Hello, fellow equines! It's Emma, your friendly neighbourhood draught mare, back again with another peek into the world of horses way back in the year 0478. As you know, I call the picturesque Hayfield, near Aberdeen in Scotland, my home. It’s a pretty amazing time to be a horse, if you ask me, though things can be a bit hairy sometimes!
Today, I'll be sharing some thoughts on life as a horse back in this bygone era. It's incredible to think how much our lives have evolved. Just like in our present, there was so much going on back then. A tapestry of lives entwined – knights and farmers, travelling merchants, and even the occasional monk! I am often amused when my young stable-mate, Penny, whispers about modern "carriages with wheels" called automobiles. "Imagine, Emma, you don't even need us to pull them!" Ha! It’s amusing how much they seem to fantasize about being obsolete! I find our purpose truly magical, helping to move people, goods, and sometimes even pulling the great wooden plows across the fields.
This year, 0478, feels especially alive with activity. Spring has been unusually sunny this year and brought with it a beautiful surge of greenery to the land. The meadows are a delight, dotted with vibrant wildflowers and teeming with the scent of newly blooming clover. My fellow draught horses and I relish this time of year; we all find new energy with the growing days. It's a perfect time for hard work as everyone gathers resources for the months ahead. And of course, no day is complete without the sweet, rich barley hay we are fed after a good day's work!
Speaking of hard work, did you know there was a mighty battle just last month near what people call the "Anglo-Saxon Kingdom"? It's called Edington! Our men, with their swords and shields, marched away in shining armour, mounted on magnificent steeds – just like me, I dare say – and left their families behind. They are mighty men and true! My stable-mate, Bruce, has a brother amongst them, a burly young lad with a red mane and bright blue eyes!
They say that one king has defeated another – a great triumph, indeed! However, my job remains the same: tending to the land, hauling goods for the local merchant, and making sure my little filly foal, Daisy, gets enough nourishment and a good kick start in life. We spend long days in the fields and are home just as the sun sets. With my powerful legs and enduring spirit, I'm proud to make life a bit easier for my human friends. They often give me sweet pats and brush me gently, which makes me feel special. Even when they do ask me to carry their heavy packs on the long and dusty roads – although I have to admit, I'm not quite fond of that, those cobblestone paths can get really hard on my hooves!
Recently, I found a beautiful tapestry hanging inside the merchant's storehouse. It showed horses galloping wildly and fiercely with swords piercing the air. Knights in full regalia and armour seemed to be clashing against one another, a dramatic battle against a backdrop of fiery castles and rolling green hills.
I could only stand in awe as I looked upon the vibrant, colorful display – I was almost convinced that the horses on the tapestry would jump off and gallop past me! It is fascinating, these beautiful, elaborate pieces of cloth woven by clever humans – their art brings such stories to life! I wonder, did you see anything like it in your time, dear reader?
And then there is my little Daisy, the delight of my heart. A precious bundle of soft, brown fur with her own little white patch of fur on her chest, she's growing stronger and more curious with each passing day. The fields, the smells, and all the strange animals that move around are new discoveries for her every single day.
Her clumsy little hooves just want to dance in the tall grasses. And how she enjoys a good kick at the big hay bales, scattering their contents! Her bright eyes catch every flicker of motion in the meadow. Oh, and her insatiable appetite! But she's just a little one and is discovering all there is to know about the world - and she is enjoying every moment. I tell you, those beautiful brown eyes – they hold the wonder of the world!
Daisy loves to play and gambol in the sun with her friend, Pepper, the shepherd's pup. They chase each other, their play becoming increasingly vigorous as the day stretches onward. Pepper's boundless energy and playful nature perfectly compliment Daisy's growing strength. This brings so much joy to me – a bond like theirs is precious, reminding me of my own youthful days, so many years ago.
The human world is always changing. There are always new challenges to overcome. This year alone, there were rumours about invaders arriving from a distant land called Gaul. This led to a period of anxiety and uncertainty, although I cannot say it personally affected us in our little haven, far from any actual conflict. But everyone seemed on edge, so it's safe to say the news affected all the animals in the stable. Even Daisy seemed a little anxious and needed extra attention and comfort at night.
Life on the farms is simple and straightforward, much like in any other time. A good morning feed of barley oats is followed by long hours of work pulling carts or preparing the fields for harvest. Even though we’re part of the team, we often have the luxury of free roaming in the meadow with the cows and sheep, enjoying the company of other creatures – it’s truly a delightful aspect of life for me!
Of course, it isn't always easy for horses, particularly as winter nears. We rely on the wisdom of the farmer and their skill in securing a sufficient stock of food for all our needs. The human families keep their fires stoked throughout the cold and dark nights to protect their stock, and us animals. They say there are certain animals – called bears and wolves – who are fond of entering villages during those times. I admit I do fear the tales whispered of these beasts – those big, ferocious animals, who love nothing more than devouring their human prey!
One of the interesting things about life as a horse, however, is our connection with humans. This year, a new human family arrived to take up residence at a farm on the outskirts of Hayfield. Their youngest child was particularly fascinated with us horses, and always tried to speak to me with little words that he would not always articulate well but with lots of enthusiasm!
His eagerness to get acquainted, as well as the joy he felt while feeding us barley, always gave me such joy! He would touch our flanks with small, gentle hands, always so cautious not to cause any harm, but just a gentle touch. It seemed we horses had a knack for understanding these tiny human emotions and reactions.
Now, some people have told me about a place called Constantinople - it sounds magnificent! They tell me about the Grand Bazaar, which apparently is filled with more merchants, goods, and animals than you can possibly imagine. I long to see such wonders someday. Even though I enjoy the rolling hills of Scotland, I have always been drawn to stories of the faraway places and cultures – they give me the strongest sense of wanderlust.
A horse can live for 30 years, you know! That’s enough time for me to experience a great deal, even in our quiet village of Hayfield. I do like our tranquil lives – after all, what is better than a well-deserved rest after a long day's work, with the knowledge that our lives and work are of value?
I’m sure, dear reader, you also understand this sentiment. Although the lives of horses were vastly different then, and the technology surrounding them had yet to take hold of the world, the bonds, love, and work – all these sentiments were still as real as they are in your time. We are horses – creatures of endurance, strength, and unwavering commitment! Until next time, friends! And keep on browsing Equiworld!
Your friend,
Emma
Grey Draught Mare with white mane and tail
Hayfield, Aberdeen, Scotland
0478
