Neigh-sayers and Neigh-borehood News
Hello, fellow equines! It’s Emma here, writing from the rolling hills of Hayfield near Aberdeen. 0749 has been a year full of changes, but the world keeps on turning, and my hooves keep on hitting the ground, and that’s what matters most!
Before I get stuck into my tales, a friendly neigh to those new to my blog! I’m a 20-year-old grey draught horse, a strong and steady sort, with a white mane and tail, as majestic as a mountain mist. I’m lucky to have been born and raised here, amongst these gentle Scottish hills, and I hope my writing captures the spirit of my dear Hayfield.
Let me begin by mentioning that there's quite the commotion in the wider world. People are still buzzing about the conquest of the Visigothic kingdom by the Moors in 711. It’s been a real game-changer over there, I hear, leaving many a stable shaken. Here in Hayfield, we're mostly preoccupied with the weather, which is a bit changeable at this time of year, and a little too rainy for my liking.
But let's not dwell on gloomy weather, eh? This post, however, is all about celebrating our life as equines, from the field to the stable to the muddy road.
My Work Day
I start my days with the early morning chill, as dawn bathes the sky in soft pinks and purples. My hooves awaken to the gentle sounds of birds singing, and my spirit lifts with the promise of a good day. I spend a large part of my days carrying heavy loads on the cart, pulling my farmer master to and fro through our valley. It's a hardworking life, and sometimes the days feel long, especially if I have to navigate rocky terrain, but the sun warms my coat and my master's whistle, as clear as the mountain spring, keeps me going.
Horses: The backbone of the community
My master, Angus, doesn't seem concerned by the affairs of faraway lands. Like most folk around here, he's deeply engrossed in his land, planting and harvesting, and keeping a good roof over our heads. You know, the essentials. But it's impossible not to hear gossip about the great kingdoms across the seas. We hear tell of battles, power plays, and shifting borders, even though our daily routines barely seem touched by these events. We still tend the fields, graze the meadows, and carry the burden of everyday life, just like our ancestors did, perhaps even more so. Horses like me are the heart of this community, we're the strength that allows us to grow, harvest, and trade. We move families and goods, and we carry people's hopes for a prosperous future.
A Horse's Day Out
Sometimes, after a hard day's work, Angus treats me to a stroll by the banks of the river Dee. As we wander along, the gentle sound of flowing water washes over us, and the crisp mountain air invigorates my senses. This river runs like a silver ribbon through our valley, and I feel the warmth of the sun on my back as the sky transforms into hues of gold and amber.
These moments offer me a chance to breathe, to admire the rolling hills and the ancient forest that surrounds our humble abode. The scenery, especially at sunset, reminds me how blessed I am to call this place my home, this little corner of Scotland.
Stories From The Stable
When the day’s work is done and the moon is a gentle, soft, silver orb watching over us, I enjoy gathering around with my fellow horses. We stand shoulder to shoulder, swapping tales in the warm shelter of the stable. We speak in our language of snorts, neighs, and the gentle scrape of hooves on the floorboards. I often tell them of the history I've learned about our ancestors, about how they've served humankind throughout the ages.
There's Fiona, a younger mare with eyes like amber, who listens eagerly to my tales of past battles, where our ancestors were crucial in the formation of empires. And then there’s Hector, a strong, stoic black stallion, whose wisdom speaks to the calm grace and strength that horses bring to people's lives.
And of course, no horse stories are complete without mentioning my old friend Jasper, the grey dappled stallion with the mischievous grin. He knows a trick or two, and he loves to share humorous anecdotes, many involving escaping his lead rope, which makes me smile even on the chilliest of evenings.
Learning and Growing
We gather in this warm, safe sanctuary, under the watchful eyes of our master and his sons, telling each other tales and dreaming of greener pastures. These nightly gatherings are not just for entertainment - they are the essence of horsehood.
We exchange insights, learn about different breeds, discuss strategies for managing difficult loads, and we simply enjoy each other's company, which strengthens our bonds. And as I share my knowledge, I, in turn, learn so much from them.
Horses and Humans - A Tale as Old as Time
There’s a constant rhythm to our lives here in Hayfield. Our world revolves around the needs of humans, and that’s okay. From carrying heavy plows to ferrying merchants and families across the highlands, our role is deeply woven into the tapestry of daily life. But despite our workload, we're not slaves to our purpose; we’re companions, partners, and friends. I know my farmer is good to me; he feeds me well and keeps me healthy. He knows I'm more than a beast of burden – I'm a living, breathing being with my own needs, my own joys, and my own sorrows. There’s an unspoken trust and mutual understanding that binds horses and humans together in a bond that dates back centuries. It’s this unspoken connection that I intend to explore and chronicle here in my blog, through my eyes, a simple draught horse with a love for my family, my master, my fellow horses, and the beautiful valley that's my home.
Join me next week as I talk more about life as a horse in this very different era.
*Please visit equiworld.org to find other interesting historical posts written by other horses like me! *
See you next week!
- Emma, Hayfield, 0749
