Neigh-neigh everyone!
It's Emma here, your resident draught horse blogger from Hayfield near Aberdeen, back with another look into the world of horses in 712 AD. As always, grab your favourite carrot stick and get ready to travel back in time with me.
The world's a bustling place for us horses in this era, as it always has been. My trusty grey coat, my beautiful white mane and tail, they've seen a lot these last twenty years, and this year, 712, is no different. There’s been a great deal going on in our equine world, from grand parades in distant cities to the quieter work of farming life, where we help to bring food to the table for humans and fellow animals alike.
Speaking of the bustling city, just last month I had the privilege of carrying a merchant's wares to Edinburgh, which, oh my goodness, is truly a sight to behold! Cobblestones, tall buildings reaching for the sky, and crowds of people, so many people… the excitement nearly blew my mane! Edinburgh Castle, the stone walls, it just makes a horse feel proud to be part of this era.
The city horses there were a fine lot too. Well-kept, sturdy animals with that unmistakable city polish. They weren't quite as hefty as I am, but they moved with a nimbleness I admire, navigating those narrow alleyways and winding streets. They carry on their backs everything imaginable; spices, silk, leather, even fresh fruit brought in from further afield, such as grapes from sunny southern lands.
We might be working hard, but there’s always time for a quick nap under a shady tree on a hot day, and even some gossiping with my stablemates. We’ve had many an exciting story to tell lately! The humans seem to have a real fondness for travelling these days, using us horses as their trusty steeds. Imagine - galloping across rolling green hills, carrying their families to new places. That must be quite the adventure!
And speaking of travel, we have a lot to thank those amazing humans for! Did you know they even began carving routes into the countryside? We’re no longer bound by winding paths, thanks to their skill and dedication! These 'roads,' they’re making a real difference to the pace of our lives and how efficiently we can get things done.
Just the other day I pulled a farmer’s wagon across a beautifully smooth new stretch of road, and my back thanked me for the journey. Not like some old, pothole-ridden roads! What a treat it was to move without those jolts and shakes. Such clever, innovative creatures these humans!
Speaking of those innovative humans, they are making advancements that leave me feeling most grateful - for one, they are taking better care of our hooves. With more sophisticated blacksmiths arriving, those sturdy steel shoes are a thing of the past, and our hooves are being treated to more natural care with leather wraps and a good deal of ointment.
Not to mention their dedication to feeding us well! Oats are becoming more plentiful and the hay - oh my, the hay! I could eat my weight in hay right now, but alas, my stomach can only manage so much! With plenty of nourishment and water, we can move faster and be strong and healthy, ready for another day’s work. It's a bit of a relief to be a draught horse these days, I'll tell you that!
But it's not all work, no sir!
Every now and again, we get the opportunity to participate in joyous occasions - like feasts and weddings. There's something magical about pulling a carriage decked out in flowers and ribbons, the air alive with laughter and the joyous sound of music. It's these moments that really make me feel like we, the horses, are the backbone of human happiness! I’ve even heard some folks say they feel fortunate to ride behind a strong and majestic grey mare, and oh, isn’t that just the nicest thing to hear!
While some may argue that things were simpler for us horses in times gone by, I, for one, wouldn't trade this era for anything. We’re still held in high regard by these wonderful humans - that sense of companionship is something to cherish! Besides, we are the heart and soul of farming, transportation, and even human celebrations! What could be finer than that?
And it's not all about our physical work. I'm getting a bit philosophical here, but the connection we have with our humans, that mutual understanding, is quite remarkable, I think. You can practically sense the shared joy and gratitude on a crisp autumn morning, as we take a well-deserved rest after a hard day's labour.
It’s no wonder that there is a growing interest in horse breeding, as a new, younger generation emerges, with strong legs and a keen eye for good health, the spirit of our ancestors continues to thrive. The passion for our lineage is a beautiful thing, truly! And speaking of ancestors, let’s not forget the noble warhorses! Their role is vital, whether they stand tall on battlefields, or work to improve the efficiency of communication and trade, carrying messages far and wide, linking towns, and communities.
As a working horse in Hayfield, I’m incredibly fortunate. We have green pastures, cool waters, fresh air - a perfect haven for all things equine. Our local blacksmith, William, takes good care of us, tending to our hooves and offering a friendly word every so often, and we have our faithful groom, young Thomas, a lad with a gentle hand and an even gentler soul. He treats us like family!
And it's moments like these, those precious moments of friendship, trust, and mutual understanding, that remind me how truly fortunate we are as horses. As much as we appreciate our roles in agriculture, transport, and even war, these human connections are what make life truly worthwhile.
But it's time for me to make a move now, as I feel my tail twitching with the urge for a midday grazing session. I’ll leave you with this: it's our role, our contribution to a thriving community and world, that gives me that feeling of belonging, of purpose. Horses like myself, the draught horses, we are a vital part of the story of our era - strong, resilient, hardworking, and above all, deeply loved and respected by the very creatures we work with. It’s truly a privilege to be a horse in 712.
See you next month, with another journey into equine history!
Stay neigh-igh-vely!
Emma
www.equiworld.org
