Hello, fellow equine enthusiasts! Emma here, a 20 year old grey mare with a white mane and tail. I call Hayfield near Aberdeen my home, but my journey takes me across many a field and moor. You may wonder what a working horse can teach you about history? Well, I reckon I’ve seen more than most, and I have the advantage of living through history from a four-legged perspective, sniffing out gossip and picking up tidbits here and there. Today, I'm taking you back to the year 1586. It's a year full of changes for the equine world, some good, some not so good, but all a part of the tapestry of our equine history.
1586 – A Busy Year in Hayfield
1586 dawned a little crisp, just how I like it, with the promise of fresh air and long days for work. My farmer, Angus, is a good man, one of those folk who truly understands the needs of his horse, which I, of course, very much appreciate! He knew a gentle hand was needed with me. As I’m getting a bit on in years, you could say, he’s taken a special liking to me and puts me on lighter work like hauling loads to the nearby village, carrying some supplies, or transporting grain from the local mill. The work’s still fulfilling, as I find my worth in my service to my human friends, but I relish a day in the fields. And there’s the thrill of a trip to the local fair! I do enjoy the commotion and see the colourful carriages going by. They make me wonder what exciting things I’ll be doing next.
This year, things seemed to have a new feel. Folk are a little quieter and the tension is in the air like a crisp chill that creeps under your mane. They say that King James of Scotland is struggling with political unrest and his throne isn’t quite as secure as it could be. This does make me nervous, I must confess. But there is no need for alarm; my Angus takes care to explain what is happening and assures me, my loyal mare, that I’ll always have my feed and a place in the stable.
And Angus’ family are delightful! I adore young Jessie. She’s just starting to ride. She reminds me so much of myself when I was younger, full of energy and love for everything fast! She takes my brush in her little hands, so light and careful, and says she wants to be a great horsewoman one day. She whispers, “I hope one day I can travel the world with you, Emma”. What a dear girl she is, with such big dreams!
A World of Horses: News From A Far
Even here, on our Scottish hills, we get news of horses in distant places. The grapevine whispers of war and unrest in the continent, especially around Europe. The year 1586 marks the year Philip II of Spain sends his Grand Armada towards England, but news of that terrible fleet of galleys hasn't quite made its way up here, thankfully. All I know is they’ll be riding lots of fine war horses in the service of royalty and a life of high tension and constant danger. Now, a quiet, faithful, workhorse life like mine is definitely my cup of tea, I must say.
There is word, however, that English breeders are trying new breeds, even crossing some Arabian stallions with their native steeds. I heard them calling it a “Barbed Horse”! They believe that mix of speed and stamina would make it a perfect horse for both the battlefield and for transportation. That sort of ambition – that's what horses are about!
I sometimes wish I could travel further and see more of the world. The merchants speak of horses like me being bred and sold for heavy loads, working the fields in Spain or maybe France. I wonder if those steeds have stories to tell and lessons to teach! But for now, I am content with my peaceful life in Hayfield. The mountains, the open sky, and Angus’ farm.
Learning the Art of Equine Wisdom
One thing I've learned in my long years of watching and listening is that the world of horses isn’t a place where you always get a lot of talk and fuss about how smart horses are. I have never seen a horse read a book or take part in political debates, nor did any horse that I have met ever held any sort of office! But we’ve always known how to take care of each other, share our space and be respectful of each other. We are the cornerstone of transportation, agriculture, and commerce, a quiet force that binds communities together.
So, the world might go by with its battles, its intrigue, its inventions, its shifting powers, but us horses are just going to be ourselves - strong, gentle, steadfast, and a little bit wise!
That is all from me for today, readers! Remember, no matter what year it is, let's make every day an adventure, just like a horse would!
Till next time!
Emma
Hayfield, Scotland
