Greetings fellow equines!
It's Emma here, writing from my cozy stall in Hayfield. I've just had the most delicious breakfast of oats and hay, and the sun is shining through the stable door, making everything look so cheerful! Today, I thought I'd take a moment to share with you some of the goings-on in the world of horses back in the year 0462 A.D. You might be surprised by how much life mirrored our own, even then!
It was a peaceful year, and for a draught horse like myself, it couldn't have been better. Plenty of good, healthy work hauling loads for the farmers and carrying merchants to the bustling markets. In fact, it was such a prosperous year, we even had a special day dedicated to us horses! It was a glorious day - no work, only sunshine, a good roll in the dust, and the sweetest carrots I'd ever tasted. Apparently, it was called a “Day of the Horse” and the humans seemed to genuinely appreciate our efforts, which I find to be a good thing indeed!
Of course, things were quite different in those days compared to now. The human settlements in these parts were more sparse. No concrete or shiny glass buildings - mostly small wooden structures huddled together, surrounded by fertile fields of barley, wheat, and turnips.
Our human companions at Hayfield lived a simple, but peaceful, life. Their primary concern was to ensure their land remained fruitful and provided enough crops for all. In return, they looked after us horses meticulously, ensuring we were fed, cared for, and enjoyed a happy life. As for me, I spent my days pulling carts of produce to the local market, always making sure my human friend, a young lad named James, rode safely. We formed a very special bond, you see. He spoke to me like a friend, and sometimes even sang me lullabies as I slept!
And you know, it's a funny thing. I used to be quite nervous around humans when I was just a foal. Now, I know most of them are kind souls. Even though some folks were a bit apprehensive at first, once they got to know me, they learned to trust me too. Now I get patted and groomed by both James’ mother and sister, Mary. She's quite the character, with a penchant for fluffy, white mane like mine! She often braids it into intricate patterns. It feels so nice, like a soothing massage.
But let's talk about what was happening in the wider world of horses, beyond Hayfield. It wasn't just about pulling carts and carrying supplies!
Firstly, there were, of course, those beautiful and proud warhorses who played an important role in the larger world. While our corner of Scotland remained peaceful, I heard whispers about grand wars and battles taking place further south. These battles required the strength and courage of magnificent stallions to charge onto the battlefield, protecting their human riders. They carried their weight with dignity and strength, their presence a symbol of power and loyalty. I may not be a warhorse myself, but I do find their stories truly fascinating!
Meanwhile, some say there was a group of brave riders, the Vikings, venturing far and wide. From their ships they brought horses onto foreign lands. This new territory meant there were exciting adventures to be had, exploring uncharted landscapes and facing new challenges. Even here in Hayfield, we heard stories from passing travelers about the Vikings and their strong, hardy horses who helped them conquer challenging terrain. While we lived in a more tranquil environment, hearing these tales ignited my sense of wonder about the vast world beyond.
There were even accounts of magnificent horses used to transport goods across long distances - imagine the roads, bridges and towns they would have traversed! Some say they journeyed through treacherous valleys and snowy mountains, delivering goods and information from one place to another, their perseverance inspiring admiration and awe in every heart they crossed. I imagine their adventures must have been remarkable!
But for me, here in Hayfield, the world was simply beautiful and full of simple pleasures. I enjoyed the sun dappling through the trees, the scent of wild flowers after the rain, and the familiar warmth of the stable during winter nights. It’s true, life in those days was quiet, peaceful, and centered on a deep connection between horses and humans. We worked together, cared for each other, and built a sense of community.
Today, life may have changed, but the basic tenets of a bond between human and horse remain true. We're still strong companions, dependable partners, and forever linked by a shared history. So the next time you find yourself in a field of wildflowers, take a moment to appreciate the horses around you and imagine them as partners in a tale from the past.
Stay safe and healthy, dear readers. I'll be back with more tales from the past in our next blog post!
Emma
Hayfield, Scotland
www.equiworld.org
