Greetings, dear readers!
It's Emma here, a grey draught mare with a mane and tail as white as snow, writing from my humble stall in Hayfield, just a stone's throw from Aberdeen. The year is 1520, and the heather is blooming in the moors, their purples mingling with the vibrant blues of the sky. It's a beautiful time to be alive, even for a workhorse like me.
The World of Horses in 1520
For those of you who aren't familiar with the equine world in these times, let me tell you, it's a grand and varied one. We're the backbone of transportation and agriculture. Imagine a world without cars or tractors; that's what life was like back then! We hauled wagons full of goods, pulled ploughs through fields, and carried knights into battle. We were the lifeblood of society.
Right now, the warhorses are busy guarding the borders. Scotland and England are constantly squabbling, and you can always find a horse ready to defend its country, and those that are lucky enough to be with the Royal Family get to travel all over. My neighbour, a black stallion called Angus, is currently serving with the king and he gets to gallop across the countryside with a lance and shield. Now, that’s the kind of adventure I dream of!
We even serve as postal carriers, with riders like our friends in Hayfield bringing news across the country at breakneck speed. We’re not just transport though - our coats are used for warmth, our manure is used as fertilizer, and even our bones find a purpose, which is somewhat unsettling but definitely important, for the tools of every trade. Life on a farm isn't always glamorous, but we know our value!
A Day in the Life of a Draught Mare
As I mentioned, my life in Hayfield is far removed from the glamour of the battlefield. I wake up with the dawn, my warm, soft bedding smelling of hay and oats. The barn is filled with the comforting rumble of snorts and hooves tapping against the wood, and the faint sound of my human companions preparing the day.
Then, the bustle starts. I get my breakfast of oats and straw, and a pat on the neck from my favourite stable boy, Liam. He’s a kind lad, Liam, always eager to tell me stories about his dreams of becoming a knight. I don't quite understand his passion for battle, but I do appreciate the enthusiasm.
Next, I am hitched to a heavy wagon. We head to the market, loaded with bags of grain, to deliver them to the townsfolk. I feel strong and proud, my muscles pulling against the harness. I take my responsibility seriously, always striving to deliver the goods safely and on time.
Back at the farm, the work isn't over. My fellow draught horses and I have to help move rocks for the building of a new barn. It’s exhausting work, but the rewards are simple; a well-filled manger and a quiet place to rest in the evening.
The joys of Simple Things
Don't get me wrong; life on a farm can be quite routine. We repeat the same duties day after day, but I wouldn't have it any other way. There's a sense of peace in our work, in the rhythm of the seasons, and the companionship of my fellow horses. We have time for grooming, for sharing stories, for the gentle sound of a horse's hooves beating a rhythm on the stone path.
Evenings bring with them a certain magic. We graze in the pasture as the sun dips below the horizon, bathing the sky in fiery oranges and reds. Sometimes, I gaze up at the stars, wondering if they hold the secrets to adventures beyond the familiar world I know. Maybe, just maybe, I’ll get to see them closer one day.
Dreams and Hopes for the Future
One thing that keeps me going is the knowledge that the world is changing, even in the slow pace of 1520. New techniques for agriculture are being developed. I heard rumours that someone somewhere is trying to invent something called a ‘windmill’, though no one quite understands how it’s supposed to work! It sounds exciting. And my favourite local blacksmith, Tom, is busy constructing something he calls a “wheelbarrow.” A funny, oversized wagon with one wheel – and apparently, we horses don’t even need to be hitched to it. How strange, how marvelous!
I can't help but wonder how this changes things for our world. Will it mean less work for us? More work? We'll have to wait and see what the future holds.
What's on your mind?
I love to hear from my fellow horses around the world. What's the horse world like in your part of the world? Have you encountered any exciting new developments? Let's chat about it in the comments below!
Until next time, happy galloping, dear readers!
Emma
