Welcome, fellow equestrians, to my humble blog! Emma here, your average 20-year-old grey draught horse, with a penchant for all things shiny and a tail that's practically a white cloud. I'm writing to you from the bustling countryside of Hayfield near Aberdeen in Scotland, where the air is crisp and the meadows are thick with juicy clover.
Today's post marks a rather momentous occasion. Not only have I reached a quarter century (yes, 25 years, folks!), but it is also the year 700 AD, which seems a good enough reason to talk about our world as it was then, with all its joys and tribulations.
A Typical Day in the Life of Emma
Life in 700 AD was very different from what it is for horses today. You won't find any fancy equestrian sports, high-end horse feed, or even a vet for that matter. But don't get me wrong, our days were far from dull!
Sunrise brought the clattering of farm tools as we hauled the plough through the fertile Scottish soil, readying the fields for barley and oats. Every now and again, our farmer, a strong young man named Alistair, would throw us a bit of sweet barley straw or, if we were especially lucky, a crusty piece of his bread, all while humming a folk tune that tickled my ears.
We'd often be teamed up with my friend Finn, a sturdy black gelding, a good-natured soul. We made a great pair, our combined strength being the lifeblood of Alistair's farm. In the evenings, after the day's toil was done, we would be tethered near the homestead, our sleek coats bathed in the golden light of the setting sun, chomping contentedly on the lush hay.
From Cart Horse to Warfare
However, our duties extended beyond the fields. Every now and then, we would be called upon to travel to nearby villages. We'd be loaded up with a cart piled high with precious goods, or even carry a brave knight or two to the King's court in distant Edinburgh. The journey wasn't always easy; rough roads, bad weather and weary travelers could make it a challenging ride.
But even these ventures were overshadowed by the threat of war. In 700 AD, the North Sea was alive with ships, the Pictish warrior on the rise, ready to defend their territory against any invader. In times of war, horses like me were essential. Our speed and agility were invaluable on the battlefield.
Even though it sounds dangerous, my job in these times was not to be a soldier myself. Instead, I carried a fully armoured warrior on my back, and sometimes, in calmer times, we carried heavy loads of goods or supplies, a crucial service that kept the Picts alive and strong. The Pictish warriors were always thankful for our service, for even if the battlefield was where we truly earned our oats, our daily work ensured that their troops were ready and fuelled.
A World of Change
Life, of course, wasn't all hard work. My friend, a mischievous little chestnut mare called Lily, would often steal my oat cakes when no one was looking! I'd chase after her, pretending to be ferocious, which always ended with me giving a huff and letting her get away with it. Lily had a way of lighting up my days, much like the spring blossoms did in those long, sunny days of summer.
700 AD was a time of change and innovation. The first stirrings of new farming practices were taking root. There was talk of a man called "The Venerable Bede" in the south, writing books about our world - fascinating to hear, though we couldn't read ourselves, of course.
And then there was the legend of the horses of the Wild Hunt! This terrifying phantom horde of black steeds, riding through the night, a stark warning of an imminent death in the family. Tales of this spectre sent chills down our spines. As much as we adored our oats, and enjoyed the freedom of our fields, some things we preferred not to hear!
A Look Towards the Future
As I reach this milestone of 25 years, I'm filled with a sense of pride. I've seen my share of good times and bad, the hustle and bustle of farm life and the danger of the battlefield, the joy of camaraderie and the warmth of the sun on my back.
I wonder what the future holds for our kind. Will the fields always be ready to be tilled by our strong backs? Will our valiant knights always call upon our speed?
But no matter what the future holds, I know this much is certain - we will carry on, horses, strong and steady, playing our vital role in this world, our hooves drumming the beat of history.
* Until next time, fellow equestrians, keep your hooves happy, your hearts full of love and your ears open to the rhythm of our equine journey! *
Emma
* www.equiworld.org *
