Neigh Hello everyone! Emma here, your trusty companion in this journey through the fascinating world of horses! It’s 1385, a year ripe with changes and challenges, but like any good horse, we just keep on plodding through, right? Let me tell you all about it!
Life here in Hayfield near Aberdeen is peaceful enough, thankfully. As you all know, Scotland's a beautiful place, with lush green pastures, strong streams and of course, those breath-taking highlands, though some of the mountain passes can be quite tricky to navigate - it's certainly not all plain sailing. I'm a big grey mare with a thick white mane and tail, which you'll find particularly handy when I’m pulling my master, Angus, up a steep, snowy hill!
Angus is a kind farmer, though sometimes he's too busy to notice I've been left a bit light on my oat rations, so I just have to stand patiently while my fellow mares munch happily at the overflowing manger. Don’t worry though - it's all in a day’s work! I get my own share eventually.
Anyway, this year feels rather tense… the air feels electric, especially with the whispers floating around Hayfield and even reaching my own ears through Angus’ gossip-loving wife. Apparently, some “big battle” is about to erupt! And the funny thing is… it all comes down to horses.
They say that King Richard II is in a bit of a battle, you know, not the type where they all swing their swords, but a battle for his power, with his nobles who think he’s making some “bad choices.” Sounds a little dramatic to me, but I’ve heard of worse from my old barn friend Maggie who was once part of a travelling show… let's not even get into her stories, she's practically seen it all!
But anyway, there are rumours that the king is planning on heading North and using Scottish horses. You see, these Scottish steeds are known for being big, strong and powerful - quite like yours truly. They can carry knights in their heavy armour with no fuss and can stand firm even in a thick fight. Makes sense, if I do say so myself! We make excellent companions and colleagues, even with all that clangy metal surrounding us. I'll confess, some of these human outfits make it tricky to judge whether we’re pulling their carriages properly - they just vanish into all that silver and red… It’s funny how their bright colours distract you when they are, frankly, a little more interesting than their metal shirts.
These big events - the king’s choices and battles - don't often have much impact on our little Hayfield community, however. We still get our daily feed of hay and oats, have regular time in the fields to exercise, and we take part in various community events. Even in a year when everyone is tense, life here in the fields goes on!
Speaking of community events, there’s a huge one coming up… The Great Hayfield Horse Fair! Every year, Hayfield turns into the centre of the horse world, with a grand exhibition of stallions, mares and colts! Even my mother, who lives across the farm, comes all the way from the lowlands with her own offspring – little Pipkin! It’s always so exciting! You see all sorts of different breeds… and guess what… people aren't even too worried about “getting into a fight” at the fair! Everyone is focused on showing off their prized stallions. There's a real camaraderie in the air! And it’s fantastic for seeing those impressive Arabian stallions with their flowing manes, graceful lines and elegant strides, making everyone stop and stare in wonder!
The fair brings traders too, and it's wonderful for us mares to observe everything! They set up their tents filled with all manner of things… bits, bridles, harnesses and everything to adorn us and our noble riders! They always have a fabulous selection of colorful blankets! And while we can't wear hats, we get some excellent tassels for our tails which the humans call “braiding” or “knotting”. It looks lovely - though sometimes I feel like it’s too elaborate for my simple, practical grey mane and tail…
This year however, the whispers surrounding King Richard's actions are filling even the festive fair with anxiety. The fairmaster, a portly, jovial chap named MacTavish, tried to dismiss them… But it's hard to ignore the tension as people buy swords and talk about battles, with some even hinting that these big horses from Hayfield might get called upon… It’s like everyone in the village is expecting this, waiting, as if a dark cloud was on its way!
Of course, my stable friends and I try not to dwell on these rumours, and, anyway, we all enjoy the fun. We're strong and sturdy, our hooves steady on the ground. It’s what we’re bred for. So we prance and strut under the judging gaze of all those well-dressed ladies and gentlemen… The judges examine our muscles and tendons. Some of us get praised for our "strength and fortitude” while others are judged on "stamina and speed”. They check if we’re calm under pressure... I must say, I enjoy showing off! Though I prefer a steady pace to the frenetic jumping that some of my fellow mares like so much. It’s all just a part of the performance. The humans come along and watch our little show… they certainly seem to love it. I suppose their big battle does distract them for a while at least… I sometimes feel sorry for these humans, constantly worried about what might happen and what others might do, but I also admire their dedication and energy.
I can see myself, quite clearly, as a work horse. I love the satisfaction of getting things done. I enjoy helping those around me - and I enjoy the pleasurable feel of a clean mane, a good rub down and some fresh straw in the evening! Of course, who wouldn’t like to have some exciting, grand adventure? Maybe it will happen! But honestly? I love my peaceful life. The routines… The fresh air… the warmth of the sun on my coat on a calm summer day…. A full belly, a stable and good friends. This is enough for me.
As the months of 1385 rush forward, the news spreads – Richard is calling for horsemen from across the country, and as predicted, Scottish horses will answer. While Angus doesn’t show any indication he will take me to the battle, the rumour mills suggest he has a son, Donald, a strapping lad with strong shoulders, who will join the King’s force. That means it could mean goodbye to my stable mate! He’ll be gone to join his king and be part of an army, fighting with soldiers – It's all a bit scary to imagine. We haven't really spoken much about it, Donald and I - though I think we both understand this is part of our life as war horses. We know we have our responsibilities!
It's odd though - it doesn't matter what Donald decides, whether he’ll march with King Richard’s men or stays with his father and works the fields, Hayfield remains a peaceful place... as the harvest rolls in and the winter sets in… For all the fuss and tension and stories from the outside world, our world is steady and consistent. The fields change colours with the seasons, our master Angus has already set out new seeds, and even the cows seem less jittery. I find comfort in routine. There’s comfort in a knowing that this life, even if a little unsettling at times, is our life…
Perhaps you'll think I'm being naive, but in 1385, it’s nice to find simple joys in the familiar... Even though things change constantly in this crazy, complex world of ours, some things stay the same, and there’s no place I'd rather be than right here in Hayfield, under a big blue Scottish sky.
Until next time! Emma, signing out… and remember, if you see a grey mare with a white mane and tail in your travels through Equiworld, it might just be me!
Neigh!
