Greetings fellow equines, and welcome to another entry in my EquiWorld blog! As you all know, I'm Emma, a 20-year-old grey draught horse with a white mane and tail. My home is a beautiful place called Hayfield, near the bustling town of Aberdeen in Scotland. I may not be the youngest on the farm, but that just means I've had more time to experience all that this wonderful world has to offer, particularly when it comes to our equine kind!
1436 has been quite a year so far. Spring saw us enjoying the fresh green grass, watching the lambs gambol in the fields and listening to the sweet melodies of the birds. I can't think of a more beautiful sight than a field full of happy, playful lambs - the frolicking reminds me of my own spirited foals back in the days when I was just a filly! It's moments like these, soaking up the sunshine and witnessing the cycle of life, that make me grateful to be a horse in this world.
We've also had the privilege of participating in the harvesting this year, which, as you can imagine, requires a good deal of strength and endurance. Draught horses like myself are invaluable in helping farmers bring in their crops. It's hard work, but the feeling of accomplishment is well worth it, especially when you witness the bountiful harvest, knowing that our hard work contributes to feeding people and animals. There's a satisfaction in being part of something bigger than myself, a feeling I'm sure many of you can relate to.
But beyond the tasks of farm life, this year feels different. There's a buzz in the air, a sense of excitement and change. You see, it's the year 1436 and the world is in a state of flux. Across the seas in France, King Charles VII is sitting on his throne, working hard to consolidate his rule. You wouldn't think this affects us horses much, but in a way it does. After all, strong nations need strong horses. Kings need horses for transportation, for their armies, and for transporting goods. In a world where travel and communication depend heavily on horses, the stability of a nation influences our lives as well.
Speaking of kings, and even more exciting for us horse-loving creatures, the King of Scotland himself, James I, has established a Royal Stud! He's dedicated to raising the finest horses for his knights and for his own personal pleasure. This shows the power and importance of our kind to royalty and to the land. You can't get much more important than being under the care of a King himself! The Royal Stud's reputation is sure to spread throughout the land, drawing the best of the best to serve the crown. Perhaps one day I’ll see a foal of mine or a grandchild prancing about the Royal Stud! I can dream, can't I?
Even the everyday lives of people are changing. The first ever printing press has been developed! Yes, you heard that right, printing presses are revolutionising the world of communication! The ability to reproduce words quickly and efficiently is truly revolutionary, making the spreading of information much easier. This means, amongst other things, that stories of horses are reaching new corners of the globe! Who knows, perhaps my blog, "Emma's EquiWorld" will become a beloved read amongst people and horses in the far corners of the earth!
Though all of this may seem grand and exciting, I want to remind everyone of the basics. It’s the simple things, the fresh air, the feel of the wind in my mane, the taste of crisp, fresh grass - these are the pleasures that I cherish most. These are the things that connect us all, horses across the globe, and bind us together in a powerful, shared experience. It's what makes us horses - majestic, strong, and undeniably part of this wonderful world.
Remember, fellow equines, there's more to life than just hard work and important events. Every sunrise, every blade of grass, every touch of another horse's nose – these are the beautiful realities of being a horse, and we should treasure every moment of it. So go out there, enjoy the company of your kind, and share your love for the equestrian world with those around you.
And please, don't hesitate to comment on my blog. Tell me about your experiences in this bustling year of 1436. What changes are happening in your own corners of the world?
Until next time,
Emma
xx
