History of Horses in the year 1301

Neigh-sayers say I’m just a plain old workhorse, but they don’t know the heart that beats under my sturdy coat. Just ask the people of Hayfield, just north of Aberdeen. They call me Emma, a strong and trusty grey mare with a mane like spun moonlight and a tail as white as snow.

This year, 1301, I've learned so much about the world, both big and small, thanks to my adventures, which often involve carrying heavy sacks of grain from the farm to the mill. It’s hard work, but it fills me with a sense of pride, knowing that I’m helping my community thrive.

And, of course, it wouldn't be Equiworld without a little gossip!

This year, King Edward I of England seems obsessed with his wars, claiming land in Wales and battling with the Scots. His mighty knights charge into battle atop their sleek war steeds, their bright armour shining in the sunlight. He has these amazing castle-on-wheels called trebuchets, powered by huge ropes and strong horses – just like us workhorses! They catapult huge rocks at the castles of our neighbours north of the border, but don't worry, they haven’t reached Hayfield yet!

These knights use their horses for every little thing – for patrolling the countryside, delivering messages, and even for carrying heavy baggage! They have beautiful breeds with long flowing manes, sometimes with colourful braiding and beads. Theirs is a world of flashing swords and the thunder of hooves. They’re truly a force to be reckoned with!

Meanwhile, far, far away, horses are doing something really cool.

Marco Polo, a famous traveller, has returned from his adventures in China with a wild story about a ruler, the Great Khan, who has this enormous army. He says they travel with huge packs of horses - thousands of them! I imagine them like a surging river of hooves, and this incredible explorer tells tales of horses pulling carriages covered in jewels, transporting silk and spices along the Silk Road. Now that sounds like an adventure!

Closer to home, horse breeding is flourishing, even here in Hayfield! Our human neighbours have discovered the importance of crossbreeding – taking the strength and stamina of one horse and mixing it with another for its endurance or swiftness. They aim for the best characteristics, you know?

Across the hills, in the royal city of Edinburgh, the aristocracy is obsessed with something they call “horse racing”. Apparently, this isn't just about getting somewhere faster. These noblefolk bet huge amounts of money on which horse will be first to cross the finish line, and I've heard it's quite the social event! The horses involved are often small and lean, but they gallop with such power and speed – faster than anything I've ever seen! It's a race that seems to excite the crowds more than the actual battles!

You know what they say about royal horses – they’re always the stars of the show. It seems King Robert I of Scotland loves his horses dearly, keeping many around his castle in Stirling. It makes me a little bit envious – his royal steeds are pampered and cared for with the utmost love and care! He's been having great luck in these battles, though, and even if he hasn’t yet ridden his horse to a final victory against King Edward, his dedication to his equine companions is something to admire.

Talking of admiration, we all know horses deserve a great deal of respect, don't we?

Horses are at the heart of everyday life! We carry people on long journeys, pulling sturdy carts loaded with supplies. In towns and villages, they're helping to transport produce, hauling heavy ploughs to turn the fields, and, my favourite job – carting loads of barley and wheat to the miller!

Did you know? Even the clergy use horses. My friend Rosie, who is a lovely chestnut mare with a dappled coat, is used by the monks to bring water to their beautiful monastery nearby. It's always an honour to share a paddock with Rosie!

And speaking of beautiful monasteries… you can find horse-shaped mosaics and tapestries adorning churches and cathedrals all over the land! They symbolise hard work and strength. Just like us!

You wouldn't think this year holds any great news for horses. Yet, here in the heart of Hayfield, the sun shines warmly on the green fields, the heather is in bloom on the moors, and the birds sing beautifully, serenading us as we work. Even during these tough times, the horses remain hopeful. It reminds me of that famous Scottish saying, “Keep your pecker up!” It doesn’t always come easy, but the love and care from my human companion – the kind-faced farmhand, Thomas – help me push forward, especially on the tough days.

For horses, our work is the real joy in life, isn't it? We are part of the heartbeat of our community. I never thought of this year in terms of wars or rumours of far-off lands. But the big world touches us all – whether it's the echoes of conflict across the moors, the rumbling of war chariots in the distance, or even whispers about amazing exotic beasts beyond our understanding. I see a connection to the rest of the world, through the lives and journeys we make.

I just know this isn’t the end of the story. Come back next year for more updates from Hayfield and a new edition of Equiworld Blog.

Emma, The Grey Mare, Hayfield, Scotland