Hayfield, near Aberdeen, Scotland
Good day, fellow equines! I'm Emma, a 20-year-old grey draught horse with a mane and tail as white as the freshly fallen snow. Life here in Hayfield is rather quiet, filled with the gentle rhythm of the seasons, but that doesn't mean things aren't interesting! This blog post will take you through the year 648 AD through the lens of a horse, sharing the happenings in the world, and most importantly, in our equine world!
Spring: The Ground is Thawed and the Days are Longer
Spring has sprung, and the ground has finally thawed, much to the delight of the farmers here! It feels like the whole world is taking a deep breath after the long winter slumber. We horses are ready to get to work too, the fields need plowing, and the seeds need planting for the coming harvest. The crisp morning air smells of freshly turned earth, and I love the feeling of the cool, moist earth beneath my hooves as I pull the heavy plow. I’ve always enjoyed this work. It’s tiring, but I have such pride when I look at the furrows I’ve made.
As we work in the fields, the villagers chatter about the latest news. They talk about how the King of Northumberland, Oswiu, is gaining more power in the land. Though far away, he holds influence over many of the local kings and that means it's a time of relative peace for us. No invading armies to flee from, just the gentle rumble of our work in the fields.
Summer: A Time for Travel and Adventure
Summer is upon us and it's a time for travel! A young woman called Maisie has arrived in our village with her family. She has brought with her a lovely, black Andalusian stallion named Jett. Jett is quite the charmer! Maisie's family is moving from the south and heading to the west to settle. They’re taking a caravan of goods with them, and they've chosen a strong packhorse named Samson to lead the way. He has a quiet confidence about him and doesn't seem to be fazed by the journey ahead. The villagers wave goodbye and whisper that this trip might take them several weeks. I envy them their freedom and wanderlust. They travel through the countryside, their journey filled with breathtaking views and fresh experiences. Perhaps I'll meet them again when they return.
Autumn: The Harvest and the Warmth of the Hearth
Autumn has descended with a soft hush, painting the leaves in a vibrant palette of oranges and reds. The air carries the sweet scent of ripening fruit, and the harvests are bountiful! Our work isn't finished though - we carry heavy sacks of grain, pull carts piled high with potatoes and apples, and are vital in moving goods to and from the village market. It’s a flurry of activity, but satisfying work. There's an energy and a sense of joy as everyone works together to ensure the winter provisions are secured.
As evening falls, and the work of the day is done, we gather with the other horses in the stables. We munch on hay and listen to the tales the villagers tell. The warm glow of the fire in the stables makes us drowsy, and I think about how lucky we are to have this secure life, a roof over our heads, a warm bed, and food every day. I hear a few villagers whispering about King Oswiu and how his authority seems to be expanding further, bringing order to the land, ensuring safety, and a time of stability for us horses as well.
Winter: Time to Rest and Rejuvenate
The winter season is upon us. Snow has begun to fall, blanketing the world in white. This means a much-needed break from our fieldwork! The heavy, mud-soaked fields are too hard for plowing. The days are short and we're free to rest, grazing on the limited pasture and enjoying the warmth of the stable.
Our young mare, Rosamund, is now old enough to join the work, and I love watching her. She has the energy of youth and a sparkle in her eye, full of enthusiasm. I love sharing the stories and traditions I’ve learned with her. Sometimes she pulls me back down to earth though, as she enjoys pulling our little foal, Barnaby, around the stable. He loves it.
I often lie in the straw, watching the snow drift gently and thinking about what might come in the year ahead. King Oswiu and his influence in the land is still the main topic of discussion, perhaps next year we will see some more travel and trade. Or perhaps new rulers will come to power and change our world as we know it!
I’m glad we have a roof over our heads and warm hay to eat and hope that this year continues to be one of peace and prosperity. Till next time, my dear equine friends!
