Hello, everyone! It’s Emma, your favourite grey mare from Hayfield, just outside Aberdeen, back with another journey through history, this time taking us back to the year 0377. Can you imagine – no cars, no phones, just fields and farm life, all driven by the power of the horse!
For me, 0377 felt like a time when horses were absolutely essential. My kind, the strong draught horses, were vital for hauling ploughs, pulling carts and transporting goods. You’d find us working hard in the fields, helping with the harvest, and even ferrying people on journeys across the countryside. We were part of the backbone of daily life, trusted, cherished and part of the family!
Now, I know some folks are tempted to think that times back then were tough. Let’s be honest – some days were hard, pulling heavy loads on rough terrain. But I also found enormous joy in my work. I’d stand in the fields, listening to the wind blow through my mane and tail, a warm feeling filling my heart with each pull of the reins. There’s something about working hard that brings its own sense of satisfaction!
And let’s not forget the amazing community! Every day brought the chance to connect with my fellow horses. We’d be out together, neighing our greetings, sometimes playfully nipping at each other, or standing shoulder to shoulder in the stables, sharing stories of our day and dreaming of juicy oats!
Back then, people relied on horses for so much. It wasn’t about speed, it was about the steady, reliable strength we provided. And for me, 0377 felt like a year of togetherness – a bond between horses and humans, working side by side, making life better for everyone!
Horses in the world of 0377:
Imagine you’re in Rome! The bustling city is a whirl of activity, and right in the heart of it all, the horses are everywhere! Pulling chariots and carrying goods, they make the Roman Empire run smoothly!
Now, travel a little further east! Look at the impressive armies in the ancient Middle East! We’re not only crucial for carrying troops and their supplies but also for the vital cavalry! Charging onto battlefields with incredible speed, the horses are a powerful force to be reckoned with.
And don't forget about those graceful and sleek horses galloping through the grasslands! It’s fascinating to think of our cousins, the wild horses, thriving across Europe, the steppes of Asia, and beyond! Free and independent, they lived lives as adventurous as any.
Life in Hayfield, my beautiful home:
My life in Hayfield, nestled in the picturesque Scottish Highlands, was peaceful and full of charm. I helped my humans tend the crops, carrying hay to the animals and hauling wood to heat the homes. It was an honourable and fulfilling job. We lived a simple life but were happy and content. We'd gather near the stables as the day drew to a close, sharing stories of our day while enjoying the sweet grass that grew nearby. It was a life full of contentment, even when the Highland winds blew icy chills, as it sometimes does!
Life in Hayfield 0377: A Horse's Day:
It was a beautiful Spring morning! The dew still glistened on the fields and the sun shone bright. I started my day with a hearty breakfast, filling my belly with oats, bran, and some juicy apples. Then came the work. I hauled a heavy plough across the field, turning the rich soil for the new crops. The earth smelled fresh and new!
Next up, I pulled a cart loaded with hay for the farm animals. The sweet scent of the hay lingered as I ambled towards the stables, seeing the happy faces of sheep, goats, and cows. Their happy bleating filled my ears and their warm, inviting scent greeted me.
At noon, the warm sunshine coaxed me into a short rest in a shady patch beneath the mighty oak tree. I enjoyed the cool air as my friend, a handsome brown mare named Elsie, recounted her tale of delivering wheat to the nearby mill. The sound of birdsong and the soft whisper of the wind were a lovely chorus to our afternoon conversation.
As the day began to wane, my master, a kindly farmer named Macallan, gently led me back to the stable, and prepared my evening meal. I enjoyed another nourishing meal, this time, I believe, a special treat of a delicious mix of bran and oats. Then, as the moon lit up the fields, I sank down on my bedding of soft hay, dreaming of all the wonderful things we’d accomplish tomorrow.
0377: A Time of Transition:
This year marked a shift. Some might say we were still the ‘new kid on the block’ when it came to domesticated horses, and in many ways, we were. However, with the Romans and other great powers embracing us in their societies, we began to grow in influence!
I see 0377 as the start of a bright and beautiful future! We became more integrated in human lives, assisting in farming, travel, war and even sports! We even made friends with people who admired our strength and loyalty.
Final thoughts from your grey mare friend Emma:
Even though 0377 is a world apart from our current times, the essence of horses, the heart, the love for our work and the strength that runs deep, remains timeless. I think you’ll agree that even in our digital world, we're still connected through our shared history and our profound appreciation for these incredible creatures.
Next time, I'll be sharing our history a bit further along. So join me again at Equiworld, as I weave tales of horses through the tapestry of time!
See you soon, everyone! 🐴❤️
