A Highland Tale, 1480
Greetings, dear EquiWorld readers! Emma here, a lovely grey mare with a white mane and tail, proud resident of Hayfield near Aberdeen in Scotland. It's a blustery, brisk autumn day here, and I've just finished helping Mr. Campbell pull the last of the harvest. Honestly, it feels like I've been working nonstop all year – and wouldn't have it any other way! This is the life of a working horse, you know, full of purpose and routine.
Speaking of routine, I thought I'd share some of the highlights of life in 1480 from a horse's perspective. It's fascinating to watch how much the world revolves around us, even as we stay true to our duties!
The Busy Lives of Working Horses
You see, in 1480, life as a horse is quite different from today's "sporting" horses or "leisure" steeds. We're the backbone of transportation, the muscle behind every cart and plough. We're essential for everything from hauling goods to transporting soldiers. The world, quite literally, wouldn't turn without us!
I spent most of my summer hauling heavy loads of barley, oats, and potatoes for Mr. Campbell, his wife, and their delightful children. My companion, the sturdy chestnut stallion named Barnaby, and I would be hitched to the cart, hooves churning up dust on the rutted paths. We even got to visit the bustling city of Aberdeen, hauling barrels of locally brewed beer. That was quite an adventure – imagine, so many smells and sounds, and crowds of people jostling for space! I felt truly special, delivering these precious barrels that brought people joy.
Winter, of course, brought its own set of challenges. The snow and ice can be treacherous, especially when pulling loaded sleds over frozen paths. However, there's something invigorating about the crisp winter air, and a feeling of pride knowing that our work keeps people warm and fed during the harsh months.
The Art of Riding, Past and Present
Ah, the art of riding! I’ve heard tales from the older horses in Hayfield, their stories weaving a tapestry of a different kind of rider. There were knights, warriors mounted on sleek steeds, galloping across battlefields in gleaming armor! Those tales often make me long for a life of daring adventures, but here in Hayfield, our duties are humble yet deeply meaningful.
Nowadays, riding is less about charging into battle and more about getting from point A to point B. Mr. Campbell's young daughter, Elspeth, has started learning to ride. Her tiny, yet determined hands grip the reins, her bright eyes glued to the horizon. Her laugh fills the air, and her joy is infectious.
To teach Elspeth to ride has been a special privilege. There's something quite magical about witnessing a child's awe at being one with an animal, a connection born of trust and affection. These are the moments that remind me of the heart of our work.
Beyond the Work: Community and Care
Beyond our daily routines, we are part of a strong community. Every morning, we meet in the stableyard, a cacophony of whinnies and snorts greeting the sunrise. This is where the day's tasks are discussed, gossip is shared, and old wounds are licked clean. I particularly enjoy my chats with Millie, a gentle Clydesdale mare, her coat as dark as night. She knows every rumour and whispers of events happening beyond Hayfield, even whispers of King Richard in London.
But more than gossip, we provide a comfort to each other. In the stillness of the evening, when the chores are done and the moon bathes the stableyard in a silvery glow, I find peace among my fellow horses. We lean against each other for warmth, share our dreams and anxieties, and find solace in the bond that unites us.
Horse World News
Life isn't just about the farm and our duties. We've been hearing snippets of news from the travelling merchants and the occasional stranger passing through. And guess what? 20 years ago, a powerful man named William Wallace was executed! They say he led a fight for Scottish freedom. Imagine that! I wonder what our fellow horses in England are going through…
While I know about this famous figure, sadly, I haven't heard much about horses in other parts of the world, But from what I hear, they lead busy lives. In Spain, horses are vital in the bustling port cities. They help transport precious goods, their rhythmic clopping filling the air as they pull carts piled high with silk, spices, and other treasures. In the great land of China, I hear they even use horses in thrilling games! The whole idea of "horse racing" intrigues me greatly. Imagine, a race across open fields!
And what's happening with horse care? They say in some parts of the world, people are starting to use more metal bits in our bridles, though the softer, more comfortable options still remain common. My harness feels quite comfortable to me, a testament to my caring owners. We appreciate any way of helping to make our work a bit easier!
The Joy of a Simple Life
Even though I yearn to know more about the wider horse world, I truly feel content with my simple life in Hayfield. We may not be fancy "sporting" horses or engage in glamorous adventures, but our work is invaluable. Every sunrise, I wake up with a renewed sense of purpose.
Whether I'm pulling the plough across the fields or carrying hay to the sheep in the high pastures, my heart finds fulfillment in the connection I share with Mr. Campbell and his family, my fellow horses, and the land. This life of routine and honest work may not be exciting, but it is deeply fulfilling.
Until next time, dear EquiWorld readers!
-Emma, Hayfield's Finest
