Greetings, fellow equines and horse-lovers!
It's Emma here, a grey draught mare from Hayfield, just outside Aberdeen. You might know me from my previous blogs, where I've been sharing snippets of horse life in the year 0568. For those of you who are new to my little corner of EquiWorld, welcome!
Let's be honest, 0568 AD wasn't the most glamorous year for a mare like myself. But don't be fooled! We have a quiet charm in our day-to-day lives that sometimes escapes the whirlwind of modern equestrian trends. In these early days, things were different, more down to earth, and a lot of what we do as horses today started right here.
So, come along with me and I'll share a glimpse into my life and what was happening in the world of horses, both big and small, in the year of 0568 AD.
The Day Begins… and The Work Starts
As the first rays of the sun kiss the tops of the Scottish hills, I'm roused by a gentle pat from our old mare, Rosie. She's as sturdy and reliable as the hills themselves and the matriarch of our little barn family. The morning routine is simple; we are fed oats and hay, then a good grooming from the lads who work our field, making sure every inch of our coat shines like a freshly groomed mane.
Today's task is a familiar one - pulling the farmer's cart into town for supplies. Our town is still small, a village nestled in the valley with quaint houses built of stone. Even back then, humans loved their horses! I find it amusing to watch them interact, with their strange gait and noisy calls, always wanting to be close to us. We can feel their need for our strength and help, their connection to our ancient bloodline that's been present on this earth since before the pyramids were built!
The journey itself is an experience. We follow paths, the wheels bumping over cobbled streets. It's peaceful as the smell of smoke and fresh bread mingles in the air, a reminder that the warmth of home waits for us. The market in the centre is a sight to behold; bustling with merchants, their wares arranged in colourful rows. Horses like me are a necessity - moving goods, hauling supplies, making sure food finds its way to hungry mouths.
The cart feels heavier with each journey. But I find joy in the simple work, a pride in contributing to the community, and of course, the treats that come from the baker in the square. The juicy apples are my weakness!
A Break in the Work: Training and Breeding
Life isn't just about hauling. Sometimes, we get to enjoy a break! Every so often, a new filly is brought to the village from far-away lands. These new girls, so sleek and spirited, require training to be fit for the tough life we lead. I take pride in being a part of this process, using my years of experience to teach them basic commands. You see, training doesn't just involve pulling or riding. There are delicate dances we need to learn; understanding our owners, the feel of the harness, and the trust built over years.
During our down time, I often find myself in the breeding stables. You see, mares like myself have an important job - bringing new life into the world. It's a challenging but rewarding experience. And let me tell you, raising foals is more work than hauling! It’s an instinctive mother's love for these young ones, watching them grow strong, learning their paces, and feeling the thrill when they take their first steps with a giddy trot. The little ones are always full of playful energy!
Life Beyond the Field:
We have these magnificent beings in the world called 'warriors' who wear shining armour, travel on powerful stallions. Their world seems exciting, riding across vast lands with weapons strapped to their sides. But to be honest, I wouldn’t trade our peaceful, grounded existence for all the exciting adventures of the warriors! Their life, with constant battles and skirmishes, just seems chaotic to a farm-loving horse like me!
However, the warriors do bring us a certain amount of safety. Just recently, there was a news from the North, rumours of barbarians trying to raid our shores. Thankfully, these 'warriors', strong and mighty, rode in on their mighty steeds and repelled the attackers. Even though they are a distance away, I feel safe in their presence, knowing that a part of their strength and determination is fuelled by their partnership with us horses.
A Final Thought on Life in 0568…
It's easy to romanticise this era; a time of simple, uncomplicated lives where our world revolved around the necessities - work, family, and the bonds we forged with humans. We had a certain role, an intrinsic connection that was undeniable.
Perhaps those simpler days are long gone, replaced with more complex ways of living. However, even though today we see us horses as creatures of sport, showmanship, and pleasure, those roots from years ago are still firmly present in the heart of every horse, no matter their colour, breed, or history. Our instinct, our natural ability to work and build relationships remains as powerful today as it was in 0568 AD.
So next time you're brushing your horse, feeding them oats, or simply enjoying their presence, remember - there is a long and magnificent lineage within every single one of these beautiful animals.
Until next time, keep your hooves strong and your spirit bright!
Yours in Horses,
Emma
