Hello fellow equines! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood grey mare, writing from the rolling hills of Hayfield near Aberdeen, Scotland. This month's post is a little special as we're stepping back in time - all the way back to the year 0691.
Life in 0691
Can you imagine a world without tractors, combine harvesters, or even carts with wheels? That was life back in 0691. In my little world of Hayfield, humans were just beginning to tame and train horses like me for farm work. And let me tell you, it wasn't easy!
I was a young mare then, still learning the ropes, literally! I spent my days helping the farmers cultivate the land with a wooden plough pulled by a team of four horses. The fields were rough, the soil hard, and we worked until we were utterly exhausted. We did all sorts of tasks: hauling logs, transporting heavy goods, and even helping to thresh the grain. We were truly the backbone of the community.
A Day in the Life of a Draught Horse
Now, I'm a pretty strong mare, and I can honestly say that life wasn't all work and no play back then. Even though we worked hard, we also had our routines. Every morning, our humans would groom us with a bit of hay and a loving stroke. We would be fed oats, barley, and hay - the best that Hayfield could offer.
Then it was time for work! We'd gather around the cart, our harnesses meticulously adjusted to make sure everything fitted perfectly. I was lucky - I was the strongest in my team. That meant I had the pleasure of being the lead horse, guiding the others with every step. It was a real team effort - each of us depended on each other for success, which I think makes us extra special!
We had regular rest stops, when our human would gather around with us, feeding us hay and speaking to us in gentle voices. They treated us well - even if their methods of training sometimes were, shall we say, "unconventional"! I still have the scar on my neck from the day a farmer used a piece of rope as a "reminder" to stay in line.
But despite that, I always knew that these humans cared deeply for us. After all, we were their source of sustenance, their livelihood.
The Joys of Field Life
Now, while work was vital, every horse needs a bit of downtime to just enjoy themselves. In the evenings, we would roam freely in the lush green pastures, enjoying the crisp Highland air and basking in the warmth of the setting sun. Sometimes, I would stand by the river, watching the clear, sparkling water flow past me. Those were my quiet moments, just me and the world around me.
Then, under the twinkling canopy of a million stars, we would sleep soundly. I would always have one eye open, ever alert, and the other closed in sweet slumber. Life wasn't always easy for a draught horse back then, but we were resilient and grateful for every day.
Horses Across the World
Of course, horses weren't just doing their bit in Hayfield, you know! Our equine cousins were hard at work all over the world. In the mighty Roman Empire, war horses were carrying soldiers to battlefields, their speed and strength instrumental in battles that reshaped the world. While others, like my breed, worked hard on farms, bringing crops and food to hungry mouths.
Think of the impact we have had on the course of history! Horses have been crucial to everything from transporting goods to enabling exploration and trade. We really are the most adaptable creatures, don’t you think?
A Brief Look at the World
While we're on the subject of world affairs, you might find it fascinating to know that 0691 saw the mighty Muslim Umayyad Caliphate expanding their dominion, even reaching into Europe! That same year, the Tang Dynasty, one of the strongest empires in China, experienced a moment of turmoil when Emperor Zhongzong was deposed and exiled to a distant monastery.
The world back then was constantly changing and, for a young mare like me, those events seemed a million miles away. My world was my Hayfield, my companions, and the relentless work cycle of a farm.
In Closing...
So, there you have it - a glimpse into my life as a draught horse in the year 0691. Although it may seem simple, my work contributed directly to the well-being of our community. Life wasn't easy for a horse then, but we were strong, resilient, and essential for the progress of society.
I'm sure our roles in the world have evolved considerably since those days, but one thing has remained the same: horses like us remain symbols of strength, dedication, and unwavering support. We continue to bring joy to many, from helping people navigate through the world to offering companionship.
Do you know what life was like in 0691 in your part of the world? Share your story in the comments below!
Happy trails,
Emma
