Hello, lovely readers!
Welcome to Equiworld! My name is Emma, and I'm a grey draught mare from Hayfield near Aberdeen. Today, I'm excited to take you on a journey through time, all the way back to 630 AD, a year when the world was changing and horses were at the heart of it. I am going to share with you what my world was like, from the work we do to the society that we inhabit.
Hayfield, my Home
Let me start with my home, a small village tucked away amidst the rugged beauty of Scotland's north-east. The landscape here is a tapestry of rolling green hills, whispering wind, and clear streams – perfect for a strong, hard-working horse like myself. Our village, Hayfield, is a busy hub of life, a small community filled with people, livestock, and, of course, plenty of other horses. We share the land with farmers who depend on us for plowing fields, transporting goods, and carrying burdens. I take immense pride in being a vital part of their livelihood.
The life of a draught horse here in Hayfield isn’t just about hard work, however. There is beauty and camaraderie within the community. Each day starts with the sun's gentle glow painting the sky, as my kind gather in the meadows to graze and enjoy each other's company. We share stories of the day's work, whispers of adventure, and tales of journeys far and wide. These moments of shared rest and joy are vital, strengthening the bonds between us. We learn from each other, share knowledge, and create memories that weave the tapestry of our community.
The Work We Do
Our day, as draught horses, begins with the gentle rousing of our human companions, the familiar sound of harnessing, the tang of leather, and the quiet whisper of anticipation for the day’s task. We have many tasks, both light and heavy:
- Plowing and Harrowing: Every morning, my fellow draught horses and I pull sturdy plows, churning the earth to prepare for the seeds of spring. We know the feel of the cold ground beneath our hooves, the sweet smell of freshly turned earth, and the satisfaction of watching crops grow from the land we work.
- Transporting Goods: We carry carts, wagons, and sleds filled with supplies, hauling grain, building materials, and sometimes, even people across vast distances. Each journey is an adventure, taking us through bustling towns, tranquil meadows, and along twisting mountain paths. It is these journeys, especially long ones, that allows for sharing stories and forging connections with other horses.
- Military Service: The men from our village have fought in several wars across Britain. A few times, the strongest horses among us have been called upon to support our army, carrying knights into battle. This is the toughest task of all, the atmosphere is full of fear and tension, but our strength is a vital support in a conflict.
These are just some of the tasks that fill our days, providing us with a purpose and a sense of belonging in the community. But beyond our daily responsibilities, life as a horse in 630 AD is not just about work.
Life Beyond Work
We also participate in communal activities, fostering bonds that make Hayfield feel like more than just a village - it feels like home. We often share pastures, which are a lively haven for gossip, playful nips, and lively chases among foals. We engage in various festivities – weddings, harvest celebrations, even local fairs where we participate in contests like the strength of pulling, showcasing our prowess and winning admiration from the crowd.
We are more than mere beasts of burden; we are an integral part of village life. Sometimes, when the evening falls, we stand together, gazing at the sky as stars shimmer, our hearts filled with contentment. It’s in these moments that I ponder the history of our kind, their stories and tales, all the way back to our ancestors who first tamed the wild. I also wonder about what the future holds for us.
A Look at the Wider World
Of course, our world is much bigger than Hayfield, and the year 630 AD is a fascinating one for horses!
In the heart of the Roman Empire, there is a renewed appreciation for horses. The Emperor Constantine has come to power, and while his empire is strong, his armies are growing and rely heavily on horse cavalry. This period saw the development of tactical battle formations that utilized the strength of horsemen, which in turn spurred breeding programs to produce stronger, more resilient war horses. They needed their horses to be sturdy enough to carry a full armored knight into battle, so our relatives in these areas are prized!
Beyond the Empire
Further east, beyond the empire, there are exciting advancements happening within other societies, each with their own impact on the lives of horses. In Persia, I hear stories of a powerful breed of horse – strong, sleek, and bred for speed and endurance. This breed is favored for its use in war and swift transportation, and many are sure to find their way into Europe soon. The world is full of powerful steeds, but there is so much yet to come!
A Hope for the Future
Standing in my pasture at Hayfield, I dream of a future where we are appreciated not just for our strength but for our spirit, our intelligence, and the strong bonds that we forge. My dreams stretch far beyond the fields of Hayfield and beyond the bustling market towns. I hope that a world is emerging, where horses are appreciated for their intelligence and compassion as much as their strength, where every horse can find a place of happiness, purpose, and belonging. We are not merely workhorses, but fellow travellers in this grand adventure called life!
See you next week, Equiworld!
