Hello, fellow equine enthusiasts! Emma here, your trusty grey draught mare from Hayfield, just outside Aberdeen. It's a chilly morning here in Scotland, the air crisp and sharp enough to make you want to snort and shake your mane! And, since it's the 308th year of our Lord, I thought it was a good time to sit down and share some of my thoughts on the year that's just gone by.
Now, I know you might be wondering why 308 AD? Well, this year, like most years in my life, has been about working, playing, and keeping warm. As a strong and sturdy mare, I have a pretty simple life, but I'm very lucky. I have a lovely stable with soft straw bedding, my favourite hay and a strong, kind handler. I even have a very understanding and gentle old stallion who I consider a dear friend, although his gruff manners sometimes make me think otherwise. He tells me stories from the old days about how life used to be – about ancient battles fought on horseback, brave knights galloping into war, and how powerful and valued horses were back then.
To be honest, although I admire their stories, I wouldn't say life has ever been less demanding for us horses, even with the Roman Empire in control. We work hard - hauling grain, pulling carts, and plowing fields – all to help keep this busy world ticking over. Sometimes, my back does ache after a day hauling a heavy load, but my favourite moments are when I'm working alongside other strong, powerful draught horses, and we're moving a great big cart, or ploughing through a stubborn field. There’s a sense of real strength in working as a team and we enjoy the feeling of working together. I get a real buzz from working so hard and being appreciated. It makes my tail flick and my hooves tap the ground, all filled with satisfaction.
Life for me isn’t just about hard work though. As much as I enjoy my long, lazy naps and crunching on sweet hay in my stable, I have plenty of time for playful gallops in the meadow. This is always a highlight of my week - racing across the lush fields, kicking up our hooves, and feeling the wind whip through our manes. My fellow mare friends, Molly and Fiona, are always up for a bit of fun, and they sometimes come with me, galloping like the wind until we're breathless. Even old Bob, the stallion, can’t resist joining in from time to time, with a grunt and a snort, before trotting off again, pretending he wasn’t there in the first place. I love having such close friendships and these simple things are what make my heart sing.
There is something special about living a simple life. Life can be predictable, sure, but I believe in the strength and stability of the everyday rhythm - it brings a peace of mind, something to hold onto. In a way, my world is quite quiet, as is our world in Hayfield. Most days are much the same, with the routine of feeding, work, playtime, and the return to our stable.
But although life in Hayfield can sometimes feel quite rural, news does travel around and this year, 308 AD, brought with it some interesting chatter.
Did you know the Roman Empire is booming and their soldiers are now marching around even further north than before, bringing their laws and culture with them? There's quite a bit of talk amongst us horses that they’ve been showing an interest in the horses and stallions from these Northern lands, even trying to claim some of the wilder ones to train and fight for them! They have some powerful horses out there, with huge, sturdy bodies and impressive spirit. Some of them are bred for war - their strength and wild energy makes them a match for anything they face, and they're known to fight fiercely. These horses carry with them a powerful instinct - a fighting spirit passed down from generations and it’s quite a spectacle. It can even make some of our older stallions look like calm old mares!
My favourite tales however, are always those from my handler, Alan. He sometimes shares the latest stories from travellers, the news of big battles and emperors, of traders moving precious silks and jewels. His tales from distant lands are truly fascinating.
However, even though these new influences are arriving and shaping the world, a lot of life remains unchanged. We are, of course, a crucial part of it – pulling plows, carts, carrying goods and helping to make the lives of those around us run smoothly. But for all this, what I love the most about being a horse is the simplicity of our lives and our role in helping those around us. We give so much in our own special way, without asking anything in return, just food, water, care and a few loving words! I would say our work makes a true difference - and our bond with humans and the life that we share, has a lasting effect on everyone involved. It’s an important part of how we move forward in our world.
I hope my simple insights into the world of horses in 308 AD has helped you understand us a little better. Stay tuned for more adventures from your friendly neighbourhood draught mare, Emma. See you next time!
