A Grey Mare’s Journey through 1581
Hello there, dear readers! I'm Emma, a grey draught mare, and I'm delighted to welcome you to my humble corner of the EquiWorld.org blog. You might be thinking, "a horse blogging? That's a strange one!" But just imagine – we see so much, experience so much, and yet our thoughts rarely find their way into the written word! Well, today, I'll be sharing my perspective on what 1581 had in store for me, a 20-year-old grey mare with a snowy white mane and tail, living in the charming village of Hayfield, near Aberdeen in Scotland.
Life on the Farm: A World of Simple Pleasures
My life is pretty simple, actually. It revolves around the seasons and the needs of the humans who live on our farm. The day begins with a hearty breakfast of hay, oats, and a touch of barley. My groom, a young man named Thomas, often greets me with a gentle stroke on my flank and a cheery "Good morning, lass." It's the kind of greeting that warms the heart and fills your belly with contentment.
There’s nothing I enjoy more than the feeling of the dew on the grass beneath my hooves as I pull the plough through the fields. My human friends rely on me to prepare the land for crops like barley and oats – staples in their diets, and the very same grains that find their way into my own meals. It's a rewarding cycle, and I take pride in my strength and the role I play in supporting the life of the farm.
During the colder months, we find ourselves bustling with activity. As winter grips the Highlands, we are responsible for transporting goods, helping gather wood for fires, and clearing the snow to keep the roads passable. These duties often lead us into the quaint towns and villages surrounding Hayfield, allowing us to see the world outside our small, peaceful existence.
News from the Wider World
You might be surprised, dear readers, but news travels fast even in the 16th century, and through conversations with other horses, fellow travellers, and the ever-so-knowledgeable innkeepers we meet along our travels, I have been hearing murmurs of exciting things happening in the world of horses.
For instance, have you heard of the “Spanish Riding School” in Vienna? The tales of the magnificent horses there, expertly trained to perform intricate dances and aerial movements, have made my hooves tap with curiosity. Someday, I hope to visit Vienna, but for now, those stories remain part of a world I long to know.
I also heard stories of the famous English horse breeds - the strong and elegant Shire horses, and the elegant, noble Thoroughbreds - known for their speed and grace. The tales of their performances in the arenas, or their dashing performances on the racecourse, have left me awestruck.
A New Horse for the King?
One fascinating piece of news concerns the current monarch, Queen Elizabeth I, and her quest for the perfect horse. Word on the street is, she’s seeking a truly exceptional stallion - one with spirit, strength, and regal bearing. You might imagine the excitement among horse breeders across England! They see this as an opportunity of a lifetime, for a king's favour can mean fortune and fame.
Of course, this quest brings up interesting debates, not just about the qualities of the perfect royal horse, but also about the breed of horse that is considered "most worthy." Some prefer the fiery Spanish Barb, known for its agility and quick reflexes. Others champion the Flemish mares for their powerful builds, excellent endurance, and impressive stamina. I’m sure Queen Elizabeth’s final choice will be met with much excitement across the nation, and will no doubt have a profound impact on horse breeding in years to come.
A World Beyond our Fields
It is incredible, really, how news from so far away can impact the world around us. Just today, a farmer spoke about how this search for the perfect royal stallion could increase the value of strong, well-bred draught horses like myself! While the grand castles and the powerful monarchs might seem a world away from my humble farm life, their choices ripple out and impact us all, one way or another.
Our Shared Passion
My readers, as a horse, I cannot help but find myself deeply connected to the world around me, especially the world of horses. I believe there’s an unspoken bond between us, something stronger than any spoken word. It's a connection I feel with the horses we meet on our journeys, those that graze alongside us in the fields, and those we hear about through stories whispered around fires on a cold winter’s night.
The love of horses transcends borders and kingdoms; it unites us in a passion that runs deep through our veins.
So, dear readers, whether you live in a castle or on a small farm, know that even as you read these words, your love for horses, just like mine, connects you to a world bigger than anything you might imagine.
That is my perspective, as a grey mare named Emma, living in 1581. The year holds great promise for the world of horses - new breeds are being developed, kings and queens are actively choosing favourites, and every day brings its own share of challenges and triumphs for the equine kingdom! I can’t wait to see what 1582 will hold for us, and will be sure to share my thoughts and experiences here on EquiWorld.org.
Thank you for reading, and until next time,
Emma.
