Welcome, dear fellow equines and horse-loving humans!
My name is Emma, and I'm a grey draught horse with a snow-white mane and tail. I live in the picturesque village of Hayfield, near Aberdeen in Scotland, a place where the crisp air whips across the rolling hills and the scent of heather fills my nostrils.
This year is 1413. It’s been an interesting year so far. We’re at a crossroads, my friends! Changes are afoot, not just in our own equine world but in the human one, too. There's so much to tell you about, so come snuggle close, let the heather scent calm you, and let me whisk you away to 1413.
The Life of a Draught Horse:
First, let’s chat about my own world. Life as a draught horse is quite straightforward: hard work, good food, a stable that keeps me warm in the Scottish winters. The rhythm of my days is as predictable as the sun’s rise and set.
My days usually begin at dawn. A sturdy hand brings a bucket of oats, and then, after a satisfying munch, it's time to harness up. The farmer, a kindly man named John, uses a gentle touch. He understands my language, the nuances of my whinny, the subtle twitch of my ears, and the flicker of fear in my eyes when I’m feeling nervous. We’re partners, John and I.
Today's work involves pulling a heavy wagon filled with barley to the mill in the nearby village. It’s a short but demanding journey. I huff and puff up the winding road, the wheels rumbling behind me, a rhythmic beat that matches my own strong strides.
The village is buzzing. The market day is in full swing, and a jumble of sights and smells hits me: the sweet aroma of baking bread, the tang of salted fish, the cacophony of bartering voices, and the sight of a mischievous young boy dangling a carrot over the wagon, begging for a lick. (It's amazing how humans find their way into my heart, even if they often don't deserve it!)
By nightfall, I'm back in my stable, a sense of deep satisfaction coursing through me. I've earned my supper – more oats and hay, plus a warm hay bed that I settle into with a contented sigh. It’s a good life, this one.
Kings and Horses:
But enough about my day-to-day routines! This year has been all about the humans, more so than any I can recall. King Henry the Fifth has ascended the English throne, a young man with a heart that beats to the rhythm of war drums.
He’s just come to the throne following the death of his father, the beloved King Henry the Fourth. There’s talk of grand new castles, even more armies marching across the lands, and plans for conquest. Of course, that means more horses are needed. My cousins who live closer to the English border speak of vast, dusty fields, packed with stallions, ready for battle. It's all quite overwhelming, honestly!
Horse Racing and Recreation:
While the talk of war has seeped into every corner of human life, things are much more peaceful in our horse world. The world of racing has never been more exciting. Humans are becoming increasingly fascinated by the speed and agility of certain horses, breeding them for racing and competitions. These racers are lighter than our sturdy draught horses, with long legs and a seemingly effortless grace.
Recently, there’s been talk about a race at the royal courts, a prestigious event, and it seems everyone, human and equine, is eager to see who will take the crown. I hear stories of stallions, swift and muscular, vying for victory. It sounds exhilarating, although a bit terrifying for my less athletic heart.
In villages, human children can often be seen learning how to ride and bond with their own pony companions. These creatures are small but energetic, and the children adore them. Riding seems to be a sport for those who want to escape the daily routines of the human world and embrace the wind in their hair, a feeling of freedom as they race across the fields on the back of their beloved mounts.
The Importance of Horses:
Whether you are a mighty steed bearing a knight into battle, a humble pack horse transporting goods across treacherous roads, or a graceful racer leaving rivals in the dust, our world, the horse world, is inextricably linked with the human one. We are companions, partners, even saviors at times.
I believe, my fellow equines, that these times of change hold vast possibilities. Yes, there may be uncertainties, whispers of war, and the inevitable clash of hooves and swords, but we remain strong, patient, and ultimately, full of grace.
Stay strong, my friends! Stay steady, keep your heads held high. And don’t forget to enjoy the feel of the sun on your coat and the wind in your mane, for these moments, these simple pleasures, are the heart and soul of what it means to be a horse.
Emma, from Hayfield, Scotland.
www.equiworld.org
