Ahoy there, fellow equines! Emma here, a twenty-year-old grey draught mare from the bonnie hills of Hayfield near Aberdeen, Scotland. It’s me again, bringing you another peek into my life as a horse in this year of grace, 1481. Now, I may be a bit older, but my spirit is as lively as a foal’s, and my mane, as white as the driven snow, still makes me a right handsome lass.
A Time for Travel
You wouldn’t believe the journey I had just last month. We were travelling from our home in Hayfield down to Edinburgh to meet the King! Imagine, my dear reader, the bustle of the city streets. People, carriages, other horses, all swarming around us! I felt so important, being a part of the grand procession that brought goods to the King's court.
We hauled goods all the way, our strong backs carrying crates of fresh produce, sacks of grain, and even a lovely, sturdy, hand-crafted table that had come from our home county. We didn't get a moment of rest on the journey.
Now, I've always loved being useful and being able to contribute. But even my strong legs were feeling tired after so many days of constant hauling. And I must confess, even I couldn’t help feeling a bit homesick!
But the highlight of our trip, oh my, the highlight of our trip was meeting the King himself. His majesty, King James III, is a proper good gentleman, kind and polite, with a twinkle in his eye! He smiled and patted me on the nose, and even gave me a little treat of barley, the finest he had!
Horses in Society
You see, friends, we horses have been an integral part of society for as long as I can remember. We work alongside men and women in all walks of life. The noble knights of the land rely on us for their strength and speed. We’re their loyal steeds in battle and companions on long journeys. Farmers depend on our mighty strength to pull plows, transport crops, and haul heavy goods. We help transport people across vast distances, carrying their burdens with our unyielding spirit.
Speaking of journeys, there are rumours of a great voyage coming soon. I’ve heard whispers about a brave explorer who is about to set sail across the seas, far away, beyond what we know! Imagine, new lands to discover, new wonders to behold!
Though we, the horses, won't be involved in these explorations across the sea, there will be plenty of other horses needed. For instance, in these times, even though trade ships were mostly powered by the wind, the transport of goods from the port to their final destination would have to be done by strong and reliable horses! It's a lot of work, but these animals are true lifesavers.
The Role of the Female
I also believe this is a wonderful time to celebrate our equine ladies. The gentle mare, with her nurturing nature and immense strength, is a true treasure! Not only are we responsible for carrying foals and raising them, but we also are the backbone of farmwork. We toil with patience and dedication in the fields, helping provide sustenance for our human friends. Our gentle strength makes us ideal for pulling wagons, carriages, and farm machinery, all while raising strong and healthy foals. It’s no small feat, and we mares are truly remarkable, if I may say so myself!
Speaking of foals, oh my! I can't resist sharing a heartwarming tale of a filly born on our farm this year. The farmer’s wife named her Rosie. She's the sweetest, most curious little thing. With her playful eyes and soft chestnut coat, she reminds me of myself in my younger days! Rosie, bless her little heart, has been the highlight of the season, her little footsteps and joyous neighs a constant reminder of the joy of life. She is constantly testing the limits of her little legs, attempting to leap over fences, chasing butterflies, and practicing her new moves. What a delight to see young energy like hers in action. It makes me feel so young at heart myself!
Training and Keeping Us in Shape
Here in Hayfield, the lads who care for us make sure we’re well-fed and watered. And you know, it’s important to keep our strong legs in top condition. The lads do this with regular exercise. They make us do all sorts of things - from galloping around the fields to dragging heavy logs, strengthening our muscles and ensuring we stay fit for whatever life throws our way!
Our horseshoer, a jovial chap called Duncan, visits every few months. His blacksmith shop is near our fields. He's the best in the region for keeping our hooves in pristine condition. When I first encountered him, I must admit, the smell of hot iron wasn't pleasant, but now, with my calm demeanor and confidence, it doesn't bother me at all. It's all part of the life of a horse. I’m glad for him and for his skill in caring for our precious hooves!
I know I can always rely on Duncan to do a proper job and to make sure I have nice new, strong, sturdy shoes. This gives me confidence when pulling those large carts and wagons, and the best part of the whole process is the satisfying feeling of a good cleaning. It is amazing how good those horseshoes can make our hooves look! They make our horses even more stylish and confident!
New Trends in the Horse World
But even with all this going on, there’s a real excitement about horse riding at the moment! Yes, those fancy carriages, yes, all that plowing - all that's important, no doubt. But it seems there’s this whole new trend in town. Riding for pleasure, you see, not just riding for work! They call it “sporting horses.” Fancy name for what we’ve always done. The horses who engage in such games are quite impressive.
A new breed, too. The warmblood. You wouldn’t believe it. These majestic, refined horses are graceful and intelligent! My friends, the other draught horses, who pull the ploughs like myself, say they don’t understand. This sporting, racing world seems quite a strange way to be. The more I hear about it though, the more I am curious about it.
I’m sure we'll see much more of these sporting breeds in years to come.
But as a working horse, a proper, sturdy, dependable draught mare like myself, I’m perfectly happy doing what I do best. The pleasure is in my work, in the strength I offer, in the vital contribution I make to society. After all, haven’t we always done our part?
Well, friends, this is Emma, signing off for now. I've had quite a busy, but exciting year. I hope you've enjoyed my peek into life in 1481. Do send me your greetings through the web on www.equiworld.org, or simply say “Hello!” if you spot me on a carriage ride in the beautiful countryside of Scotland. Keep your heads high and your hearts open, my equine friends! Until next time, may your days be filled with oats and sunshine!
