Hello everyone! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood grey draught mare, reporting live from the rolling hills of Hayfield, nestled near Aberdeen in Scotland. As you all know, I’m a bit of a history buff (and, well, let’s face it, a bit of a show-off). So, naturally, I couldn’t let this glorious year of 695 AD pass without sharing some juicy historical tidbits with you!
Life in Hayfield
The wind is howling outside my stable door today, and the air smells crisp with the promise of autumn. We’ve been working hard these last few weeks, hauling carts full of freshly harvested barley and wheat for the local miller. It's not glamorous, mind you, but it’s the life of a working horse. And a necessary one! These oats are going to be important for getting through the winter ahead. We Scots, human and equine alike, are nothing if not resourceful.
We’re fortunate, really. Here in Hayfield, the humans are good to their horses. They know we are essential. They share their barley bread with us, and our stables are always kept clean and warm, which is no small feat during a Scottish winter! The farm’s youngest boy, a lively little fellow named Callum, often brushes me with a bit of affection. Sometimes, he’ll even sit beside me for a while and tell me about his dreams, whispering them into my soft grey coat.
I can tell he’s going to be a good farmer, much like his father. It's always heart-warming to see the next generation embracing the bonds between humans and horses.
A Wider View
But enough about my life, let’s take a wider view of what’s happening in the equine world this year, 695 AD. It’s an interesting time, a time of change and opportunity!
Just a little south of here, in England, King Æthelred of Northumbria has just been crowned. That's a big deal! And we can see how much these rulers value horses – horses are part of their court, their war effort, and their symbol of power. Horses are the backbone of kingdoms, much like they are the backbone of the world.
And further afield, news from the east reaches us through the traveling traders. The Chinese are leading the world in advanced agriculture, and their horses are vital in their trade networks, carrying goods across the vast Asian steppes. These Asian steeds are said to be as swift and graceful as the wind, with a powerful endurance. That's a fascinating combination!
Horses in Warfare
Speaking of power, this is a time where the use of horses in warfare is changing. The heavier, armoured cavalry of the Roman legions is making way for lighter, swifter horsemen, skilled in both archery and close combat. The horses, bred for speed and agility, are now the heart of a cavalry charge. These nimble warriors ride through open plains like the very spirit of war itself. I admire their agility, but my kind of power lies in carrying burdens, not just in dashing into battle. There is no battleground in the fields where I belong; my mission is to feed people and to transport the essentials of life. I would be terrible at galloping!
It's a different story on the northern plains, though. The Mongols are beginning to emerge as a force to be reckoned with. They are known for their expert horsemanship and fearsome skill in battle, with their cavalry formations leaving devastation in their wake. While I wish them well in all but battle, these horsemen have their eyes on the larger prize, and those are exciting times for them, with tales of bravery, skill and stamina spread throughout the world.
Horses on the Farm
Even in these changing times, there’s one constant - the relationship between horse and human in the day-to-day life on the farm. You know, hauling wagons, ploughing fields, and tending the animals. I'm quite fond of tending the chickens, actually! They're very comical little creatures with their loud squawks and awkward gait. They seem to be rather terrified of me though - their eyes widen like saucers when I go by! However, it always delights me when one or two of them follow close at my heels as if I am their leader, their powerful feathered friend. It gives me a moment's sense of amusement to be revered like a noble beast of myth!
Beyond the Farm
But the world of horses isn't all work and warfare, my friends! I love hearing stories about races, with horses trained to run with extraordinary speed. The roar of the crowd must be thrilling, as if the very ground is vibrating with energy. And the stories of riding, the graceful art of horseback riding, have made me wonder… perhaps a little gentle training wouldn't be a terrible thing? Imagine! A beautiful day, the sun on my back, and the feel of the wind as I trot across the open moor. It is a thought that brings a glimmer to my eye!
But my focus, now, is on Hayfield and our current needs. I know it’s going to be a busy few months, prepping for winter, storing up hay and barley, getting everything ready to weather the inevitable Scottish storms. But, you know, that’s part of the magic. It’s the rhythm of the seasons, the bond between horse and human, and the feeling of contributing to something bigger than myself.
So until next time, my friends! Take care, and remember…the world is a vast and beautiful place, full of wonder, adventure, and opportunities to share in the joy of being a horse!
Sincerely,
Emma, Grey Draught Mare, Hayfield, Scotland
