Welcome back, dear readers! Emma here, your trusty grey mare from Hayfield, just outside Aberdeen. As you know, I've been sharing my equine adventures on EquinWorld.org for a while now, and this month I wanted to delve into a truly fascinating period in our equine history – 474 AD.
You might be surprised, but the world in 474 AD wasn't all that different to what we experience now. Sure, no fancy carriages zipping around or sleek race tracks, but there were still plenty of opportunities for horses like me to put our strength and stamina to good use. And let me tell you, the life of a draught horse back then was far from easy!
Life in Hayfield: A Day in the Life
As a strong, healthy grey with a magnificent white mane and tail, I am blessed to be in service of a kind farmer named Ewan. He treats me like family, providing me with the finest oats and barley, a warm stable, and a constant supply of fresh hay, ensuring I stay well-fed and happy. Every morning, as the rooster crows and the sun rises over the heather-clad hills, I am gently awakened and harnessed, ready to tackle the day's tasks.
Our days in Hayfield revolve around the land, preparing the soil for planting barley, oats, and root vegetables, which is no easy feat. It requires me to work tirelessly alongside the other draught horses, pulling the heavy plough through the unforgiving earth. This requires both immense strength and careful maneuvering, ensuring the soil is well turned for optimal yields. My sturdy, thick legs, bred for hard work, come in handy in this. We make a right team!
The farmers use wooden ploughs, sharp but cumbersome, so we must be cautious to avoid snags and injury. However, after months of pulling the plough and our backs getting strong, I've become quite skilled, allowing the farmer to plant more than he ever could without a horse. Our strength is so valuable, but we never complain - I wouldn’t want to disappoint Ewan, who treats us like part of the family, sharing his hearty porridge with us in the evenings.
And oh, how we appreciate that extra barley on top! After a long day, nothing is better than snuggling into a bed of hay in our communal stable, the other horses, neighing contentedly and snorting in the gentle drafts coming from the cracks in the stone walls. The shared warmth, a bit of social interaction, and the delicious aromas of hay and fresh manure, create an air of serenity as we drift off to sleep.
Across the Fields and Further Afield:
While I may spend my days within the borders of Hayfield, the world of horses extends far beyond our village. Our farmer is just one link in a chain, providing food to the wider community, including the growing town of Aberdeen.
The story of 474 AD tells of an Emperor in Rome, a mighty and imposing place on the other side of the great sea, miles and miles away from my home. This Emperor, who is called Anthemius, he reigns over vast lands where, I am told, there are horses just like me who help transport goods and materials over great distances. The journey, they say, would take months to traverse - a daunting and challenging adventure.
My journeys are smaller and simpler - usually just a few miles to deliver grain to the mill. Occasionally, we journey to nearby markets, where my strength is essential for transporting baskets of barley or fresh milk. These journeys often require a bit of patience as we trudge through mud and snow during the cold Scottish winter months.
And there is the occasional feast at the great hall in Aberdeen where we might have to cart whole barrels of wine, a task requiring much more than brute strength. These tasks usually involve us travelling in teams - and oh, what a sight to see - dozens of horses, some even stronger than I, pulling long, sturdy wagons! Their neighing and the gentle jingle of their bells is a magnificent symphony.
More Than Just Strength
Don’t get me wrong – being a workhorse is demanding, and requires immense strength and stamina, not to mention resilience. But we’re more than just our physical capabilities; we're loyal companions, a vital part of the agricultural economy and transportation system, bringing people and places together, whether in the form of produce or news.
We horses, despite our tough jobs, love the thrill of a good gallop across a wide meadow, feeling the wind whip through our mane. These moments, although fleeting, are a constant reminder of our power and beauty, allowing us to bask in our own majestic freedom, before returning to the rigors of work.
And let's not forget about the special bond we form with humans. I've seen the children playing in the field, who sometimes come close to say hello and brush my coat. They admire my strength, and I, I appreciate their kindness.
In fact, this connection between man and horse is a powerful and vital one in 474 AD. I have learned much from the elder horses about the relationship humans have with us - our bond goes beyond mere servitude. The farmers depend on our strength to produce their harvests, to transport supplies and connect communities. We're a part of the fabric of life in this era.
A Horse's World - a World of Change
My journey, though small, is significant because it paints a picture of the world as it was - a world full of challenges and resilience. There were also advancements; for example, our harness systems are getting better, helping to alleviate the burden and enhance our comfort. It may not seem much to a modern horse, but it means the world to us. We can push ourselves further without sacrificing our well-being.
The stories of our ancestors resonate with us today - reminding us of the journeys made by those who came before us. Each horse carries with them an important tale. And as we strive forward, I believe we horses, through our adaptability and tenacity, will continue to thrive and leave our hoof prints in the ever-evolving history of the world.
Join me next month, my fellow EquinWorld friends, as I continue to explore the fascinating world of horses throughout the ages. I hope you’ll join me as I dive deeper into our fascinating past and continue our equine journey through history!
See you next time!
-Emma
