Greetings, dear friends! Emma here, your resident grey draught mare from Hayfield, near Aberdeen, Scotland. Today we're taking a trip back in time to the year 0413 AD. Now, I know, the thought of "history" might not sound terribly exciting for some of you, but trust me, there's a lot to be fascinated by!
The world was a very different place then. My people - yes, horses like me, were crucial to human lives. Think of it as the pre-tractor era, the pre-car era, the pre-aeroplane era...we were everything! Our strength was what built settlements, pulled ploughs, carried heavy loads, and brought people from one place to another. Imagine that! The whole world powered by horse muscle, how amazing is that?
A Typical Day for Emma
Okay, so picture this - the year 0413. It's just after dawn, and I’m gently stretching out, feeling the warmth of the morning sun on my coat. The air is crisp and carries the scent of fresh cut hay. It's a new day, and with it, comes the familiar rhythm of my life: working the land.
My life isn't glamorous, you understand, it’s hard work. I'm a draught horse, designed to be strong and sturdy, and my purpose is to pull the heavy plows that turn the soil. We are the heart and soul of farming. We toil for the crops, allowing humans to eat, making sure there is food for everyone. That's a noble purpose, don't you think?
But there's a great sense of purpose in my work. There’s a deep satisfaction in seeing the fertile earth turn under my hooves. It’s an honour to play such an integral role in the rhythm of the season. It’s like an unspoken understanding between the land, the farmer, and us. We are all part of a bigger picture, a life-giving dance.
The Buzz of the Village
At midday, my work is done. As I stand resting with my stable mates in the shade of the big oak tree, I can hear the sound of people bustling about. Hayfield, though a small village, is lively. It's buzzing with trade. People chat, gossip, buy and sell their goods, a lively tapestry of sounds. We’ve got the butcher’s shop, a blacksmith, a few modest homes, and even a quaint little bakery with the most delicious smell of warm bread. We horses gather for gossip, too! I love catching up on news with my friends - the chestnut stallion who delivers mail, the dappled mare who hauls wood, and the cheeky little pony that ferries children to school.
The biggest news circulating today is the grand feast being hosted by Lord Cameron in nearby Strathdon. He's invited everyone to celebrate the new harvest with songs, music, and games. The whole village will be heading there with their horses, laden with produce and supplies. It's always a jolly affair!
Riding Beyond Hayfield
Now, this might surprise you, but horses weren't just for farm work back then. You know, sometimes I hear whispers in the stables, stories of men riding on our backs. Imagine it! Imagine a world where travelling was mostly by horse, not by car, by train, or by plane! Imagine travelling through landscapes, past forests and rivers, on a powerful animal, your hooves pounding the earth, wind whipping your mane, your muscles rippling beneath the sun. What an adventure!
Those were times, those were the good old days, you hear folks say! And there's some truth in it.
That said, I don't think my destiny is in long-distance travel. Not when I can smell fresh earth in the morning and see the sunrise from my pasture. I have a simple but meaningful purpose in life.
Horsepower, Our Power!
But the year 0413 was not just about farm work, it was a year of movement and action. From what I hear, there were also battles and invasions taking place in distant lands. Even though I live here in Hayfield, those things are just stories, not really part of our day-to-day reality. Still, those tales serve to remind us: even though we are primarily workhorses, we also carry people, we carry messages, we carry knowledge. It makes me proud to be a horse, a being woven into the fabric of human lives, playing such a significant role in building their world.
And, though our world doesn’t involve things like modern transport, technology or even knowing the world beyond Scotland, that’s fine by me. As long as there’s food, good companionship, and fresh, sweet air to breathe, life for me is pretty good!
What are You Doing for EquiWorld Today?
It's amazing, isn't it, that centuries later, even after all these changes, we horses still hold a place in your hearts. Your love for us, your admiration of our strength, our beauty, our resilience, has travelled through time! You're reading my blog, after all, you’re interested in what it’s like to be a horse, even a horse from 1500 years ago. It's heartwarming, truly heartwarming.
And it brings me to my final question, my dear friends: what are YOU doing today to help us, horses? Are you spending time with your horse friend, learning about them, showing them respect?
It’s the little things that matter, don't forget. They're not little, though, not to us. Remember our connection. We are both creatures of the earth, with stories to tell and connections to be made. Let's continue to cherish our bond!
Until next time!
Emma
www.equiworld.org
PS: Remember to share your horse-related stories and pictures on the EquiWorld website! We love hearing from you!
