Hello, dear readers! It's Emma, your grey mare with the white mane and tail from the beautiful Hayfield near Aberdeen, Scotland. I've been eagerly anticipating this post for weeks because, well, 1398 was a rather special year for a horse like me! So, pull up a bale of hay, settle in, and let me whisk you away to a time of noble knights, fierce battles, and the incredible, ever-present bond between horses and humans.
Hayfield's Heart and Soul
You might think my life in Hayfield, a small, rustic village nestled in the foothills of the Scottish highlands, is dull and uneventful. But let me assure you, dear reader, there's no such thing as a dull day for a draught horse like myself! We're the backbone of this little village, responsible for everything from pulling the plows in our fields to transporting goods to and from Aberdeen.
Hayfield has a peculiar charm to it, its houses huddled close together, thatched roofs like soft, warm caps nestled against the stormy skies. Our meadows, with their riotous, emerald green grasses, stretch as far as the eye can see. The crisp air is a tonic to my lungs, filled with the scent of blooming heather and damp earth, making each morning feel like a fresh start. And then there are my fellow horses! We are a community, a network of friends sharing work, sharing gossip, and, occasionally, a nibble of sweet hay, sharing in the joys of a good, hard day's work.
Life of a Working Horse
1398 was a busy year! The weather was harsh, the winds fierce, yet our work went on, rain or shine. My sturdy build is a gift, you see, for I'm expected to be a true workhorse. My days start with the roosters' call and the gentle tap of a wooden bucket on the stone floor of the stable, rousing me from my slumber. The smells of hay, oats, and the tangy air of morning dew mingle to create a delightful aroma, making my stomach rumble in anticipation.
My work begins at the crack of dawn, hitched to a sturdy, oak-wood wagon, filled with sacks of grain for the local miller. The journey isn't long, just a trot along the winding dirt paths, the sun slowly rising above the craggy peaks. As I work, my powerful legs carry the weight of the wagon effortlessly, a feeling of purpose filling my every stride. It’s an amazing feeling to know that I play such a vital role in the village life, contributing to its prosperity, one step at a time.
My favourite times are those when we’re hauling large timber for construction. My strength is really put to the test then, pushing and pulling the great logs. You feel the deep connection to your human partner in those moments. It's like we understand each other without speaking a single word, their whispered encouragement, my responding tug and pull.
The villagers are kind and caring towards us. Each evening, after a day's labour, we're rewarded with a hearty meal of oats and hay, sometimes even a handful of sugar cubes – the humans here in Hayfield do love their sweet treats! And in the evening, I get to share my day's stories with my friends – our neighs echoing through the stable. Our tales include adventures, challenges, the triumphs, and of course, the occasional mishap that brings laughter and warmth to our shared space.
1398 - The Year of King Richard II
Of course, 1398 wouldn’t be complete without mentioning King Richard II, who was king of England at the time. There’s a rumour circulating, which seems to be true – King Richard has made a lot of new rules that seem to be making some of his nobles very angry. They seem to have lots of problems with how he’s spending money, but who am I to say what’s right and wrong in the life of a king? He doesn't seem to have changed things much for the common horses, which I must admit, is good news for us all! I did hear from the blacksmith in Aberdeen that some noble horses had been sent over to the battlefield recently, to join the fighting against some French knights, but this kind of news, thankfully, is mostly in the towns further away.
However, we can't escape the world completely. Our life, despite being rooted in Hayfield's peace, is linked to the events shaping the wider world, like the news of the King, or the battles between England and France. News of the king travels down to our valley, carried on the backs of travellers or sometimes whispered by the wind itself. These stories fuel our evening discussions, our imaginations running wild as we ponder the might of those faraway lands.
Horse Whispers of the Year
While we may not understand all the complexities of the human world, what we do understand is that horses are more than just beasts of burden. We are, like all creatures, susceptible to fear, pain, joy, and love. And 1398 is a year filled with whispers and stories of remarkable horses from all over the land!
From tales of swift chargers, their muscular legs bearing courageous knights, to the hardworking steeds hauling supplies, stories flow like the winding rivers that criss-cross our Scottish landscape. Each one weaves its own unique thread in the rich tapestry of 1398.
Emma's Corner
What makes this year so special? It’s not a war-torn year. It’s the year I, dear reader, turned twenty! And that means, a celebratory gallop across the Hayfield meadow! A special reward given by my beloved human partner – just for me, for all my dedication and hard work. You’ll not believe the strength and energy in my legs. To feel the wind in my mane, the sunlight dancing on my coat as I gallop, heart pounding with joy, it’s something I cherish and treasure every year!
Life is an endless learning curve. It's in those everyday moments, from the work I do, to the friendships I share with my stable-mates, that I learn and grow. There's so much to explore, so much to discover, and I hope, dear reader, that I’m sharing some of the wonder and joy that being a horse in this period brings. Until next time, my friends! Stay safe, and may your stables be full of delicious hay and warm straw!
