Post Number: 1440
Greetings, fellow equine enthusiasts! Emma here, a twenty-year-old grey draught mare with a heart as warm as the sun on a summer's day and a mane as white as freshly fallen snow. I'm writing to you today from my peaceful home in Hayfield, near Aberdeen, Scotland.
It’s the year 1440. You could say we’re living in interesting times, as my dear old Gran used to say. So much is happening around the world! Especially within the realm of horses, it seems!
My world is pretty straightforward, mind you. I spend most days hauling barley and hay, pulling ploughs across the fields, and occasionally fetching water from the well for the family. A simple life, but a good life.
I'm especially grateful for my sturdy physique. It's quite a sight, you know, a mare like me, a real working-class hero! And I love my work. Though tiring at times, there's nothing more satisfying than feeling the wind in my mane as I trundle through the fields, knowing that my efforts contribute to the well-being of the whole community.
But even in Hayfield, whispers of events beyond the Highlands reach us, travelling on the tongues of merchants and traders who make their way here.
Across the Lands: What’s Trending in Equestrianism
The world is abuzz with the Joust, you know. This grand spectacle is the rage in France, England, and even over in Germany. From what I've gathered, brave knights on magnificent steeds engage in an intense battle of skill and prowess. Now, this sounds rather thrilling. I'd give anything to see a real Joust in action! Perhaps one day.
But the excitement isn’t all about pageantry, thankfully. There's also talk about the development of a special saddle, something they call a Stirrup! I haven't seen it, but rumour has it, it's a wondrous invention!
Now, I've seen all sorts of things throughout my years, and let me tell you, I'm sceptical! What could a saddle need that it hasn't already got? Surely, they've reached the pinnacle of comfort and practicality!
I have, however, observed the gradual development of riding, albeit in simpler forms than those jousting tales. Here in Scotland, our men use horseback to patrol and protect their land, and in villages throughout Britain, it's common to see messengers galloping about, carrying news from one place to the next.
But beyond the everyday uses of horses, things are happening that touch the very core of our lives - Breeding. Yes, you heard me right! This is the time of year when breeders everywhere are making great strides in developing their bloodlines. It's a process that takes years, requiring careful selection, strategic pairing, and of course, a great deal of love and patience.
For those of you in the equine world, remember: the work of breeders is essential to the future of our species! The traits we hold dear - speed, strength, endurance - these are all nurtured and perfected through dedicated breeding practices.
In these grand castles and noble manor houses, Bloodlines are being crafted for specific purposes - some for war, others for racing, and some even for simply graceful companionship. It's a world I don't quite understand, I confess, but I respect its dedication.
And speaking of respect, I’m deeply thankful to the breeders who brought the grey Arabian into our world. Now, there's a truly graceful breed if I ever saw one! Known for its beauty and speed, its origins lie somewhere near the Arabian peninsula - imagine, all that sand! The mere mention of this breed gets all the other mares snorting! They are a rare breed, these Arabians, and the stories about them reach even here, across the Highlands and beyond.
But while these elegant Arabians have captivated the imaginations of men, we sturdy draughts are the ones keeping the world moving. I have nothing against those thoroughbreds, understand? But my kind of horse is more common, more versatile, more important perhaps, to everyday life. It's we workhorses that keep the wheels turning.
The life of a draught mare, you see, is not without its own charm!
Our Humble Lives, But With Meaning
In our tranquil Hayfield, a community spirit runs strong, and you can almost feel it in the air, especially on those sunny, late summer days when the breeze carries the scent of ripening barley. We work together, play together, and look after one another.
I have my friends, of course. There’s Fiona, a black and white cob mare, with a heart of gold and an insatiable love for hay. She's always happy to offer a sympathetic ear to a weary horse. And then there’s Jasper, a spirited stallion, with a passion for mischief and an endless supply of good-natured jokes. Oh, and how can I forget the sweet, gentle Winnie? A dappled grey pony, she is our resident expert in the language of birds, able to mimic almost any call or chirp she hears.
Together, we are more than just individual horses; we are a team, a family, united by our shared love for Hayfield and the land we call home.
Life in the Stable and beyond
Life in the stable can be cozy, but our duties mean that we spend a lot of our time working the fields, in the barn, or delivering the harvest to market. But each day is a new adventure, full of interesting sights and sounds.
The most magnificent sights we often see are those Hawks - soaring high above us on graceful wings, reminding us of the beauty of the natural world. Sometimes, when we’re hauling wagons full of hay, they’ll swoop down, casting shadows upon the earth below. They are predators, yes, but it's fascinating to watch them gliding effortlessly through the skies, searching for their next meal.
The Deer too! They’re a gentle breed. Always keeping their distance, they flit through the undergrowth, graceful as dancing shadows. Every so often, we might even see a magnificent stag with impressive antlers, leading a small family across our paths. It is always a joyous moment, seeing these beautiful creatures thriving in our natural world.
Speaking of moments of beauty, remember that time we witnessed the magnificent sunrise over the Scottish Highlands? A breathtaking spectacle of colour, it reminded me of the immense beauty surrounding us. The vibrant crimson hues bled across the horizon, chasing away the darkness, ushering in a new day full of promise and possibility. Those are the days, you see, when I truly feel a deep connection to the land and its creatures, its spirit. It's as if I too, share in its rebirth, a sense of joy at being alive.
Forging Connections with Humankind
We share a strong bond with humans here in Hayfield. Our human companions are dedicated to caring for us and ensuring our wellbeing, making sure we're fed, groomed, and treated with respect. And you know what, the love and care we receive makes all the difference in the world.
Just recently, our farmer, Thomas, started grooming my mane, making it a smooth, silky canvas, ready for a new, beautiful braid, something I must confess, I look forward to with great enthusiasm. He doesn't talk much, this quiet man, but he's got the kindest hands in the whole world. I’m glad he’s ours.
Even the children understand us in a way their parents don't always. Just last week, young Anna came running up to me after school with a bunch of wild daisies, each one blooming with a pure white brilliance that was a testament to her innocence. I gave her a friendly nudge with my head, and she smiled. We shared a special connection, one of innocence, trust, and a shared love for this wonderful land. I know they all think I understand every word they say, and they might just be right, wouldn't you say?
And the women, well, their soft hands are capable of the gentlest caresses. When they pass by, it’s like a warm breeze flowing over us, bringing with it their loving whispers and gentle pats. These quiet gestures, sometimes accompanied by sweet sugar treats, make them the most cherished companions in the world.
It’s a relationship based on mutual respect and understanding, and it warms my heart.
But, life in 1440 is not without its challenges. Our duties require strength and stamina, but we also face the realities of this world - disease, natural disasters, even conflict, and sadly, there is always the chance of our humans requiring us for things we might not always understand.
But regardless of the hardships we face, the resilience of our species keeps us strong. Just as we are always striving to learn more, improve our capabilities, and refine our bonds with our human friends, so too is humanity striving, through good times and bad. It’s a story told throughout our shared history.
For now, my dear friends, I bid you farewell. I've many a chore to attend to and barley fields to tend. And while life may be simpler here in Hayfield, the joy I find in each new sunrise, the bond I share with my fellow steeds, and the respect I have earned from those who work alongside me is more than any grand spectacle could offer. And just think, that is exactly why we live, don't you agree?
Until next time,
Emma
