Hello, fellow Equine enthusiasts! It’s Emma here, your favourite grey mare from Hayfield, near Aberdeen. It’s been a busy year, and I’m finally settling down after all the excitement to write about 1454 for EquiWorld!
We’re at the heart of Scotland, in the stunning Grampian Mountains. The air here is crisp, with heather fields stretching as far as the eye can see. It’s a magical place for a horse to grow up – strong winds and sturdy footing, perfect for honing my strength and speed. And I do need that strength; as a big, strong grey draught, I’m a girl who can carry a weight!
This year, I’ve been working on the farm with my fellow Highlanders - strong, resilient horses like me who are perfect for working the land. We’re pulling the heavy plows through fields to make room for the next harvest, dragging the heavy carts to the bustling market, and even helping to carry supplies up to the towering castles. It's honest work, but I don't mind – I find it satisfying to see the fruits of our labour.
Speaking of castles, you can't ignore the imposing presence of the King’s castle just beyond Hayfield. The year 1454 has seen much turmoil in the kingdom. The mighty King James II of Scotland is still quite young, but he's not one to be underestimated.
This year, he's made his mark, first by reclaiming some castles from the English who tried to make trouble for us in our northern borders. Our own noble lord, the Duke of Albany, did his bit too, capturing the fierce Fortress of Roxburgh. You can imagine the fierce clang of battle and the echoing clang of metal – a stark contrast to the tranquil click-clack of my hooves against the cobbled stones of the castle grounds.
Of course, a busy ruler like King James needs good, dependable horses. That’s where we come in – the strong and noble Highland draughts like me. It’s been an honour to see his majestic royal carriage trundling along the well-kept roads and know that I, a horse from Hayfield, play a part in his splendid kingdom.
But my year didn't only consist of gracious royal errands and hard work on the farm. The summer of 1454 brought the most extraordinary sight to our highlands – a bustling fair that drew horses from every corner of the kingdom. People gathered from far and wide, filling every path and lane, all eager to trade their goods and witness the feast of horses!
I was among the crowd of magnificent steeds, gazing at the most exquisite breeds I’d ever seen! Imagine horses the colour of the finest wine, the silken manes of Arabian mares that flowed like liquid gold, and the strong, graceful limbs of imported Italian chargers. The fair buzzed with activity – vendors called their wares, people celebrated their harvest with laughter and merriment, and children gazed up with awe at the majestic animals they encountered.
It was an absolute treat for any horse to witness – and for me, it meant more than just admiring the other breeds. I had a chance to meet some exceptional horses that made a deep impression on me. There was a striking Arabian stallion named Amir, who had the most captivating dark eyes and a mane as glossy as the silkiest velvet. We spent hours talking about our travels and our stories – I love listening to stories of other horses and learning about their lives.
Then there was a kind Highland mare named Flora. We were both bred for working the land, and our shared strength and work ethic forged a special bond between us. She told me tales of her work on the vast farms in the lowlands and how essential our kind are to the smooth running of every kingdom.
The fair also highlighted a crucial part of our world – the art of horse care. Skilled veterinarians and blacksmiths worked their magic on horses, treating their ailments and caring for their well-being. They taught me so much about our needs as horses – how important it is to stay nourished and keep our hooves healthy, and the importance of understanding our body language and how we communicate with our human friends.
All in all, it was a truly magical experience at the fair. It reminded me how essential horses are to our human friends and to every facet of life in this kingdom. And as I gazed up at the clear night sky above the Highland moors, I felt incredibly lucky to be a part of this splendid community.
Of course, no post about horses would be complete without a mention of the great love we have for our humans! This year, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting a kind boy who loves horses just as much as I do. His name is Angus, and he helps with the chores on the farm, mucking out the stables, feeding the animals, and caring for all the horses.
He's got a soft spot for grey horses, and his fond touch makes me feel truly loved and cherished. I enjoy our quiet moments in the field – just me and Angus, sharing the peaceful beauty of the Hayfield hills.
I look forward to another year filled with adventures and laughter – and who knows what the future will hold! But no matter what lies ahead, I'll always be thankful for my life as a Highland horse, a humble servant to our kingdom, and a faithful companion to my human friends.
Until next time, fellow horse lovers, may you find joy in your journey!
Emma.
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