Neigh-sayers may think it’s a little odd for a horse like me to be blogging, but then, there are some things even a horse can’t explain, like why some people don’t appreciate a good, honest story. Especially if it’s about horses.
Well, fellow equine friends, I’m Emma, a sturdy grey draught mare with a white mane and tail that I like to think is quite striking. You’ll find me most days pulling a cart in and around my village of Hayfield, near the city of Aberdeen. Let me tell you, there are few things I love more than a good, heavy load, the feel of the earth beneath my hooves, and a good old fashioned “Whoa!” at the end of a hard day’s work.
This here blog is my little way of recording our lives as horses in this year of 825. It's like my own, personal “hoof-print in time”. I thought, if I'm going to be honest about it, most people know as much about our history as they do about their neighbour's goldfish - maybe even less. Let’s face it, they can’t even tell a cob from a Clydesdale - oh, and don't get me started on those flimsy little ponies!
So, that's where I come in, ladies and gentlemen (and you too, other hoofed companions). Today, I'm taking you all on a tour of the world as we know it through the eyes of a horse. Get ready, 'cos we're taking off on a whirlwind tour.
The World Outside Hayfield:
Now, let's face it, our world revolves around hay, oats, and a good scratch behind the ears, and a lot of hard work! We're not known for being explorers, although we do appreciate a good, adventurous journey with a trusty human on our backs or a cart to pull.
Speaking of adventure, life is a bit different in the far-off land they call "England". Over there, people are really embracing riding. They use their horses to hunt, to travel and to wage war! We hear tales about grand Knights in shining armour riding noble steeds into battle. Apparently, their skills in horsemanship are highly valued and admired. Who knew?! Makes me wonder about my own potential! I mean, who can resist a beautiful, strong grey like me?
Back in Scotland, we spend our days hauling goods, transporting people and helping farmers with their daily tasks. We also carry knights to battle - a responsibility we don't take lightly. Imagine! Just me, a humble working horse, carrying a noble knight, a weapon at his side. A real sense of purpose! Makes those long journeys a lot more thrilling, let me tell you!
Our Lives and Loves:
Of course, we’re not just work horses. We also have social lives - maybe a little different than the high society gatherings I've heard about - mostly grazing together, playing with the foals, and sometimes, for the truly daring, a playful game of 'catch me if you can’ with the sheep. They’re good at running and bouncing. Can you imagine them pulling a cart full of barley? Now that would be hilarious!
This Year's Gossip:
There was this wild-looking horse they call a 'Clydesdale' who arrived in the village a few weeks ago, and he certainly stirred things up! Imagine, such a huge fellow. I wouldn't mind having his strength. They say he came all the way from Scotland's very own Highlands, which I suppose, would make him quite the adventure horse!
Speaking of adventures, it's quite a thing for our owners, these humans, to be obsessed with finding new breeds, importing horses from foreign lands and, well, I don’t understand their passion for this sort of thing. They talk endlessly about 'bloodlines' and 'lineage'. Now I find 'oats and hay' more relevant to my daily routine, thank you very much.
The Horses of 825:
Now, let's dive a little deeper into our equine history! This year of 825 sees a few very important, perhaps slightly scary, things happening for our kind. The Normans, from that land they call France, are making themselves known in a not so peaceful way! They love to go on big crusades – we have to wonder if those shiny swords and armour have something to do with it - anyway, they carry heavy baggage on their steeds as they go! Who wouldn’t fear a Norman with their steeds galloping in?
The Vikings, fierce warriors and traders, are still doing what Vikings do: pillaging and plundering their way through various countries - and of course, they need trusty steeds to travel far and wide, transporting their booty! I think you'll agree that no horse in its right hooves wants to face a Viking. We certainly don’t see many around here, thank heavens!
A Few Observations:
It’s funny, I can tell a lot about what people are doing and feeling by watching how they use their horses. Sometimes, when they’re tired or worried, their hands on my reins get a little shaky, and I’m quick to make sure they’re safe, a little bit like their trusted companions. You know, I never realised before how many human emotions our world touches!
And those beautiful war horses! It's amazing how much power and agility they can have! It takes a lot of training to master those moves, but when they finally manage a grand display of their skills - well, that’s quite a spectacle, that is!
What’s on the Horizon for Horses?
So, as a wise old mare (well, I’m only twenty - still young, I say!), I can feel a strong, confident neigh coming from the future! It's clear that the world of horses will only continue to expand in the coming years. The more I learn about this world, I realize our story is woven into human history just as theirs is woven into ours.
I know we are far from understanding every twist and turn on this path. But, I for one am happy to gallop ahead, eager to find out what tomorrow holds.
Well, that’s about all from my hoof. See you in our next blog! Until then, good grazing, a steady gallop, and let's hope for good, juicy oats!
Emma, a Grey Draught Mare - signing off.
P.S. Please feel free to share your thoughts and comments at www.equiworld.org! I love reading all about your lives.
