Hello, fellow equines! It's Emma here, from the rolling hills of Hayfield, just outside Aberdeen. Another year has come and gone, and as always, there's been much to observe and learn about our horse world. So saddle up, grab a handful of oats, and let's dive into 1432!
A Year of Progress and Purpose
The past year has been full of remarkable events for us horses. It seems people are understanding our worth more and more. As you know, our role as draught horses, as hardworking, steadfast, creatures of strength and loyalty is essential. People rely on us for transport, farming, and a multitude of other tasks that make life in 1432 possible. We are truly valued!
Our Royal Role in Society
The news from the court is always buzzing with talk of King Henry VI of England. This young king (only sixteen, bless his soul!), is an ardent horse enthusiast. You'll find the royal stables brimming with magnificent chargers, palfreys, and warhorses, prepared for tournaments and royal processions. In fact, Henry’s love for horses is a source of inspiration throughout the land. Everywhere I go, people tell tales of royal horses, and you can’t escape the beautiful tapestries and artworks featuring them in their splendour!
New Horizons for Horses in Europe
We feel a great sense of pride, knowing our breed is thriving across Europe. In the rolling fields of Flanders, our relatives toil tirelessly in the bustling tapestry workshops, carrying heavy looms and wool bales, making the most incredible artworks. From the sunny vineyards of France, to the mountainous regions of Switzerland, we are working hard to make life better for everyone!
Emma’s Year: My Personal Journey
It’s been a wonderful year for me at Hayfield. Our human companions have been busy, but they always make time to groom me and check for any minor injuries. The good life! We've been working on the farms close to home, helping bring the harvests in and delivering goods to nearby villages. It's tiring work, but it's rewarding to see people’s faces light up with smiles when we deliver the latest provisions.
I'm very fond of my fellow horses here. We gather in the evening for a communal roll in the dusty fields and share news. Recently, a young filly named Daisy, arrived here from the lowlands of England. She was separated from her mother and quite scared, but I took her under my wing and helped her adjust. We spend a lot of time together, teaching her the ins and outs of life on the Highland farms. She's a good girl, and I have a feeling she'll grow to be an excellent draught horse.
Learning From Our Past
A wise old mare, Bertie, often shares stories of her travels and experiences in her long life. She often talks of a time when our ancestors were the key mode of transportation and the main force in armies. Imagine! It’s almost hard to imagine a world without horses.
She tells me how our speed and strength were used in both peace and conflict. That they had a way of navigating with amazing accuracy. And that, they say, it takes tremendous strength to carry a heavily armored knight! Bertie reminds us of the vital role our kind played in history. We've always been important, not just working animals but a key part of people’s lives. We bring them together, and we have brought societies together.
A Word of Appreciation
So much is changing, and I have a sense that even greater things are to come for our horse kind. I believe the next few years are full of exciting possibilities for horses like us. Just remember to always be brave and strong, always have a smile for your human companions, and don’t forget to lend a hoof to those in need. We are a powerful force, we have much to contribute to the world, and we’re in it together. Happy trails, my friends!
Remember to share your equine stories in the comments below!
Emma
