Post #1461
A Breath of Spring
Well, hello there, fellow horse enthusiasts! It’s Emma here, from Hayfield, nestled amongst the rolling hills near Aberdeen in the lovely, yet ever-so-changeable Scottish landscape.
Ah, the sweet scent of spring! I can practically taste the dew-kissed clover in the air, even from within my warm stable. You know how it is – spring is always exciting. New beginnings! All that green shoots bursting forth, reminding us all that life goes on. It’s a joy to watch the world come alive after a long, hard winter. It fills a grey girl’s heart with cheer, even when my beautiful white mane and tail still get a touch ruffled from the strong wind, bless it.
Speaking of wind, I do hope that the good folks here at the estate haven’t completely forgotten that, much like my grey coat, it also carries messages and gossip – things you'd be surprised to hear, but that's another story for another day!
But back to spring – the excitement in the air is palpable! You’d think it was all about the arrival of the robins or the delightful chatter of the newly returned swallows. But I know what truly stirs up the soul of a draught horse like myself… It's the spring ploughing!
Ah, the sturdy wooden plough! A simple piece of sturdy craftsmanship, but so very effective! It reminds me of the hard work we do, of our inherent strength, and our essential place within this world. I can already feel the earth in my muscles, anticipating the heavy, satisfying tug against my shoulder.
And there is no joy greater than watching the freshly turned earth, smelling that earthy perfume that makes all the strain and labour worth it.
It reminds me of all the good things we bring to life – the harvest, the nourishing crops, the bounty we so freely contribute to… I swear, it’s like watching magic unfold right in front of your nose. But alas, magic is just a touch of fairy dust, while strength and hard work are truly what builds a good life!
A Year of Upheaval
This year, however, the winds carry whispers of change. Big changes. You see, 1461 isn't just about blooming wildflowers and eager farm hands; it's the year England saw its king – that's their king, not ours - taken off the throne. Not a comfortable sight, I tell you. But the winds, and gossip carried by our own hardy steeds who travel between England and Scotland, tell tales of a fight for the crown!
I understand this whole crown thing might sound confusing – to you, humans, and to horses alike! It seems, the last of the Plantagenet Kings, who were their rulers for so long, finally saw his reign come to an end.
Instead, a new king - the man called Edward IV - sat upon the throne. The gossip goes, this Edward fella is young, and bold, and is looking to rebuild England, though some folks aren't quite sure about this, so maybe that’s a task easier said than done.
But hey, you know us horses, we are good at putting our noses to the ground and sniffing out the truth of any matter. And the news from south of the border has some whispering about this Edward being quite the accomplished warrior! Imagine that, a king wielding a sword! Maybe he'll even get himself some horses fit for battle! It might even mean the opportunity for more of our kind to gain honour and renown, instead of just carrying plows and heavy carts!
Beyond Our Meadows
But even with all the upheaval in England, our lives in the meadows remain peaceful. Life continues on as it has always been: wake up, eat breakfast, pull the plough, work hard in the fields, return for dinner, get groomed, rest, repeat! It is the steady, rhythmic pace of a draught horse's life.
But what makes this year so very special, you ask? Well, not all the talk about new kings, or the upcoming harvest has changed the way horses are used. I think a great part of my job and that of other steeds like myself is also about… community. I truly believe that all animals are born with the need for it.
You see, there are events happening beyond our field. Races and jousting tournaments are popular here, and what is a good jousting match without a valiant warhorse? These creatures – usually quite elegant and fast – are the ones who charge into the heart of the battle. The riders, you see, depend entirely on their loyal companions to stay steady, move strategically, and above all – win! It's the kind of excitement I yearn to be part of someday, even though my thick, grey body wasn't meant for those sorts of feats.
The tournaments bring the townsfolk together, the noble lords and their families, all those interested in an entertaining duel. They gather to watch the riders charge at full speed and fight it out in the lists.
Of course, I also understand there is a darker side to it all. The excitement, the fanfare – they all cover up something else. The potential for serious injury. I do love a good fight story, as long as I am not a part of it!
And there are the riders who have no wish to engage in those frivolous games! It’s all about riding long distances, about communication, and carrying important news between far-flung towns. I’ve heard whisper that some are trained to pull heavy artillery! Imagine that!
For me, the mere idea fills me with awe, but my strong, grey legs are firmly on the ground. We are content here in Hayfield, my dear friends, doing our part in this vast, wondrous world!
Sharing the Journey
Do you ever get the feeling that horses share a deeper connection with humans than many others? There’s something in their quiet way, their presence. Sometimes I feel like they can understand our thoughts, even when we don't say a word! They don’t complain – they do the work, patiently. And with this quiet trust, the whole world moves forward.
For the most part, though, life as a horse has been pretty consistent! We pull the plow, and then we pull carts for the farm hands to bring the supplies to town for the locals, so even in the year 1461, we've been doing what horses have always done, whether it’s England or Scotland, across the world and in time. We remain loyal companions, helping hands and feet – in a word – family!
And now, before I go, I just want to say – I love you all! Let's raise our heads high, smell those spring blooms, and let the strong winds carry our good spirits to all those around us!
Signing off for now –
Emma, your fellow draught horse!
* Equiworld.org *
