Hello, fellow equines! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood grey draught mare, writing to you from my cosy stable in Hayfield, near Aberdeen. The year is 759, and as always, the heather is in bloom, and the air is crisp, even with the sun shining bright on my sleek coat. Today, I'm taking you on a journey through the past – well, my past, of course – to share what life was like for a working horse like myself in the year of our Lord 759.
Life as a Working Draught Mare
I’m a big lass, you know, and that’s just how they like us drafters. We're strong and steady, and more suited for hauling than racing or riding. My life, like all horses, starts in the spring. My little one arrives, usually a filly with white legs just like her mum.
We're mostly bred for working on the farms. My owners are lovely – farmers who rely on us for ploughing their fields, pulling carts loaded with hay, or dragging heavy timber. They're patient and kind, and they treat us well. Sure, we get plenty of exercise and plenty to eat, but sometimes the work can be tiring. It can take hours to plough those stubborn, muddy fields!
The Highland Games: Horses and Heroes
You know, things are looking quite promising this year in 759! Word has travelled across the moors that a massive celebration, the "Highland Games" is happening this summer. People come from all over Scotland to watch the amazing feats of strength. And, guess what, horses have a starring role! Imagine, the spectacle of hundreds of us pulling hefty carts laden with rocks and logs in a show of brawn and power.
The Highland Games is all about honour, skill, and showing what you've got, both for yourself and for the good of the community. It's a time for everyone to come together and celebrate all things Scottish, from bagpipe music to amazing dances! Even me, I’m being prepared to join the competition – they say it’ll be an unforgettable day!
War, but Never With Us
However, the year 759 has a bittersweet note. We’ve heard news from faraway lands about wars, fierce battles, and kingdoms falling. While my hooves haven’t felt the sharp bite of the battlefields, I hear tell that some of my kin, especially those from the warring lands, are brought into the heart of conflict, carrying heavy baggage, even bearing the weight of riders as they rush towards their foes. It saddens me deeply, even though here in Hayfield, things feel mostly peaceful.
Keeping It Real - We Are Horses After All
And to think, all this happens while I'm enjoying my life here on the farm. I enjoy eating sweet clover from the fields and being groomed under the watchful gaze of young lads, their laughter making my tail twitch with joy. Yes, sometimes they ride me around the fields for a little exercise and I enjoy that, even though sometimes, I'd rather just be grazing on fresh clover.
Oh, the life of a working mare! But there’s one thing for sure - I love my work! I take pride in pulling those sturdy carts, seeing the satisfaction in the farmers’ eyes. It gives me a purpose, you know? And, if you haven't yet guessed, we draught horses are built for that!
Life Through Horse-Coloured Glasses
My dearest fellow equines, this is just a glimpse of life here in Hayfield during 759 AD. We live a simple life here in Scotland – with plenty to eat, lots of friends and even the odd exciting adventure thrown in. As long as the Highland Games go on and there's grass in the fields, life for horses in Hayfield will be just fine!
Don’t forget to check in on me again soon, and share your own equine tales!
Until next time, stay healthy, graze with a full heart, and enjoy your days under the wide Scottish sky!
Your beloved,
Emma
