Greetings, fellow equines and horse-loving friends!
It's Emma here, your grey draught horse with a love for history, a penchant for fine oats, and a mane so white, it glistens in the sun. This year, we’re venturing back in time to 1456, a year brimming with activity in the horse world! I call the lush pastures and rolling hills of Hayfield near Aberdeen, Scotland my home.
A Year of Kings and Conquests:
Now, let’s rewind the clock. In 1456, England and Scotland are locked in a game of thrones – the kind where horses gallop and armour clangs. King Edward IV, the new English King, is still consolidating his power, having only just triumphed over his enemies and the Wars of the Roses (a conflict named for, guess what… our kind!), are far from over. This means that our equine friends are busy doing what they do best – serving as powerful steeds, charging into battle alongside knights, carrying the weight of war on their strong backs.
While we’re at war in the south, Scotland is in a similar predicament, dealing with political unrest and squabbles for power. Our lives remain bound to our humans, serving in transport, agriculture, and of course, military duties. But, thankfully, we are still respected for our strength and courage!
Farming with Friends:
Let's talk about farm life! Farmers here, as everywhere, depend on their loyal horses for hauling loads, pulling ploughs, and tending to crops. My brethren are vital in carrying supplies to local markets and transporting the harvest across rolling plains. Our hooves beat a steady rhythm to the beat of farm life – working alongside humans for the benefit of both. It's hard work, but honest and fulfilling.
But wait! What’s that sound? The clang of metal? The thundering of hooves? Could it be…? Yes! It’s the sound of “The Battle of Hemingsworth!” I’ve heard tales of it from older horses, stories that resonate in the stables after a day's work. The battle ended with English victory – a sign of strength and strategy on horseback. And there you have it - our horses were central in securing a kingdom.
*Across the Continent: *
News travels slowly in those days. The echoes of the “Hemingsworth” conflict fade and we hear another piece of equine history being crafted… the great Ottoman Empire, across the wide sea, is on the rise. Imagine - knights on powerful horses – our kind - are in action against an enemy that calls themselves 'the invincible'. Their power lies in speed and ferocity, and they have strong steeds on their side too. The clash between Europe and the Ottoman Empire continues in various ways, bringing change and a wave of new battles to our continent.
And within the continent of Europe, amidst all these wars and power struggles, the world of breeding is always changing and adapting to different climates and conditions. It seems there is a never-ending quest to improve speed, strength, and agility – for the needs of both war and peace!
A Touch of Wonder:
You know, there’s magic in history, a beautiful tapestry woven by hooves and hands, by courage and toil. This year, I'm grateful to be part of this magnificent story. I live for the feel of the wind whipping through my mane as I pull a cart laden with hay across fields bursting with wildflowers. I'm awed by the sight of my brethren on the battlefield, strong and brave, charging towards a noble cause.
- It was a year for battle, a year for toil, but ultimately a year of resilience, adaptation and fortitude, all woven into the grand fabric of equine history.
Until next time, fellow equines!
Yours truly, Emma the Grey Draught
