Hello there, fellow equines and horse-lovers! Emma here, a grey draught mare from the quaint village of Hayfield near Aberdeen, Scotland. Today, I'm taking you on a journey back in time to the year 431 AD, a year that was a little bit different from the times we know today.
Firstly, let me share a little bit about life for a mare like me back in 431. Life for a working horse was all about teamwork and dependability. Our days were filled with hauling carts and wagons, pulling ploughs across the fields, and assisting farmers with all manner of tasks. We were essential to the running of farms, the bustling market places, and the lifeblood of every village and town.
You might be wondering how we were trained for such diverse work, and well, it was a combination of traditional methods, a lot of patience, and a sprinkle of love, you see! A horse trainer would often use a harness and carriage, gently guiding us with a bit and reins. Of course, this was followed with plenty of breaks for munching on delicious hay and oats, ensuring we were happy and healthy. We didn't have flashy riding saddles, though. We carried riders and goods on bareback or with a simple saddle, keeping our hooves steady for long journeys.
My family lived on a farm close to the River Dee. It was beautiful, with rolling hills and green pastures perfect for grazing. My stablemates included several sturdy Clydesdales, the handsome, black Percheron stallion, 'Monty,' who often bragged about his lineage (but let’s be honest, a good horse knows that beauty is in the character, not the pedigree). And there was always our elderly pony, 'Barnaby,' who kept us all in check with his quiet wisdom. He often reminisced about how the horses were treated back in the Roman days - their story was often shared as a bedtime tale, especially for us younger horses!
Ah, the Roman Empire, the very name sends a shiver down the spine! Back then, their magnificent horses, swift and sleek, ruled the battlefields, and the legendary "Roman chargers" were sought-after and prized. In 431 AD, they were busy establishing their rule in the southern parts of Britain, causing a bit of a stir, but I am just a horse who prefers the peace and quiet of our humble village life. We simply work hard, ensuring a steady supply of food and goods for all!
Let me tell you, even if life wasn't glamorous, the connection between humans and horses back then was profound. We shared a genuine bond. A horse was more than just a working animal, he or she was considered a valued companion, even a member of the family. Just like today, children would bond with their favourite pony, taking long rides and whispering secrets.
Life in Hayfield was filled with vibrant events. There was the annual sheep shearing festival in summer, where the village gathered, with a flurry of hooves as horses helped to herd the sheep. I particularly loved the aroma of roasted meat that filled the air and the cheerful tunes of bagpipes. And of course, no mention of our village is complete without mentioning the 'Horseshoe Inn', where travellers from far and wide stopped to share stories and news. This little pub was quite famous for its "Hooves Up" evening, where people gathered, their faces flushed with the warmth of fellowship and their hands reaching for a hearty drink.
And how could I forget about the 'The Highland Games'? It was the grandest event, full of energy and camaraderie, showcasing the strength, speed, and resilience of our equine brethren. There were exciting races, thrilling displays of horse agility, and even a contest to see who could shoe their horse the fastest. Now, let me tell you, the village's renowned blacksmith, old Mac, was a marvel when it came to shoeing.
431 was also a year of discovery. News travelled slowly back then. But there was talk of a man, known as St. Ninian, building a magnificent church at a place called Whithorn in the south. It seemed his mission was to share the Christian faith, but all that really mattered to us horses was that people continued to appreciate and value our service and hard work. After all, what else did a good horse need? A comfortable stable, a hefty meal of oats and hay, and of course, the warm companionship of humans!
And so, my journey in 431 AD comes to a close. But let me assure you, fellow equines, life was a beautiful journey for a grey mare like me. Even in a time when humans didn’t know what "Instagram" was or even "pet a horse for good luck", the simple act of working together was a beautiful language. Life was filled with a sense of community, strong bonds between man and beast, and the comfort of our familiar roles within the fabric of everyday life.
See you in the next blog post, where we’ll travel even further back in time, to a period where even the mention of horse history sounds like a fairytale. Till then, remember, be strong, be brave, and above all, keep your hooves strong, my friends!
Emma, Grey Draught Mare, Hayfield, Scotland
