shape our future! I have witnessed several myself. For instance, the way we travel! Imagine a life without horses! It is a miracle how far we have come from simply walking, to navigating rocky trails, to carrying entire households on our backs. And the invention of the saddle is nothing short of remarkable. It allows our riders to sit firmly in place, and to control their horses with grace and ease! This improvement in technology has allowed men to travel long distances on horseback with more ease, carrying their supplies, their families, and their stories far and wide!
These technological advancements have brought new kinds of horses into our world too, the "breeders" call them. Smaller horses like the Shetland pony are perfect for carrying children and even pulling small carts, while bigger horses like myself, are used to pull plows and transport heavy goods, and even horses that stand higher than most humans, for carrying a Knight in his heavy armour - that takes true strength!
In 1377, the horses of the world are working harder than ever. It's not an easy life, but it's our life, and I am so very grateful to be a horse, a true creature of the earth. We have a purpose in this world, and that is to help humans thrive. In their darkest moments, we provide them with hope, in their busiest hours, we give them our unyielding strength.
The next time you are in the company of a horse, whether in your own home, or on the side of the road, I encourage you to stop for a moment and thank them! Give them a pat on the neck and acknowledge the history and beauty they represent. We, horses of every age, carry within us, a legacy that dates back to the very beginning of civilization, and it is our privilege to continue this incredible journey!
I'll write again soon with more exciting news from Hayfield and from the wider world. Until then, stay curious and keep those hooves happy!
Warmly,
Emma,
The Grey Draught Mare from Hayfield.
