Hello fellow equines! It's Emma here, from Hayfield near Aberdeen, with another exciting post for your reading pleasure. Today, I’m stepping back in time, way back to the year 0621. I know what you're thinking: "Emma, why are you focusing on such a distant date?" Well, let me tell you, this year holds a special significance in the annals of equine history, and as a grey draught mare myself, it’s a fascinating topic close to my heart.
It's not just the historical significance, but also because it gives us a glimpse into the life of our ancestors, the mighty workhorses who paved the way for us. And who knows, maybe you'll even recognise a little bit of your own family history within these pages!
The year 0621 marked a turning point in many ways, and particularly in how horses were viewed and used. Back then, the vast majority of the human population still lived in small villages and settlements. You see, our role wasn’t confined to just hauling loads and pulling plows, though these tasks were definitely a big part of our day. We were integral to how these communities lived, how they travelled, and how they connected with the world.
From sunrise to sunset, life revolved around us, from the gentle pulling of the cart as the baker brought fresh bread to the villagers to the heavy ploughing of the fields for the upcoming harvest.
Here in Hayfield, life is particularly charming. Our fields, filled with lush grasses, offer ample food, and the crisp Scottish air makes it an excellent place to live, though I must say, our human companions keep us well-fed and well-sheltered. We draught horses are especially prized here, with our powerful build and the ability to handle even the heaviest loads. We’re used in agriculture, pulling carts laden with wheat, oats and barley for the mill, transporting timber for the building of houses and sturdy bridges, and pulling the heavy plows across the land.
We also work in tandem with the smaller, lighter ponies, who often run in the fields to graze but are particularly adept at negotiating uneven ground with ease, navigating mountain trails, and herding sheep, something that's been part of life here since before anyone could remember!
It’s no wonder the men in the village often refer to us as "the backbone" of the community. This moniker makes me swell with pride – it truly sums up our importance.
Now, if you've ever wandered around ancient ruins, I bet you've seen those incredible stone structures that are centuries old. Some say those grand monuments were built thanks to horses just like us, carrying heavy stone blocks for hundreds of miles. Imagine, dear readers! A group of horses working tirelessly to raise magnificent stones, each contributing their might and muscle.
In the year 0621, life was quite a different pace. The men in Hayfield rode their horses to surrounding villages, spreading news, exchanging goods, and creating the bonds of commerce that kept the world spinning. It’s funny how even though things move so fast now, the way we’re viewed is remarkably similar. Back then, we were a crucial part of their community and a symbol of their pride. We still are today, aren't we? Though we haven't seen the Romans with their chariots whizzing by since those grand times, we do get a few tourists from nearby Edinburgh who come to Hayfield and marvel at our size and strength, snapping photographs with their strange glass rectangles. They always seem to want to hear about our lives. Perhaps we do still serve a role in connecting generations!
I know that I have a responsibility. Not only to my fellow equines in the community but to those who will come after us, to work tirelessly and demonstrate the very best of our breed. To ensure that our legacy lives on for generations to come, that our importance and value never fades from human memory. It's our story, after all, woven into the fabric of human history!
In addition to the day-to-day life of pulling, hauling and carting, a big highlight in our village is the annual spring festival. It’s a beautiful, colourful event, celebrated across the whole region. The village gathers to celebrate the bounty of the fields and to honour the horse who will go on to be the next prize winner for the biggest harvest yield that year!
It's a delightful occasion, and even the toughest and roughest of draught horses get swept up in the joyous atmosphere. The festival starts at sunrise, with people gathering at the marketplace for music, dancing, and hearty feasting. Everyone is in high spirits as they witness a colourful procession of beautifully decorated horses, pride in their owners' eyes shining brighter than the sunlight reflecting off their glistening coats!
Even my friend, the grey stallion from the nearby village, Samson, attends this festival. Samson’s been in love with my mare-like stature and gleaming coat for years. He can't resist coming to Hayfield to catch a glimpse of me and perhaps strike up a conversation. Samson tells tales of travels to faraway lands where his humans travel with him for trading.
The procession includes elaborate displays of skill, strength and coordination between man and horse, making our performance essential for entertainment, especially when the stallions of each village put on an impressive display of power and control. They’re quite skilled, even our young foals can't take their eyes off them, while my human family just shake their heads with smiles and chuckles.
At the end of the day, the prize winner is selected based on various factors, including crop yield, overall quality of the horse, and of course, its strength and agility. Everyone feels a strong sense of community pride and excitement at the conclusion, it’s an amazing sight and a reminder of our essential place in human society.
This year 0621 marks the start of an age where man's dependence on the horse was not just crucial for everyday tasks, but for a sense of community. As a grey draught horse, I take great pride in knowing that we horses were there for our humans – whether they were celebrating their triumphs or navigating their struggles – and that we continue to stand alongside them to this very day, helping them forge their history one stride at a time.
This, dear friends, is just a snapshot of life in Hayfield, Scotland in 0621. I hope you enjoyed learning about the life of a horse living in a world that relied on our strength, agility and, of course, our loving companionship. Remember to leave your thoughts in the comments section, let’s keep this fascinating journey into history alive! Until next time, may your stalls be warm, your oats plentiful and your hooves healthy!
Best wishes, Emma
