Hello my equine friends!
Emma here, a 20 year old grey mare with a flowing white mane and tail, writing to you from my lovely little home in Hayfield, just a stone's throw from the bustling town of Aberdeen. I know what you're thinking - twenty years old? Surely, I should be slowing down, but not me! My sturdy draught horse frame still loves nothing more than pulling a heavy cart through the rolling fields and busy cobbled streets. Today I want to share a glimpse of life here in 1434, and what the year has brought for our kind, the horses.
The World of Horses in 1434
Let's dive into the biggest news for horse lovers like us - the art of the horse in the year of our Lord 1434. You'd be hard pressed to find a place more in love with horses than Scotland! Even here in Hayfield, with the icy winds howling across the hills in the winters and the air thick with heather in the summer, horses are absolutely vital.
Take me for example, my trusty legs carry the carts from the market in Aberdeen, laden with provisions and other goods for local homes and merchants. The strength of our kind is something to behold, don't you think? Just the other day, I met a charming little dappled pony with bright, expressive eyes. He was proudly pulling a tiny cart, piled high with fragrant herbs, the scent filling the air around him like a cloud.
But the artistry of horses goes far beyond transport. I hear whispers of beautiful paintings depicting glorious battle scenes and magnificent hunters. In them, I can only imagine, the horse is captured with its full grace and majesty, perhaps galloping across a wide landscape or rearing in full fury with a warrior on its back. Such stories fill me with wonder and pride. We are more than just hardworking steeds - we are expressions of beauty and power!
And what about our fellow equines across the lands?
England, a little ways south of here, is buzzing with horse racing! My friends who live closer to the south coast have spoken of grand spectacles where skilled riders and beautiful steeds race for glory, much like our local folk races during the summer months. Such exciting events, where the thrill of competition electrifies the air and everyone gathers to witness a flurry of hooves!
And further down the continent? I hear tell of the brave knights in France, riding their magnificent mounts with plumes flowing and swords gleaming. The very idea fills me with a thrilling sense of purpose - these brave souls, their fate woven with our own!
Life as a Horse: From Hayfields to Cobblestones
Now, let me tell you about a day in my life. As the first rays of the sun crest over the fields, I awaken to the familiar scent of damp earth and the lowing of the nearby cattle. My favourite stable boy, a gentle soul with eyes like a clear sky, leads me out for our daily exercise. A brisk walk to the meadow, the dew glistening on the blades of grass as we saunter. This gentle routine allows my joints to wake, each muscle loosening with the morning breeze.
Come noon, the aroma of freshly baked bread wafts from the bakery in the village, filling my nostrils as I pull the cart filled with sacks of wheat and barley. We rumble over the cobblestones, passing shops filled with fabrics, leather, and crafts. It's a never-ending rhythm - the wheels turning, my hooves clicking a steady beat, and the satisfying rasp of the cart's brake as I slow for a new customer.
But life for me isn't all work, no sir! The summer evenings find me grazing in the meadows, a welcome rest after the day's labour. With the other horses, I listen to the rhythmic chirp of crickets and the chirping of birds. Occasionally, my favourite stallion, a handsome grey with a bold black blaze, tells us of his travels around the village. He even spoke of visiting the Royal Stud where they nurture some of the most impressive horses you could ever imagine! He says these magnificent creatures, with their noble bearing and exceptional lineage, are considered gifts from the Gods!
As dusk settles and stars emerge like scattered jewels, I can't help but feel a wave of contentment. My muscles may ache, my coat may be a little dusted with dirt, but I feel blessed. After all, we are the workhorses, the trusted companions, the living embodiment of power and strength, the heart and soul of our world.
Sharing the Love for Our Equine Friends
And my dear readers, how are things with you and your equine companions? Do you live on a farm? Do you participate in races? Do you ride your steeds through beautiful forests? Please, share your experiences in the comments section below. Let us connect across the ages, honouring the remarkable spirit of horses throughout history!
Until next time,
Your faithful friend, Emma
