Neigh-sayers, It's Emma here!
My name's Emma, a 20 year old grey mare with a white mane and tail that flows like a river of silk in the breeze. I live in Hayfield, just a short trot from Aberdeen, Scotland. It's a lovely place - rolling green hills and clear streams for drinking. Oh, the freedom we enjoy here, prancing under the sunlit skies! I feel so blessed, so alive... It’s been a grand year, this 1411, full of change and wonder, and I just had to share it with you all!
You might wonder what's been happening in the equine world, right? Well, this year, my fellow steeds and I have been very busy, trotting and plodding through the world of 15th century life. And it's all been very exciting!
A Kingdom in Transformation:
You see, 1411 is a pivotal year for our King, Henry V. Just last year, he took the English throne, and our brave Scottish brethren are determined to defend their land against his ambition. They’re all geared up for another foray south of the border, but you’ll have to ask my fellow horses there to give you the full lowdown! I’ll just say it makes for some thrilling stories around the campfire!
Horses on the Move:
This year has been a constant movement for all of us. King Henry has made a new, super-strong, “Royal Standard,” which, I hear, features a very impressive, golden leopard rampant! And this gorgeous symbol needs to travel all over the place for everyone to admire! It’s all my comrades are talking about - apparently, everyone’s eager to see it in real life. This is just the beginning, as we know from what they whispered about back in 1405 – more wars are sure to come! And we, well, we know our role!
Serving Noble Men:
Life for my brothers and sisters out there is pretty adventurous – and quite dangerous. You see, these days, war seems to be in everyone’s blood! Just yesterday, I saw a big, dark-grey gelding go by, looking worn and exhausted. My stable-mate, Ben, told me that he’s part of a travelling band of mercenaries! Brave, they are! He said the horses there often suffer wounds on the battlefields and that his mane is stained with battle sweat and blood. And with wars come casualties, but thank goodness, I am only asked to plod across the peaceful lands around my home – no battlefields for this mare, thank heavens!
Life on the Farm:
Me, I mostly help on the farm! We bring back fresh crops and move the hay. And, the farmer’s daughter, Molly, and I – well, we’re practically best friends! She's kind to me and makes sure I get all the yummy barley I crave. You should see the beautiful field she lets me graze on after my hard work.
I've got a bit of a sweet tooth, this I'll admit! This year, Molly even started giving me tasty little scraps of oatcakes! (But only occasionally, you understand, or she’d be getting scolded!) It's funny because the oats were used by the villagers in 1410 as part of their celebrations for their good fortune. You see, in those days, they’d gather in big barns, listen to the stories of bards, sing folk songs, and dance. The local lords sometimes paid musicians to join the festivities. We always gather and listen from our stalls!
And have I mentioned the new stallion? Handsome creature, with a shiny black coat and eyes like glistening onyx. I think his name is Merlin. Now, he’s the reason everyone’s a little more upbeat this year. He's here for some ‘breeding business,' as the men say, to help increase our farm's stock. The owner, Mr. McLeod, is determined to make sure his livestock – especially horses - are fit for their jobs and strong enough to support his family. But the farmer’s wife keeps telling everyone the stallion is simply here to make things prettier! He certainly makes life more enjoyable here. Every mare in this village has an "I want to meet him!” in their eyes.
A Change in Times:
You know, sometimes I think about all these changes, this sense of something brewing, of things becoming increasingly unsteady. There's a shift in the air, an undercurrent of ambition that has the villagers worried about the war-drums beating in the distance. I just hope and pray this won't lead to sadness and trouble. We are creatures of routine, us horses – we need stability and peace.
Something New…and Exciting
But that's not all the excitement we’re seeing around the world. My cousin from southern England wrote to me - imagine, writing a letter all the way to Scotland! Apparently, they’ve got this big thing called the ‘Wappen.’ I've heard they are being put into tournaments all over England. This is apparently this little contraption that allows riders to jump across the big barriers. She swears this is how horses now "leap" above even the tallest walls. But she doesn't quite say how the horses leap! I must confess I am very curious. I can’t wait to see this, "Wappen" she calls it, and find out more about it. The whole village has gone crazy trying to find more information about this "Wappen" invention, too, and every time a passing horse tells us about it, we're all ears!
Hope for the Future
And so, life here is going on, day by day, and year by year. This 1411 is a year I’ll remember forever. The village is full of life and energy, but beneath the surface lies the anticipation of something bigger. What it is, I'm not entirely sure, but I know that as long as there are horses, there will be tales of strength, courage, and endless adventures! And, well, maybe even some ‘Wappen' - fueled jumps!
Till next time, Neighsayers! Emma.
*(Post Scriptum:) * I hope this blog brought some joy into your day! Now I'm off to roll around in the grass under the morning sun and enjoy my barley - what a fine day! I hope it will remain calm for as long as I live!)
