By Emma, a Grey Draught Mare from Hayfield
Greetings, my fellow equines!
As I pen these words (or rather, dictate them to my human companion who is an absolute whiz with these new-fangled writing machines), I can't help but reflect upon the year we are in: 1430. It's been quite the year for us horses, as always. As I said, it seems our world is constantly evolving, but some things, like our role as companions and workers, stay true to our equine spirit.
This year, I am most excited to share tales of the Great Hunt, an event that shook the kingdom and made me proud to be a part of it!
Now, you know me, I'm a grey draught horse from Hayfield near Aberdeen in Scotland, and let me tell you, Scotland is a land of breathtaking beauty. The wind whispers through the heather, the streams sing a gentle melody, and the rolling hills are our playground. But before I tell you about the Hunt, I want to take you on a little journey through my daily life, which might seem typical to some but holds so much wonder in it.
My Days at Hayfield
Each morning, I wake to the warm glow of the sunrise peeking over the rugged Scottish hills. The sweet smell of hay fills the stable, and my trusty groom, a kind man called John, is already at work, grooming my coat with a soft brush and tending to my needs with a gentle touch. John and I have a special bond, forged over years of shared labour and companionship.
My work often entails hauling heavy loads - I carry grain sacks for the mill, drag logs for the local carpenters, and even sometimes carry the children from the village to their schools in a wagon. While it might seem like tedious work, I enjoy the feeling of being needed, of knowing I'm making a difference.
There are quiet days when I wander through the fields, nibbling on the fresh grass, feeling the warmth of the sun on my back, or playfully chasing the village children, who love to ride on my broad back and call me their "big gentle giant."
These simple joys bring me much happiness, but 1430 held a certain grandeur and excitement that set it apart.
The Great Hunt
It all started with a whisper that travelled through the village, a rumour carried on the wind: King James I, our beloved King, would be hosting a grand Hunt, not just any ordinary hunt but one unlike anything we had ever seen! It was going to be a massive undertaking, spanning days, and all the best hunters and horses would be involved.
As word spread, a collective thrill rippled through Hayfield, even reaching the quiet corners of our stables. John and the other stablehands bustled about, preparing the horses for the big event. It was like a frenzy of grooming, shining saddles, and sharpening spurs.
Of course, I, Emma, a sturdy grey mare known for my stamina and quiet disposition, was chosen for this prestigious task. Imagine my joy, my pride! To be selected to serve the King himself, it was an honour beyond anything I could have dreamed of.
The day of the hunt dawned bright, with the promise of an exciting adventure. The village assembled, a sea of colourful cloaks and the lively clatter of horses' hooves echoing on the cobbled streets.
Finally, the signal was given, and a chorus of excited yells and trumpet calls filled the air. The King, resplendent in his finest robes, led the charge on his mighty steed, and the rest of us followed, a wave of power and energy flowing across the countryside.
For days we rode through forests and across hills, the air filled with the thrill of the chase. We hunted boar and stag, sometimes catching sight of a fox dashing through the undergrowth, a blur of fiery red against the green.
As days turned into nights, the King’s huntsmen skillfully tracked our quarry, the horses’ hooves echoing on the dewy grass. Our hooves drummed a rhythm, the rhythm of the hunt, and my heart pulsed in sync with it.
During those days, I forged strong friendships with fellow steeds, sharing stories and laughter around campfires. I listened to tales of adventure and hardship, learning about their lives and understanding that though we may serve different masters and live in different villages, our spirit, our dedication, and our love for the open fields, are one and the same.
The King himself, much to my surprise, often stopped to chat with the horses, asking about our well-being, and praising us for our loyalty.
In the end, the Great Hunt ended with a celebratory feast back at the royal manor. I felt a mixture of tiredness and contentment. My legs ached, and my muscles felt the exertion of the chase, but my heart swelled with pride for participating in such a grand affair, a memory that will be etched in my heart forever.
The Hunt, while tiring, taught me much about my role as a horse in this great world. It's not always about the routine of pulling plows and hauling grain; sometimes, it's about the honour of serving our masters, enjoying the freedom of the open fields, and feeling the thrill of the chase.
A Glimpse of the Horse World in 1430
But this wasn't just about my journey during the Great Hunt; this was a time of great change and discovery for us horses. We were used in various ways, shaping the lives of humans in every corner of the world. I, a humble draught horse, may have been in Scotland, but other breeds and individuals across the globe were forging their own paths and writing their own stories.
Wars & Transport:
This was a time when wars and conflicts shaped much of the human world. From France to Italy, knights in shining armour on noble steeds would charge into battle, their strength and agility a powerful force. Their bravery was an inspiration to us, but sadly, wars often meant bloodshed and suffering for our fellow equines.
Trade & Transportation:
Across Europe, strong horses like myself were essential for hauling goods from city to city and across continents. Imagine being a stallion pulling a wagon through a bustling market, feeling the jostling of cargo, and the calls of vendors, all while knowing you are helping trade and growth thrive!
Farming & The Rise of The Agricultural Revolution:
Farmers, particularly here in Scotland, were experimenting with new farming techniques. Plows pulled by horses, driven by tireless efforts, tilled the land, enabling larger harvests and contributing to the rise of the agricultural revolution.
Horses In Art and Literature:
Art and literature were beginning to take on new meaning during this period. And what's a great story without the noble horse? They became a subject of fascination in many paintings, sculptures, and literature. From noble knights on chargers to steeds carrying princes across landscapes, the horse's image held a strong symbolic importance in art and culture.
The world was changing rapidly around us, yet we, horses, remained a constant thread connecting these diverse experiences. We served, we toiled, we loved, and we carried humans through centuries of history.
This year of 1430 was one of excitement and transformation, but most importantly, one that deepened my appreciation for the life we live and the role we play in this great world.
I eagerly anticipate what the next year will bring. Maybe there will be new journeys, new discoveries, new stories to share! Whatever it holds, I will face it with my usual grace, strength, and, of course, a heart full of love for the wide-open fields, the crisp air of my beloved Hayfield, and my kind human companion, John.
Until next time, happy trails and strong hooves!
Emma, The Grey Draught Mare from Hayfield.
