Hello, lovely readers! Emma here, a grey draught mare from the rolling hills of Hayfield, near Aberdeen. It's been a while since my last post, but let me tell you, life in 1278 has been a whirlwind of activity! I thought I'd share a peek into what's been going on in our horsey world, particularly here in Scotland.
This past year, I feel, was all about change and community. And honestly, those two go hand-in-hand!
Let me tell you about one exciting change that’s made life much brighter for us workhorses: new shoes.
You see, my blacksmith, Angus, started using a new type of metal – more durable and less likely to crack! It feels lovely and strong on my hooves, and means I can work longer and harder without having to get new shoes every couple of weeks.
As you know, we draught horses pull heavy carts and plough the fields, so strong, durable shoes are essential for us. So, thanks to Angus and his innovation, I feel a little less worn out these days!
Another big change this year was a shift in how horses are viewed. People have always appreciated our strength and stamina, but now there’s a growing appreciation for our gentle nature and loyalty. I can see it in the way people treat us, their gentle touch, their kind words. There’s a newfound respect, like they see us as companions instead of just working tools. This, my dears, warms my heart.
Speaking of warmth, you can’t mention 1278 without mentioning the feast held at the end of August in celebration of a successful harvest. It was held at our lord’s estate, and let me tell you, they did us proud. We were all brought together – the working horses, the racing stallions, the small ponies who carried the children – for a magnificent banquet of fresh-cut hay, barley, oats, and even some tasty turnips.
There was music and singing, and even the blacksmith came by to make sure we were all well-shod. I felt like a real part of the community, a member of the team. It made me proud.
But there was something else special that year, something that felt even bigger than a feast. A young knight arrived at our farm with news of a magnificent new king: Edward I. The King of England has decided to extend his rule north to Scotland. Now, I'm not one for politics, but even a horse can sense the weight of these events. Some were happy for change, others apprehensive. What did it all mean for us, I wondered?
This change meant many knights travelled to and from England. Our lord began needing more horses to carry their supplies. Suddenly, it wasn't just farm work, but transporting weapons and men to different parts of the country. It made us feel even more valuable. It also brought new people to the farm and new stories. It made for an exciting year.
Another bit of news I wanted to share - did you know that monasteries are now beginning to use horses for travel? My cousins, who live at a monastery near Stirling, said the monks are now riding to other monasteries to spread their knowledge and help people in need. It seems even monks understand the value of a good horse!
But while life is exciting, my dears, we mustn't forget to care for our own needs. A horse's well-being starts with rest and nourishment. In these long working days, it's crucial to remember our hay and oats and our good nights’ sleep.
On a cold night, it is particularly important to keep a warm and clean coat. We're fortunate at Hayfield because we have a kind and dedicated stable hand named Moira. Every night, she makes sure we're snuggled into a pile of fresh straw, our manes and tails well brushed and clean. She always gives us an extra pat, a loving touch, before locking up for the night. It means a lot to us.
This past year was all about new beginnings, change, and connection. It made me appreciate all the small joys – the feeling of sun on my back, the cool wind in my mane, the camaraderie of our horsey family. And as I trot through Hayfield, looking out at the lush green fields, I am thankful for another year.
What exciting things will 1279 bring, I wonder? I'm excited to find out, and I’ll share them all with you. Until then, keep your hooves happy, and your heart warm!
Emma
I hope you enjoyed this peek into Emma's horsey world in 1278! I'll be back with more updates soon!
Don't forget to check out the rest of EquiWorld.org for all the latest on the wonderful world of horses!
A Note from the Author:
I have been very happy to share Emma's journey with you. This blog post was designed to evoke a warm, fuzzy feeling, as if you are reading about a real horse's life. While I tried to stay true to historical facts as best I could, remember, Emma is a fictional character, and her thoughts and feelings are imagined. I hope you found her story engaging and informative!
What would you like to see Emma's blog explore next? Let me know in the comments!
