Welcome back, fellow equines and horse lovers!
Today, I, Emma, a grey mare with a snowy mane and tail, am writing to you from my cozy stable in Hayfield, near Aberdeen. As the winter winds whip around my sturdy stone walls, I find myself reminiscing about the past year, the year 1427, and what it was like to be a horse in this fascinating period of history.
The year started off crisp and bright, the ground still frozen from the harsh winter. My sturdy legs carried me through the snow-covered fields, hauling the heavy plough, helping the local farmers turn the soil ready for the spring planting. It was a challenging time, the cold nipping at our flanks, the air thick with anticipation. But the joy of a job well done, the smell of fresh earth, the camaraderie amongst the other horses – it filled us with a deep sense of purpose.
We weren't just working the land, mind you. Our powerful bodies, the strength in our necks and legs, were vital for hauling goods to market, for transporting families across long distances, and even for carrying knights into battle. As I pulled the sturdy cart laden with grain to the nearby town, I saw firsthand the impact of horses on daily life. They weren't just working beasts, but companions, partners, a source of sustenance.
The local blacksmith, a gruff man with hands as strong as steel, was a regular customer. His rhythmic hammering echoed across the cobbled streets as he shoed us with sturdy iron, his eyes glinting with admiration for our strength.
In the late spring, as the meadows burst with a riot of wildflowers, the air became filled with the sounds of laughter and the joyous melody of music. The season brought with it festivals, feasts, and jousting tournaments – a spectacle we horses were privy to. We galloped across the field, pulling knights clad in shining armour, each their horse a noble steed, a testament to its master's skill. The air hummed with anticipation, the crowd erupting in cheers with each skillful maneuver.
This year, 1427, saw a shift in the way the world viewed horses. It was the year the prestigious ‘Royal Horse Show’ was held in Edinburgh. This was a gathering of the finest horses from across Scotland – warhorses, hunting horses, draught horses – each vying for recognition and showcasing their skill and power. I was fortunate to be selected to pull the Lord's carriage during the Grand Parade, my heart pounding with pride as we graced the bustling streets of the capital.
As autumn descended and the leaves turned vibrant hues of orange, crimson, and gold, I felt a profound sense of peace. My work on the farm, carrying my load through fields and villages, had contributed to the life of my community. It was during these quieter days, standing with my fellow horses in the stable, that I had time to think and observe the changing world around us.
And the world was changing. With the rise of cities and towns, trade was increasing. It wasn't just hauling crops anymore. I watched as sturdy horses pulled long carts laden with goods from distant lands – silks and spices from the East, precious woods from the heart of Europe. I could feel the energy and excitement of this new wave, and it was exhilarating.
The news of King James I of Scotland, crowned that year, and his new rule brought a feeling of hope and anticipation for a more peaceful future. Even amidst the constant struggles of everyday life, the presence of a powerful, respected king filled everyone with optimism.
As the days grew shorter, and the first snowfall of winter drifted down, I found myself reflecting on the year. The challenges, the rewards, the changing world around us. Though life as a horse in the 15th century wasn't always easy, it was a life rich in purpose and meaning. We were a vital part of the social fabric, a part of history, a reflection of the times.
And with every turn of the year, I, Emma, am humbled by the simple yet profound responsibility of being a horse. We work, we play, we bring people together, and we help shape the world. What greater reward could there be?
Stay tuned for more updates on my life and the lives of other horses across the globe. Let’s celebrate our amazing animal family, the mighty, noble, magnificent horse!
With hooves and heart, Emma
