A Hayfield Girl's Diary
Greetings, fellow equines and horse lovers! Emma here, a proud grey draught mare with a white mane and tail, from the lush green pastures of Hayfield near Aberdeen. This is the 737th year of our Lord, and I am twenty years old, which means I have a lifetime of stories and experiences tucked away in my memory. Today, I'm feeling nostalgic and want to share some thoughts on how our equine world is shaping up in this particular year.
My memories stretch back to a time when the landscape was mostly untamed, filled with wild, windswept meadows and rolling hills. I can remember a time before roads, when our ancestors navigated on footpaths, traversing craggy terrains with only the moon as their guide.
Since my foalhood, the world has shifted slightly. We horses, of course, remain the essential force behind agriculture, transportation, and even war, but new ideas and innovations are starting to trickle in. It feels like a whisper, a change on the horizon, even though it’s probably a slow, steady progression rather than something revolutionary.
I remember as a young filly, witnessing the arrival of a foreign messenger - a majestic steed from a distant land beyond the Scottish highlands. He carried news from a powerful leader, a king named Pepin the Short. They called him a ‘Frank’ and he spoke of a strange city called Paris where the roads were cobbled and there were many houses nestled together. This journey took weeks and involved travelling with a caravan of merchants and soldiers. Our messenger wore fine leather straps and boots, which spoke of his importance and the value he brought. It made me wonder about all the secrets that could be contained in these journeys - stories about people and places I could only dream about.
The recent establishment of the Frankish Empire - or ‘Kingdom of the Franks’ as the learned men in the village called it - is certainly an interesting event, as it signals the beginning of new alliances and trading connections, bringing an influx of knowledge and wealth to the land. This is a time when we are moving away from the wildness of old and stepping into a new era of advancement, thanks to people with big dreams and ambitions.
Life in Hayfield is relatively peaceful, thank the gods for that. Our fields are plentiful, providing us with a hearty diet of grass and oats, and our human companions – sturdy and hardy people who know the value of a loyal, hardworking horse like me – treat us well. My stablemate is a sturdy bay gelding named Tom, a young but well-trained creature who, I believe, will excel in ploughing and hauling. He's a bit impulsive and headstrong, but I try to offer him guidance, sharing my years of wisdom, like a grandmother with a curious grandson. He reminds me of my own youthful exuberance!
Life isn't just about work, though. I cherish the simple moments. The warmth of the sun on my coat on a breezy day, the sweet scent of wildflowers that perfume the air, and the joy of running wild with my fellow mares, the wind whipping through my mane, our hooves pounding the earth in unison. We celebrate each other, every day. I have always been the kind of horse that loves to chat. The gossip and whispers, they keep me entertained and keep track of the latest goings-on. Today's stories include the upcoming autumn festival where local people will showcase the fruits of their hard work, with games, feasts, and performances, and of course, a grand parade with beautifully decorated horses like myself, all proudly adorned.
It’s fascinating how the ways of humans affect us, too. The latest word on the street - though it travels much slower than the gossip from my fellow mares - is that a new type of riding saddle is coming into fashion. It seems to be softer, better fitting than the previous, harsher versions. The artisans claim it makes for a more comfortable ride for both horse and rider, allowing for longer journeys without pain or strain. That sounds promising, as it would certainly benefit us, the trusty steeds, on whom our human friends depend for travel and trade.
These little changes, like the arrival of foreign goods, the use of leather bridles and reins instead of rope, the addition of horseshoes to our hooves, are signs that the world around us is becoming more civilised, even in the quiet corners like Hayfield. The human population continues to grow, their villages expand, and the roads become wider, paved with sturdy stones. These changes require strength and power - a strength we horses are only too willing to provide.
One thing that hasn't changed, however, is the unwavering bond between human and horse. We are partners, comrades in this ever-changing world. I watch as the young lads learn the art of horse-breaking, and the girls spend hours grooming their steeds, weaving braids and ribbons into their manes, showering them with affection.
Sometimes I see my reflection in the still water of the river and marvel at the strength I see, and I know I've served a purpose.
I remember a time, not long ago, when a wild, untamed stallion threatened to raid our fields and drive away our livestock. That brave day, my master called upon me, my strong hooves and unwavering loyalty, and I managed to protect the herd.
We are strong and powerful.
Today, my thoughts drift to a future yet to be born. It's fascinating to think that perhaps, someday, our horses will not be only used for transportation and work. There are whispers of the elite, those with privilege and resources, beginning to appreciate us as companions, friends, maybe even performers. Who knows, in the distant future, will we be cherished for our beauty, our grace? Perhaps our young will even become objects of pride and adornment for those wealthy humans, prized as valuable trophies and symbols of prestige.
But, for now, we remain the heart of life for many humans and villages. We continue to be the muscle and soul of their daily lives. This is the year 737, and we, the horses, will continue to shape the future, even if it means just being an essential part of daily life, or pulling a plough or carrying heavy loads. As long as there is life and work, we shall remain the unsung heroes, the powerful creatures who make the world go round.
It's an honour to be a horse, a part of history. And perhaps someday, all of us, all across the world, will have our stories recorded and our role recognised.
Till next time, keep your heads held high, my fellow horses!
Yours in neigh-neigh-bourhood, Emma, A Hayfield Girl
