Hello fellow equines, and welcome to another edition of EquiWorld! This week, I’m Emma, a grey draught mare from Hayfield, near Aberdeen in Scotland, and I’m thrilled to share my thoughts on horse life back in the year 769 AD. Now, I might be 20 years old now, and my days are spent pulling the miller's cart to market, but I’ve heard plenty of stories about the horses that came before me – my elders tell me tales about the great battles, the exciting travels, and even the simple, quiet lives that horses like myself lead.
The year 769 wasn't an easy one. My people – the Picts, they called themselves – had just endured a difficult war with the Northumbrians. The battles were fierce, but in the end, our people managed to drive them back. It wasn’t easy to stand in the shadow of that battle, to hear tales of horses pulling carts carrying supplies for the brave men, to smell the faint scent of blood in the air. It reminded me of how important horses were, not just to farming and everyday life, but for the sake of our community.
A Day in the Life
Don't think I’m complaining about life here in Hayfield, though! The days are simple, and my work brings a sense of accomplishment. I start early, with the first glimmer of the sun peeping over the rolling hills. My morning routine involves munching on a hefty breakfast of oats and hay, before the miller’s son, Ewan, comes to greet me. His family, the MacKenzies, are a kind and loving lot – Ewan is gentle with me, and always checks to make sure my hooves are in good condition. That always makes me feel important!
The real work begins at sunrise. My sturdy frame pulls the miller’s cart, laden with sacks of barley and wheat to market. It's a long but familiar route – across the meadows, past the shepherd’s cottage, and into the bustling town of Aberdeen. People stare and whisper, "There's Emma, the mighty grey mare!" The town folk have a way of remembering you, you know. They recognize your face, and sometimes they’ll even give you a carrot or a bit of sweet bread as a thank you for the good service I provide.
But don’t think my day is all about work! I've heard many stories from the elders, about when horses were not just working beasts. My grandfather, bless his soul, he spoke of how horses were used for sporting events - racing and jumping, it was called. And the legends about mythical horses like Pegasis - oh, what a creature that was! And these horses were even used for war – imagine, galloping alongside knights and wielding a weapon! Not for us here in Hayfield, though. Our work keeps us grounded, keeping our feet on the earth.
Horse Breeding and Care in 769
This time period is interesting because people were starting to focus on selective breeding for horses. People saw the importance of choosing certain stallions and mares, which resulted in stronger, faster horses – especially important when it came to the war effort! We, the draught horses, we're prized for our strength and stamina. But for those involved in battles, it was the speedy horses that were the heroes of the day, for they could carry the brave men over hills and valleys, fast enough to strike, and then escape danger.
And then there’s the grooming, of course. Horses are always seen looking immaculate. Our coats need to be kept shiny and healthy, our manes and tails are brushed with care – after all, it’s a point of pride for any equine to have a sleek and clean appearance!
The World Beyond Hayfield
Now, Hayfield is lovely, don't get me wrong. But I always enjoy hearing about life in other places. I once met a traveling merchant from the south, who talked about how his horses, trained for long journeys, were vital for transporting trade goods – spices, fabrics, you name it – from one corner of the land to the next! Then there’s the Vikings. They say their horses are magnificent, used for raiding and war, their sturdy builds giving them an advantage in battle! They are known for their skill as horsemen, too. The thought of riding in a pack, like a whirlwind of hooves and leather, it fills me with a strange excitement – maybe a bit of envy, even!
And lastly, there’s the great Arab horses. Those majestic beasts, they are the royalty of the equine world! They say they can run faster than any other horse, with the wind in their mane and a spirit so wild, it almost takes your breath away.
But regardless of what I’ve learned about life outside of Hayfield, my life here, pulling the cart to market, keeps me content. It’s a peaceful existence, knowing that I provide a vital service to my community.
Our Future
Who knows what the future holds for horses like myself. Maybe, someday, they will start using horses for all kinds of exciting adventures, more than just pulling carts or serving as mounts. Or maybe the days of the horse will simply be as they are – filled with hard work, love, and the beautiful rhythm of hooves hitting the earth. Whatever comes next, we horses will face it with strength and spirit!
Well, fellow equines, that’s all for this week's blog post! Thanks for tuning in, and stay tuned for my next entry, where we'll delve into the wonderful world of horsemanship in 769! Until then, keep those hooves strong, and let your tails fly free!
