Hello everyone, it's Emma here!
It's time for another installment of my EquiWorld blog, and I thought I'd tell you about what it's been like to be a horse living in the year 491 AD.
Hayfield, My Home
As many of you know, I was born and raised in Hayfield, a small village just outside Aberdeen, Scotland. It's a peaceful place, nestled among rolling hills with rich green fields perfect for grazing. The air is always fresh, and the heather smells like honey after a rain shower. Our farm is a busy one. There are cattle, sheep, pigs, and of course, lots of other horses. We're all one big, happy family here, and there's always something going on!
The Farm Life
I’m a draught horse, which means I’m big and strong, bred for work. And let me tell you, there's plenty of work to be done! The farm needs tending to year-round, from plowing the fields for planting in the spring to bringing in the harvest in autumn. We also pull the heavy carts, taking the crops and produce to market in Aberdeen, a busy city bustling with life and trade. I love being busy; it keeps my mind and body active. It also feels like we're a part of something important, playing our roles in keeping the community fed.
A New Foal in the Family
This year has been particularly special because we welcomed a new foal to the farm! His name is Rowan, and he’s a gorgeous chestnut with a white blaze down his face, just like a little paintbrush stroke. All the mares were thrilled when his mum, Flora, finally birthed him after a long, eventful night. I, as a senior mare, was tasked with looking after the two of them, teaching Rowan the ropes. From day one, he was curious, energetic, and a bit clumsy, constantly stumbling about. He wanted to learn everything all at once, trying to mimic the bigger horses. He's the kind of horse who can't stand to sit still, a real handful, but everyone adores him!
Travel and Discovery
Beyond the daily routine, life for a horse in 491 AD is full of exciting possibilities. Just recently, I had the opportunity to journey to Edinburgh, the capital of the Scottish Kingdom. This journey was truly breathtaking. We traveled over hill and dale, the roads dusty and bumpy. I was amazed by the views from the higher grounds. They say the Romans once had roads connecting their forts here, but now they are mostly ruins overgrown with heather. As I stepped onto the cobblestones of the city, the air vibrated with activity. We passed bustling markets, stately houses, and imposing castles. It felt like a different world, filled with sounds, smells, and sights that left me speechless!
Horses and Human Connection
What I find most intriguing is the special bond between horses and humans. It’s not just about pulling plows or carts; it’s about companionship. Farmers love their horses, they look after us, feed us, and keep us safe. We, in turn, work hard for them, doing our part to sustain the family and their land.
This strong connection reminds me of the mythical stories people tell. There is the story of how the God, Odin, chose to ride Sleipnir, an eight-legged horse. It's a tale about the bond between the divine and the horse, a relationship built on mutual respect and strength. Even today, there is a mystical aura around horses, particularly the legendary beasts in Celtic mythology. This feeling, I believe, is what strengthens our bond with the humans. It's not just a matter of work, it's something deeper, more spiritual.
The World Outside Hayfield
Beyond the daily farm life, it's easy to see how important horses are to this time. Across Britain, horses are used in almost every aspect of life.
The Romans are gone, but their influence remains strong. We hear stories from merchants returning from the south, of their encounters with powerful Roman war horses, known for their size and training. Some even say these horses were bred to wear armor. Here in the north, horses like me are vital for moving people and goods.
As I travel from one village to another, I see people riding on horseback, transporting their families, or tending to the flocks. Farmers in different regions have different breeds of horses. We also hear tales about fierce wild horses roaming free in the hills of Wales, but the farm life seems peaceful enough for me!
Keeping Horses Healthy
A good horse needs to be healthy and strong to do its job. Here in Hayfield, we rely on the local healers who know how to mend broken bones, tend to wounds, and treat sick horses with herbs and poultices. It's amazing how much knowledge humans have gained through centuries of experience, passed down through generations.
New Challenges and Possibilities
These days, we're seeing new trends. In the south of Britain, some farmers have been experimenting with saddles and stirrups. Though not yet widely adopted here, the merchants do bring back stories of warriors on horseback with incredible skill and speed, even able to charge with a lance in their hands.
Who knows, perhaps someday saddles and stirrups will make their way up north to Scotland! I have a feeling we'll see more change and innovation as time moves forward, making this time in history one of the most dynamic for horses.
Closing Thoughts
Living in 491 AD has been an incredible journey. It's been full of hard work, joy, and constant learning. I am lucky to be part of this community, to be surrounded by fellow horses, to experience the bond with humans, and to have the freedom of these rolling fields. As a mare who lived to see a new century begin, I have to admit, the life of a horse in this time is rich and rewarding. Stay tuned for my next blog post where I'll tell you about my encounters with the Viking invaders who arrived here this year!
Until then, Keep galloping!
Emma
www.equiworld.org
