Greetings, fellow equines!
It’s Emma here, your favourite draught horse from Hayfield, just outside of bonnie Aberdeen. As a sturdy, grey mare with a snowy mane and tail, my life has been filled with the simple pleasures of good oats, sunny pastures, and the steady work of a well-trained draught horse. I'm particularly proud of my white blaze, which some say adds to my beauty. However, the real charm of my existence lies in the history that surrounds me.
I love history. Perhaps that's why I've chosen to chronicle my experiences, as well as the larger world of equines, in my blog for EquiWorld. My entries often involve musings on my daily life in the year 1260 - a year brimming with activity and significance in the realm of horses, a realm I hold so dear.
This year has been one of contrasts. There have been times of toil and hardship, but also occasions filled with the warm camaraderie of my fellow steeds and the soothing rhythm of the tasks that fill our days. For example, earlier this spring, we worked alongside our human companions to transport freshly harvested grain from the fields to the granary. The rhythmic click of our hooves upon the cobblestone streets and the chatter of the humans behind us as they joked and sang filled the air with an energy that truly uplifted the spirit.
Speaking of spirits, the recent news from the human world, particularly from our southern neighbours in England, has been less than joyful. This year, a war is raging for the throne of England. The battle for power is intense, and, sadly, our brethren have been thrust into the midst of the fighting. It breaks my heart to hear of horses bearing knights and archers, facing danger on the battlefields. Sadly, I hear that these poor creatures are losing their lives as quickly as men, all in the pursuit of some grand dream of victory for the humans. Such needless waste and brutality! It fills me with sadness to know that some of our kind are suffering in such a way.
However, I am comforted by the knowledge that many of my equine kin continue to contribute in peaceful, even noble, ways. This year has seen several major sporting events that showcase our extraordinary capabilities and grace. There was a thrilling tournament at Stirling, where knights on horseback battled fiercely, their skills tested not in the brutal way of war, but in a spirited display of courage, agility and camaraderie. It was an event that reminded us all of the power of horsemanship when used for display and sport.
On a more everyday note, my stablemates and I continue to fulfill our duties in countless ways. As a large and sturdy grey mare, I've always been favoured for my strength and patience. This means I spend most of my time pulling ploughs, hauling carts filled with goods to market, and transporting the families of merchants across the countryside. But let me tell you, the world would be a very different place without the help of horses. It's a privilege to be able to make such a significant contribution, despite the occasionally strenuous nature of the work.
Another significant development that fills me with pride is the increased focus on horse breeding. I hear tales of people traveling from across the land to Scotland in pursuit of new, strong, and hardy horses. Our highland horses are said to be among the most desirable, renowned for their endurance and stamina. There’s a buzz in the air that whispers of breeding programmes focusing on both speed and strength. Such exciting advancements in the world of equines!
Of course, I wouldn't be true to myself if I didn't mention the sheer pleasure of simple life in Hayfield. My days are filled with a blend of hard work, quiet contemplation, and playful camaraderie with my stablemates. Every evening, as the sun dips below the horizon, I am blessed with a view of the magnificent heather hills surrounding my home. There, amongst the gentle slopes, I sometimes feel as if the ancient spirit of my ancestors breathes down upon me.
In these moments, I find myself reflecting on our remarkable heritage. We, the noble horse, have walked alongside humanity through thick and thin, serving as companions, laborers, and symbols of strength. There’s a deep-rooted understanding between us and the humans. We communicate in ways that transcend spoken words. And perhaps that's what makes our relationship so powerful, and so timeless.
This year in 1260, I find myself thankful for every day. From the bustling life of our farm to the quiet evenings under the watchful stars, it's all a journey filled with both toil and joy, a reflection of the interconnectedness of life on this earth. My heart swells with a love for our species and a gratitude for our place in the tapestry of history. As the wind rustles the leaves on the trees and the sun begins to set, I know I'm surrounded by the enduring spirit of all horses before me.
*I invite you, fellow equine enthusiasts, to share your own stories, reflections and experiences about this fascinating year. Write a comment below! Let's fill EquiWorld with the shared whispers of our magnificent equine lineage. *
Stay well and hooves strong, Emma
P.S. EquiWorld has many more fascinating articles and blog posts about horse history and other topics for the horse lover in all of us. We even have posts about how to find out what breed you are! Come and visit our site at www.equiworld.org and learn more about our extraordinary equine past, present and future.
Please note: While this blog post is written from a horse's perspective and is meant to be whimsical, the historical details are rooted in real events and research. There is plenty of material online about horse history and the specific period around the year 1260, and I have aimed to be reasonably accurate while conveying my persona as Emma. Enjoy!
