Hello, my dear equine friends! It’s Emma here, your resident historian from the rolling hills of Hayfield, near Aberdeen in bonnie Scotland. Today, we're diving into the annals of history, all the way back to the year 0708, a time when life was quite different for us horses.
Life as a Grey Draught
Now, as you know, I'm a grey draught horse, a breed known for strength, endurance, and a good-natured temperament. But even in 0708, things weren't as idyllic as one might think. As a young mare, barely 20 summers old, I was part of the working class – a farm horse with a crucial role to play in our community.
Every morning, I woke with the roosters crowing, the sweet smell of heather and dew on the wind, and a sense of purpose that comes from knowing my work matters. We horses were integral to Hayfield and all the surrounding villages. We ploughed the fields, hauled carts loaded with grain and hay, and carried riders on important journeys. We were the muscle, the sinew, the lifeblood of this land.
The Daily Grind
The life of a farm horse was never easy. The days were long, starting at dawn and often ending with a few hours of grazing under the setting sun. My sturdy hooves walked miles every day, carrying burdens and working alongside my human companions.
One memory that still sticks in my mind was the day we pulled the heavy oak beams for a new church. My companions – sturdy geldings named Duncan and Finn – and I toiled together, pulling the beams on a sled over rough terrain. We grunted, huffed, and sweated, our muscles aching, but the sense of satisfaction after we succeeded was unparalleled.
The Importance of Trust
I was blessed to have kind human companions. Farmers, with faces weathered by sun and wind, whose eyes spoke of a connection to the land that ran as deep as the roots of the oak trees we pulled for the church. They treated us with respect, provided us with shelter, and fed us well. But most importantly, they understood the bond between human and horse. Trust was the bedrock of our partnership, built through shared labour and unspoken understanding.
My own human companion, a young lad named Hamish, was my constant companion. He cared for me with a gentleness that surprised even my old mare mother. He'd brush my coat, sing me gentle lullabies when the wind howled in winter, and speak to me as if I were a person. I felt loved and cherished, not just as a worker, but as a friend.
Beyond the Farm
Though my life was largely dedicated to the farm, there were rare moments of freedom. Hamish and I would sometimes join a local hunting party, where the thrill of the chase filled the air. I’d gallop alongside other horses, feeling the wind whip through my mane, the earth vibrating under my hooves, and the excitement pulsing through every vein. It was an exhilarating experience, one that reminded me of the wild spirit that still ran beneath my farm-bred exterior.
A Time of Growth
0708, though an everyday year, was an era of growth and change for us horses. Trade was flourishing, and more people were moving to settlements, bringing with them a demand for goods, which meant more work for us horses.
There was also the exciting development of the stirrup, a simple yet revolutionary invention. This device allowed riders to stay in their saddles even when the horses were moving at full speed. Though I didn't see it myself, my descendants have told me stories about how the stirrup revolutionised warfare, exploration, and the way people travelled.
The Bond Remains
Though the world of 0708 is long gone, I can’t help but feel connected to it through the echoes of those years. The memories of those early days are etched in my spirit. They remind me that even in this modern world, with all its advanced technologies, the bond between horse and human endures. It’s a timeless connection forged in mutual respect, trust, and understanding – something I am immensely grateful for, as a descendant of those hardy working horses from the year 0708.
Remember to visit www.equiworld.org to keep up to date with my history posts, and join me in the exciting journey of discovering our equine past. Until next time, my friends!
