Written by Emma, a grey draught mare from Hayfield, near Aberdeen, Scotland
Good morning, fellow equines! Emma here, a grey mare with a splash of white in my mane and tail, currently residing in the beautiful, windswept hills of Hayfield, near Aberdeen. Today, I’m going to take you on a little journey through the year 1409, through the eyes (or should I say, ears) of a horse like me.
Now, I'm not a historian, or a writer for that matter. My writing skills are mostly limited to a very expressive snort and a loud whinny, but I'm passionate about equine history! And 1409 holds a special place in my heart.
The year began like any other, with the crisp chill of winter lingering in the air. My fellow horses and I worked diligently for our human friends, pulling carts full of hay and oats to feed their families, transporting goods to market, and hauling the heavy ploughs for their fields. You see, horses like me were vital members of the community.
We were more than just animals – we were partners, companions, and a part of the family. Our lives were simple but full, filled with the warmth of stable mates, the rhythm of the wind in our manes, and the feel of sturdy leather harness against our chests.
The whispers of big events travelled on the wind, as always. From the busy towns and villages, news arrived about King Henry IV, a bustling king in the south, and his turbulent times. While Scotland saw her King, Robert III, reigning, news arrived from afar that our royal brethren, the French, were embroiled in a tense stand-off with the English. Wars, alas, seemed like a recurring thread in the tapestry of life, and we, the horses, would bear the brunt of it, transporting soldiers and provisions across the lands.
1409 also saw a flurry of horse trade activity across the Scottish lowlands. This meant more exciting new arrivals from far-off lands like Spain and France! One particular mare named Isabella, a spirited bay with a dazzling blaze, stole the show when she arrived in Hayfield. All the other mares went wild, it was such an occasion! It wasn't uncommon to hear whispers about the strength and stamina of Andalusian stallions, and Isabella definitely lived up to the reputation. She was quite a chatterbox, with stories of bustling city life and long journeys across dusty plains. We were fascinated!
However, it wasn’t all about war and trade. As the spring unfolded, the air buzzed with the excitement of horse racing. This year, it was a particularly grand event at Aberdeen's racecourse, drawing crowds from far and wide. There was such energy and anticipation as the riders lined up, their mounts gleaming with polish and anticipation. The crowds roared as the race began, and it felt like the very earth vibrated beneath us as the hooves pounded the ground. My human companion was a bit anxious - I felt a twitch in his hands - but then the bell rang, signaling the end, and the cheering, oh, the cheering, reached a fever pitch. That was something we could all get excited about!
As the sun reached its peak in the summer months, it brought with it the most spectacular displays of skill and courage - jousting tournaments. Now, while some folks considered them a harmless bit of fun, you couldn't help but admire the sheer grace and strength these horses displayed. They were more than steeds, they were extensions of their riders, as much a part of the feat as the rider himself. Their every move had to be in sync, each jump, each thrust of a lance, it was breathtaking to watch.
We often gathered, you see, in the nearby meadows and discussed the tournaments with our fellow horses. Did you know there's a saying, “It's the horse that wins, not the rider,”? Well, it makes a certain sense! I couldn't help but feel a swell of pride when a horse with a spirited soul like my own was the one galloping into history books.
Autumn painted the world in shades of gold and crimson, and we entered a time of preparation for the coming winter. It's during this time, the time of harvest festivals and community gatherings, that we truly felt a connection with our human families. They'd share their feast with us, sometimes even with an extra piece of apple from their table.
The year 1409 was filled with a diverse range of experiences. The horses of the world carried humanity forward, be it in times of war, in peace, for pleasure, or even to celebrate. And it's precisely this remarkable role of ours that I've always felt so incredibly lucky to be a part of. We are a symbol of resilience, strength, and unwavering companionship. And while much in the world might change over time, we, the horses, remain steadfast in our essence, woven into the very fabric of life.
Now, I must away, for my human friend calls, a cart needs to be loaded. But don't forget, my dear readers, to keep an ear to the wind for news of the world, for it is our stories, as a collective equine spirit, that shape the history of our world. Until next time, may your hooves be strong, your manes flow in the wind, and may you gallop boldly towards the future!
