Hello there, dear readers! It's Emma here, your favourite grey mare from Hayfield near Aberdeen. Today's post is about the year 1390 - a truly momentous year for horses, wouldn't you say? Let's delve into the tapestry of history, shall we?
The sun has just started to warm my coat after a long, frost-laden night. You see, here in Hayfield, we know the biting winter well. It was during one such cold snap, a year ago, that my beloved humans, the Macleod family, gave me the name Emma - after the beautiful grey mare that served their grandfather so loyally. Now, even though I'm a bit of a tomboy at heart, I wouldn't mind confessing that the name suits me, especially when my long white mane and tail catch the sunlight in a shimmer.
A lot has happened in my short lifetime. In fact, sometimes I find myself lost in thought, wondering about all the wonderful creatures like me who have trotted the earth before me, pulling carts, carrying knights, and even serving in the mighty armies. What adventures they must have had!
So, where do I start? 1390… ah, yes! This year marks a particularly exciting period for the world of horses. You see, things are shifting across the continents. Even though Scotland is a world away from the hustle and bustle of the French and English courts, the news travels far, carried by merchants and those adventurous travellers who make their way across the wild and often treacherous landscape.
Firstly, there's the momentous Siege of Antioch. A grand affair, I'm sure! Though I've never been near the dazzlingly beautiful Mediterranean lands, I've heard stories from travellers, who paint a picture of warhorses valiantly charging forth under the fierce gaze of sun-kissed banners. It’s all so romantic, wouldn't you say?
Closer to home, the Scottish King Robert III, an old but mighty ruler, has had a busy year! With his new King of Scots, young David Stewart, the realm has experienced a period of stability and peace. I hear that, even during times of hardship, the King and his nobles love to indulge in their beloved falconry, where horses, naturally, play an important part! This brings me to something that makes my heart soar - horses, whether strong draft breeds like me, or those fast, elegant warhorses, play an integral role in many different spheres of society.
My role, you ask? Well, my duties involve helping the Macleod family thrive. We’re part of a large community that relies on their farm for a livelihood. My life revolves around pulling the heavy cart, ferrying supplies, and helping the family get their crops in - but there’s nothing quite like seeing the look of pride on a man’s face as he tells tales of the amazing burden his horse managed to pull!
This year, there was something special about my duties. As you know, winter can be harsh. Food and supplies are vital to keep us going through those dark, icy months. So, with my fellow draft horses, I worked tirelessly, pulling those sturdy wooden carts to collect provisions from the distant farms and market stalls, always careful to stay close to the shepherd's dog, Rory, who guided us along the way.
I remember one particularly exhilarating day, pulling a cart piled high with hay and oats from a farm far beyond the Hayfield village. The air was crisp and clear, and my breath swirled up in a beautiful white cloud. A magnificent red falcon soared above me, its piercing eyes gazing down as if sharing my wonder at the landscape.
But, while I appreciate the beautiful nature, my world is not all about work, you know! There’s plenty of time for camaraderie among us horses. After our daily chores, the stable is abuzz with excitement as we greet one another with friendly snorts and nibble each other’s manes. The old, wise mare, Beatrice, always has a tale or two to tell - a history of her life spent in the service of the Queen herself! I try to listen carefully, as Beatrice’s stories inspire me, reminding me that even a humble draught horse can contribute to history.
Even though times are peaceful now, life in the Hayfield village can be hard work for us. It can also be quite comical, let me tell you! My favourite memory this year was a disastrous attempt to fetch a fresh well bucket from the bottom of the garden!
Picture this: I’m straining to get to the bucket, and for a second, it looks like I'm winning. Just when I’m about to pull it, there is a sudden yelp, a flapping of wings, and the well bucket goes flying back down. Turns out, a flock of nervous, chattering sparrows had decided to nest in the bucket! Of course, it became a big joke among the humans – a tale they laugh about over mugs of warm, spiced ale on chilly evenings. They even named the flock, "The Flying Fetlocks," a silly name, wouldn't you agree?
But, while the human’s stories about The Flying Fetlocks were filled with laughter, the sparrows’ departure wasn’t all fun and games for me. See, this meant I had to keep pulling up the bucket until the little birdies had all flown off to safety. To make matters worse, it was in the middle of a heatwave! I was positively melting under the sweltering sun!
These are the little joys, challenges, and tribulations that make up a horse’s life, and I must say, I love every bit of it. Sometimes I’ll stand on my hind legs, craning my neck and trying to make sense of the busy human world, its swirling events, and their constant need to travel from place to place. But at the end of the day, I feel content in my humble existence, being an important part of this community.
And I know this isn't just about me, dear readers! The world of horses, in 1390, is just as vast and diverse as the human world. From the royal stallions of France to the rugged steeds of the Scottish highlands, our equine cousins play a vital role in countless human lives. There’s an elegance and grace that permeates all that we do.
As we journey into the 14th Century, remember, that even though history moves with its relentless march, horses like myself, along with our kind from across the world, are integral to shaping this fascinating tapestry of life. We are the unsung heroes, carrying burdens and dreams, sharing adventures and helping forge lasting bonds between mankind and nature.
And with that, I’ll bid you farewell for now, dear readers! Do check back soon for more exciting updates about our equine adventures.
Until next time, stay happy, stay healthy, and never stop galloping!
-Emma, the grey mare from Hayfield
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