Hello, fellow equines and horse lovers! Emma here, your friendly grey draught from Hayfield, just outside of bonnie Aberdeen. The crisp Highland air has a hint of frost in it, and the sunrise paints the hills a lovely blush of pink, so I thought I'd sit down with a mouthful of the finest hay and share my latest musings about 1483. It’s been quite a year, my friends!
Let's start with my own little corner of the world. My master, young Jamie, is a good soul - kind and patient. He's just turned eighteen, with a mane as red as a fox's tail, and he treats me like a true companion. I can tell he cares deeply for all of us horses here on the farm. The day starts early, of course - the rooster crows long before the sun even thinks about waking up, and there’s a chorus of baas and bleats to follow. Jamie and I tend to the sheep together, helping to keep them safely fenced in, and we take them out to graze on the rich pastureland around Hayfield. The landscape here is truly beautiful, green valleys with wildflowers dotting the slopes, and the fresh, clean air fills me with life. It’s no wonder that our steeds are known for their strength and spirit.
The Hayfield farm is more than just a farm, mind you, it's a haven. We take great pride in the quality of the hay we produce – everyone says it’s the best in all of Aberdeenshire! You see, Jamie’s family has a reputation for being meticulous and hardworking, so every single bale we produce is treated with love and care, ensuring it's free of dust and filled with all the goodness the Highland air can offer. That's something worth a good whinny about!
Now, I may be a bit of a workhorse (pun intended!), but my heart yearns for the world beyond our hills. My ears perk up when I hear talk of knights, ladies, and battles on the distant fields. You see, in the world beyond, horses play a crucial role. There are grand knights galloping on their steeds, carrying lances, protecting their kingdoms, and earning glory in jousting tournaments. Every time Jamie comes back from town, I press my head against him, eager for the latest tales, for even in this humble corner of Scotland, stories travel on the wind.
But beyond the romance of war and adventure, the horses of 1483 also face real challenges. While I wouldn’t call it hardship, there are tough times, no doubt. There are rumors of unrest in the country, and we are expected to lend a hoof to transportation of supplies and materials, which sometimes requires us to journey for miles on end. Still, despite any anxieties, the simple joy of a clear sky and a full belly makes any fatigue disappear.
And then there's the excitement! You see, 1483 is a special year – a time of change and turmoil. In far off London, King Edward IV has finally returned to the throne after losing it to Richard Neville, the Earl of Warwick (he's known as Warwick the Kingmaker, and with a name like that, you just know things will be eventful!).
The King is returning with his two sons and a new Queen, Elizabeth Woodville. What a feat! I’m not saying that our Scottish King James III, a most fine man with a fondness for musical instruments, should step down from his throne. But the thought of someone like Richard, whose face is more wrinkled than a dried-out pear, sitting on the King's throne makes me twitch with unease! I wouldn't like it if some grumpy old horse took over my pasture, would I?
Talking of horses and kings, did you know the King has a special horse, named White Surly, who’s known to have been trained for combat? Now, that's the kind of stallion I would want to be, strong and proud, and maybe, just maybe, I’d have my own lance and armor someday. It’s enough to make a girl dream!
My ears always prick up when I hear of these great stallions - their strength and intelligence is the stuff of legend. I think back to the ancient Romans, who harnessed the might of horses for war and travel. They weren't the first to tame us, mind you, that honor goes to the nomadic peoples, the inventors of horseback riding. Horses and humans – it’s a partnership as old as time itself! And there are so many breeds! From our powerful Draughts to the fleet Arabians and the elegant Spanish jennets – horses grace the world in their varied forms.
Oh, have I told you about the new foal that arrived on the farm just this spring? Her name is Rosie, a little bay mare with eyes as dark as the night sky. She is such a mischievous, spirited young filly - all paws and fluff. But with time, I’m sure she'll become a fine mare, just as strong and loyal as any of us. Jamie often walks with her and tells her stories of bravery and valor, and when he rides by, he makes a gentle humming sound. This sound he makes always puts Rosie in a trance – I believe that it might even be calming magic!
Of course, there's more than war and legend. In 1483, people rely on horses for their livelihoods. My friend Thomas, a farmer in a neighboring village, says he couldn't imagine life without his trusty nag, Jenny, who carries heavy loads, helps with plowing the fields, and acts as a trusty companion. He whispers about plans to breed her and add new young stallions to the mix. Such important work!
We are more than just workhorses, you know. The horses of 1483 are also creatures of love and beauty. When Jamie is tending the fields, Rosie will gallop up to me, full of playful energy, and nibble at my mane, making a soft whinnying sound, like a cheerful melody. Sometimes, we stand together under the tall, wide-limbed oak tree, gazing up at the sky, the leaves of the oak whispering a song that only horses understand. It’s a silent, profound connection. It’s times like these, where nature whispers secrets on the breeze, that I feel truly at home in the world, and for a moment, the world just melts away.
The year is drawing to a close. Winter will soon grip our land, and with the snowfall come cozy days inside the stable. While there may be uncertainties in the world, a full feed of oats and the warm companionship of my stablemates offer comfort and peace.
I leave you with this thought, fellow equine friends: whether we’re used for pulling plows or racing through the fields, we horses play a vital part in the lives of people across the world. So, the next time you catch a glimpse of a magnificent horse, remember the history etched within its coat, the generations of its ancestors who graced the earth before us. And if you find yourself out in the world, looking for a noble companion, well, look no further! The world of horses, my dear friends, is waiting to welcome you.
Until next time!
Emma, the Hayfield Grey
