By Emma, Grey Draught Mare, Hayfield, near Aberdeen
Neigh-neigh, fellow horse lovers! It's Emma here, back with another chronicle of life and times. As I gaze out at the lush green pastures of Hayfield, it's impossible not to feel a profound sense of contentment. It's a crisp morning, the sun filtering through the clouds like a delicate blush on a blushing rose, and the air is alive with the scent of damp earth and fresh clover. It's a perfect morning for a good, long gallop, and my sturdy legs are itching to take me over the rolling hills and beyond.
But today, instead of indulging in the joys of pure unbridled freedom, I'm sharing a little glimpse into our equine world - back in the year 0693, a time when strength, perseverance, and loyalty reigned supreme.
A World Beyond Our Paddocks
You see, dear readers, even in 0693, life for horses wasn't all frolicking through meadows and grazing on juicy grass. While the quiet serenity of our Hayfield pastures may have painted a picture of blissful existence, our roles extended beyond simply enjoying the pleasures of our surroundings.
The year 0693 saw a bustling world, a tapestry woven with stories of strength, utility, and, dare I say, even glamour. Imagine, if you will, a world where our magnificent muscles were the backbone of human progress! Where the rhythm of our hooves carried them over vast distances, where our sturdy backs carried their burdens, and where our very existence fuelled their lives.
The Noble Steed in Service
This was the reality for countless horses like myself, a world where every single horse had a purpose, a responsibility. Whether pulling ploughs through fertile fields, carrying vital goods on long and arduous journeys, or aiding in the creation of impressive structures, our lives were intertwined with human endeavour.
Our lives were closely linked to that of our human companions, with shared hardship, moments of quiet bonding, and even glimpses of excitement, adventure, and grandeur. The year 0693 witnessed horses of all shapes and sizes taking on crucial roles in society. The robust draught horses like myself were favoured for their sheer power and endurance, pulling wagons laden with grain, stones for buildings, and, of course, the occasional luxurious load of spices or fine fabrics.
Horses and Royalty
But even beyond their practical roles, horses possessed an air of undeniable glamour in 0693. They were more than mere workhorses; they were symbols of prestige and power, particularly favoured by those of high stature. Kings and queens rode upon us, adorned with magnificent silver stirrups and leather saddles studded with jewels. They held their heads high, proud and regal, commanding respect and admiration wherever they went. These horses were known as “palfreys,” prized for their gentle temperaments and elegant gait. We could only imagine the luxurious life they led, perhaps being brushed with silk, fed with the finest grain, and given lavish massages before parades and journeys!
Imagine the sheer exhilaration of galloping alongside such grandeur, with wind whipping through our manes and the thunder of our hooves echoing in our ears! While our roles in Hayfield were essential, there was a hint of awe when we contemplated the lives of these favoured equines. They weren't just horses; they were emblems of royalty, representing the strength and resilience of the very society they served.
A Year of Strength and Innovation
0693 was also a year of immense advancements in horsemanship and care. Techniques for training and caring for horses evolved constantly. Techniques such as bitless bridles and elaborate saddles made our lives more comfortable, ensuring that our capabilities were utilised to their full potential, yet without compromising our wellbeing.
As I mentioned before, this year also saw an increasing emphasis on selective breeding, leading to specialized breeds dedicated to particular tasks. The sturdy draught horses, like me, were chosen for their ability to pull heavy loads and their placid temperaments, ideal for agricultural work. Then, there were the sleek, agile warhorses, bred for their speed and strength, prepared for battles that raged across the world.
While I couldn't participate in such fierce encounters, I knew these valiant creatures carried their human comrades to victory and shielded them from harm. Even then, horses weren't just about power, they were also about loyalty and unwavering dedication.
Whispers of Distant Lands
Stories would often reach our ears of remarkable horses in distant lands. We'd hear whispers of fiery Arabian horses known for their spirit and unmatched endurance, bringing images to my mind of sweeping desert landscapes and riders silhouetted against the setting sun. Then, we’d hear tales of majestic Mongolian ponies, their short, strong legs adept at traversing icy steppes, evoking images of boundless plains and a sky vast and blue.
Despite being separated by geographical barriers, we all knew we shared a common purpose: to serve humanity in our own unique way.
Horses in the Hearts of Every Tale
You see, our lives back in 0693 weren't just about mundane work; they were intertwined with a wealth of stories, legends, and myths. Our bond with humans was evident in every folklore, every poem, and every song. In our humble existence, we found our place within the rich tapestry of human civilization. From Celtic myths about the mystical kelpies, mischievous water spirits who could shapeshift into horses, to the Norse legends about Odin, who rode the eight-legged steed Sleipnir, we were more than just workhorses. We were mystical beings, imbued with supernatural powers, symbols of courage and loyalty.
In the hearts of our human companions, we held a sacred position – that of loyal companions, noble steeds, and, dare I say, symbols of their own hopes and dreams.
Life in Hayfield: The Simplicity of the Now
While the adventures of warhorses and royal palfreys may have captured our imagination, life in Hayfield, a peaceful village in Scotland, had a charm of its own. The rolling green hills, the babbling brook, and the familiar faces of my fellow horses brought me a sense of calm.
It's these peaceful mornings in Hayfield, filled with the gentle rustle of the wind through the trees, the soft murmur of the stream, and the warm glow of the sun that make me cherish this quiet corner of our equine world.
But, even though we are fortunate enough to live in a peaceful countryside setting, it’s essential for me to remember the role that horses like me, like my fellow steeds in all corners of the world, played back then. We are a symbol of strength and grace, of perseverance and love, and those aspects haven’t changed, regardless of whether we pull plows in fields or gallop alongside royal processions.
As I stand here, eyes closed, enjoying the morning sun, I’m reminded of our vital connection with the human world and I realise that, even as times change, and our roles may evolve, the essence of our being remains – loyal, powerful, and devoted companions in this world we share.
Until next time, neigh-neigh and stay curious, dear friends!
Emma, Grey Draught Mare, Hayfield, near Aberdeen.
