Neigh-sayers might think this is a bit of a stretch for a mare to understand the ins and outs of history, but I assure you, my dear readers, there's nothing quite like the slow pace of a long, winding journey to encourage contemplation and a taste for the past. Now, settle in for a warm, comforting read about a typical year in the life of Emma, a draught mare who calls the lovely rolling hills of Hayfield near Aberdeen, Scotland, her home. I’m a Grey with a gloriously flowing white mane and tail, a bit of a fashion icon in the stable, you could say, and 806 was a year of change and excitement for me.
Winter: A Time For Rest and Reflection
My first memories of 806 are the biting cold of the Scottish winter. As a six-year-old mare, I’m still relatively young, and although I’m used to working hard, the long days of winter allowed for some well-deserved rest. I remember snuggling into the warm straw in our shared stable with the other horses, enjoying the companionship and sharing stories (mostly involving a large pile of oats or a particularly tricky furrow). I recall the quiet mornings when the mist hung low across the valley, shrouding Hayfield in an ethereal white blanket.
Spring: A Fresh Start for Us All
Spring sprung forth like a beautiful, energetic colt with a newfound appreciation for life. It wasn’t only the change in weather that breathed life back into my bones. I could practically feel the eagerness and the hopeful energy pulsing through the community of humans and animals who shared my world.
The farm felt more vibrant and bustling, as everyone prepped for the planting season. You wouldn't believe the work involved! It wasn’t just the physical work of ploughing, preparing the soil, and transporting all those hefty sacks of seed; there was the anticipation in the air – the sense that everyone was contributing to something larger than themselves, working in tandem with the earth itself to ensure a successful harvest.
Summer: Work and Play Under the Warm Sun
The summer days stretched on, brimming with sunlight, making my white mane practically shimmer. The meadows were bursting with wildflowers, the air alive with the buzzing of bees and the joyful chirping of birds. I couldn't help but dance under the sun, a light trot on my hooves, just a bit of a joyous jig. My human companions - a kind, young man called Thomas – kept me well-fed, making sure my coat stayed glossy and sleek, and showering me with affection. After all, a happy horse works harder, wouldn’t you say?
Those summer days were filled with work, of course. It was the peak of harvest time, with the fields a blur of gold, swaying in the wind. I remember pulling the heavy cart, the wagon laden with the year’s bounty, its journey echoing with the sound of wheels grinding over stone roads and the occasional happy whinny of a fellow traveller. Thomas and I made many journeys in and around Hayfield, supplying local communities with the fruits of the farmer’s labour.
Autumn: Gratitude and Reflections of a Year’s Journey
The turning of the year, from the vibrant yellows and reds of autumn to the cool stillness of winter, brought a quiet reflection on a year gone by.
We gathered in the meadows for a communal harvest festival. There were feasting, singing, dancing, and stories shared, all celebrating the gifts the earth had bestowed upon us. The farmers were thankful for their bountiful harvest and for their faithful companions.
A Look Beyond the Hayfield
Life for me wasn’t just about the daily grind, though. We – the horses of Hayfield – were an essential part of the community, often venturing outside the rolling green pastures for exciting expeditions. We hauled materials for the nearby Abbey of Brechin, a place filled with ancient whispers and the sound of quiet prayer. I recall pulling heavy loads of stone, the rhythm of my hooves a rhythmic heartbeat against the quiet serenity of the stone buildings, an important part of building a place of spiritual strength for the people of Scotland.
Across the Lands: A Whirlwind of Change
While my life may have revolved around Hayfield, the world outside, as Thomas would often share, was in a whirlwind of change and growth.
He would regale me with stories of kings and emperors, far-away kingdoms, and political battles fought. His tales spoke of how horses – just like me - played a vital role in these bigger narratives. They helped build communities, transported goods, carried soldiers to battlefields, and ultimately played a part in shaping the world around us.
He spoke of King Louis of Aquitaine who, with the help of his loyal cavalry, battled with his rivals for dominion. He described King Offa, the strong leader of the Anglo-Saxons, making advancements in his territories, harnessing the power of his mounted troops to achieve greatness.
Through these tales, I saw how horses had become so deeply intertwined with human history. I imagined vast, open plains, filled with thundering hooves and the rhythmic drumming of battle drums. I marvelled at the impact horses had on the course of events, on shaping societies, on leaving their mark on the history of humanity.
In the Shadow of the Year 806
Though these tales painted vivid pictures, life for me in 806 remained anchored in the simple, everyday routines of life in Hayfield. I knew that my humble contribution to life was just as important as any grand historical deed.
There was a sense of profound peace and calm that I carried with me, a connection to the natural world and to the cyclical flow of seasons. We were all part of something much bigger than ourselves. We, the horses of Hayfield, played a role, large or small, in ensuring that the human world around us continued to thrive. We contributed, as the world of man continued to grow and evolve.
We helped to nourish families and communities, provide strength and energy, and carry messages and resources across land. And I knew, even as a young mare, that horses were woven deeply into the very fabric of history itself, both grand and small.
An Ending Note From Emma, Your Draught Horse Blogger
And there you have it – my tale of a simple year in 806 AD, from the eyes of a Grey Draught with a love for stories, hard work, and of course, a hearty meal.
Now, do share your thoughts! Have you ever thought about a horse's perspective on history? What fascinates you about life as a horse? Leave a comment below and let’s connect over our love of all things equestrian!
Until next time,
Emma
