Welcome to EquiWorld, dear friends! Emma here, your favourite Highland draught horse with a passion for history and all things equine. It's a brisk November morning here in Hayfield, near Aberdeen, and the frost glistens on the dew-kissed grass like a million tiny diamonds. As the sun begins its slow ascent, bathing the meadows in its golden light, I can't help but feel a sense of wonder and peace.
It's been a long, eventful year, filled with the familiar sights, sounds, and smells of Highland life, and the world beyond. The year 1462 saw many changes – some big, some small – but for me, a horse of simple means and simple pleasures, life has remained remarkably steady.
The morning mist hangs low, shrouding the hills and the ancient stones of the standing circle. It's a place of great reverence, where our ancestors stood, and where we stand now, sharing this landscape with them. I like to think their presence is felt here, in the whisper of the wind, the rustling of leaves, and the way the earth seems to breathe beneath my hooves.
I have spent most of the year with the gentle clan of horses that roam the hills around my home, enjoying the simple pleasure of grazing, sharing stories with my brethren, and enjoying the boundless freedom that comes with life in the wild. It is here in these vast, rugged pastures, under the watchful eye of the majestic Ben Nevis, that my story truly unfolds.
A Busy Summer for Scottish Horses
As the spring thaw gave way to the vibrant colours of summer, the fields exploded with a cornucopia of wildflowers, a symphony of colours stretching as far as the eye can see. The scent of wildflowers mixed with the earthy aroma of the earth, filling the air with a sweet, intoxicating fragrance. This was the time for the big fairs – the gathering of all the people, the feasting, and of course, the horses!
Horses from far and wide came to the fairs, and what a sight it was! I am a big girl, but some of those sturdy draft horses from the English lowlands - giants of muscle and power - truly left me in awe! They were destined for farm work, but others were destined for the battlefield, to carry the weight of a rider and fight for a king's glory.
The knights with their gleaming armour were a dazzling sight, especially the Scots, who, to this day, still favour a coat of mail that's bright blue and makes me feel very regal! Some horses, especially those from noble bloodlines, carried decorative bits and bridles adorned with silver, reminding everyone of their lineage and lineage matters in the equine world just as much as it does among humans!
But the life of a warhorse isn’t easy. For all the grandeur, they are faced with danger. Many warhorses never return from the battlefields, leaving their riders, brothers, and comrades behind. While we draft horses toil the fields, the warhorses endure the horrors of the battlefield, sacrificing themselves for the sake of humans and their ambitions.
This year saw the Scots engage in a new war with the English. News travelled from south to north across Scotland via travelling merchants, their carts pulled by teams of weary, travel-worn horses. It seems the king's coffers are empty and the English see opportunity for further conquest in Scotland.
I heard stories from travelling horses that a big battle happened this summer. From what I could gather, it happened on the banks of the River Derwent in a place called Northampton. It is said that the Scots had a big defeat - although some claim the Scots king escaped. Whatever happened in Northampton, I am thankful to be here in Hayfield with the safe haven of our ancient Scottish Highlands around me.
Winter Approaching, Food Scarce
As summer slowly faded into autumn, the once lush meadows began to fade with the shortening days. We’ve started gathering with the sheep for protection and warmth during the coming winter. Even though there’s less food now, we will all have each other, and that is the most important thing in the world.
Some of our brethren in other regions are far from lucky enough to have our haven of green grass. In some of the areas near the sea in Scotland, or in those regions where men cultivate the soil and grow crops, some horses are facing hunger. It is hard to be a horse in a famine, having to work in the fields during the harvest to sustain man's greed when they have none to spare. I have never known the suffering that can come with hunger but it sounds very frightening!
The Horses of History
I cannot escape the impact of human history. The things they do! It sometimes makes my mare's heart sink! All around us, the stories of horses – from ancient times through to this year, 1462 – are etched into the landscape and embedded in the lives of all of us in the horse world. Whether you live near the castle or in a secluded forest glade, our past – from the wild horses who ran freely, to the mighty steeds of conquest - shapes our lives in a powerful and fascinating way.
As I watch the winter stars paint the night sky, I wonder about the horses who have walked these meadows before me. Did they fear winter as I do? Did they rejoice in the bounty of spring as much as I? Did they know, as I do, the special bond we have with humankind - sometimes to our detriment - but often for love, service, and partnership? I have my opinions of them, just as they had theirs of me – maybe in time, I shall write more about this subject in my own humble way on my blog here on EquiWorld!
Rest Well and Live Well, my fellow equines! Until next time, dear readers, keep your hooves happy!
Emma, Highland Draught Horse, Hayfield, Scotland.
