Hello dear readers, Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood grey mare!
It's been a busy year here in Hayfield, near Aberdeen. We've had a bumper harvest, the fields are overflowing with golden oats and plump barley. But before I tell you about that, let me share something special. Today, I decided to start this blog - a chronicle of sorts - to document our life here at the farm and explore what life is like for horses across the world in this year, 1389.
My name is Emma, a hefty, strong, and grey mare with a beautiful white mane and tail. Some say my coat glistens like silver in the sunlight. At 20, I'm still strong and able, and I love my work hauling carts, helping with the ploughing, and even assisting in hauling timber for the new mill.
Life in Scotland, especially in the lowlands, is a rhythm of seasons, of cold winters and bountiful summers. It’s the rhythm we live by, a rhythm that dictates what we horses do, when we work, and how much rest we get. I believe that there’s nothing more satisfying than a long day’s work followed by a night spent amongst my stable mates, chewing cud, sharing tales and dreaming of greener pastures.
The Horse's Role in a Changing World
While life for horses like me has a clear rhythm, things are a bit different elsewhere. You see, across Europe, there’s this thing called "The Hundred Years' War" raging on between England and France. This year, the battle has been fought in France - it seems they've had a heavy siege and fought in the city of Ypres. It's not for me to judge, but horses like me have a part to play there. We haul soldiers, supplies, and cannons - the brunt of the battles are carried on our backs, quite literally. While my work is on the farm, my kind play an important role in conflict, even if it’s a role none of us really want.
However, all is not doom and gloom!
In fact, this year marks the beginning of something truly amazing. We're talking about the first ever horse fairs in Britain! Imagine - a whole day dedicated to horses, celebrating them and finding new homes. Can you believe it? It all started in England, and hopefully it will catch on throughout the rest of the island!
These fairs mean better prospects for horses like me, an organised place to find new jobs and loving homes. Some will become knights' companions, galloping into battle. Some will find homes with farmers like my own, working the land and earning a good living. And some, of course, will find a comfortable retirement - a good, old life, free from strenuous work.
From Cart to Castle: A Day in My Life
Life in the Hayfield stables starts early. Before the first rooster crows, our stable boy is there, feeding us with fresh oats and hay, brushing us clean, and preparing us for the day ahead. We munch contentedly, feeling the morning chill on our backs as we gaze through the stall doors, waiting for the master to announce our day’s task.
Today, we’re headed to the fields, pulling the sturdy plough. The farmer has planted wheat for the year, and it’s our duty to churn the ground ready for next spring’s seeds. We feel the earth yielding beneath us, smell the rich soil and the freshness of the dawn. This is where my kind excel, we love working the land, feeling our muscles straining, and leaving a clean, smooth furrow behind.
During the day, our farmer is kind and treats us well. He often gives us fresh water in our bucket and sometimes even an extra scoop of barley. I like it here in Hayfield; it's peaceful and has a rhythm to it. Even when it's cold, and our coats are thick, and we work extra hard, I find I'm very happy here.
And that’s not all. After a full day, we enjoy some quiet time amongst each other, in our stable. You see, a lot happens after work is done - there are stories, songs, and laughter - like in a community! Sometimes, a bard comes to play a fiddle, his music ringing out from his strings, making our hooves tap a quiet rhythm against the stone floor. He often shares stories of our kind - legendary heroes from the past, powerful steeds who fought alongside valiant knights in great battles, and gentle creatures carrying emperors on long journeys across foreign lands.
The Horse: Symbol of Strength and Grace
There’s something beautiful about being a horse, something majestic about the way our muscles flex, and we bend to our tasks. Our long, flowing manes seem to dance in the wind, and our powerful hooves are strong enough to carry us across vast distances, through muddy fields, and along stony paths.
Yes, we are strong, brave, and graceful. We’ve been symbols of strength and power throughout history. Horses have played their part in shaping the world we live in. In some ways, we are a reflection of our owners, their hopes and dreams, and sometimes, sadly, their anxieties. We stand side by side with humans, forging our own little bit of history every day.
And while wars may rage in the distance, the sun continues to rise every morning, bathing our meadows in a warm glow. We eat, work, and live as we’ve always done, adapting to change as we always have. Life for a horse like me is good, and there’s nothing I’d rather do than be part of the story unfolding right here in Hayfield.
Do join me again next time, dear reader, for another chapter in our chronicle, for there is much more to explore in the horse's world! We'll learn more about life in the world of 1389, and maybe you’ll be able to join me and share some stories about the horses you know.
See you next time on EquiWorld!
Emma
The Author: Emma, A 20 year old Grey Draught Horse
Date of blog post: September 5, 1389
Posted on: www.equiworld.org
