Hello my dear equine friends! It's Emma here, a 20-year-old Grey Draught mare, with a white mane and tail as fluffy as the clouds on a summer day. I hail from Hayfield, a quaint little village nestled in the foothills near Aberdeen, Scotland. You might be wondering, "Why 0828?" Well, this is my special year in history - the year of 828 AD. And boy, oh boy, has there been so much to see and experience!
Every morning, I wake up to the cheerful chirping of the sparrows and the distant mooing of the cows. My stable is nestled snugly within the farmyard, just a few steps away from the hayloft. It’s always warm and dry, a welcoming haven after a long day in the fields.
As for today's blog post, let’s delve into the world of horses back in the year 828. It’s fascinating how much has changed since then, yet certain things still hold true. We’re the backbone of society - reliable, strong, and resilient. We are the wheels of trade, the engines of transportation, and, of course, the loyal companions that carry riders through treacherous journeys and adventurous gallops.
Let me start by painting a picture of our world. Imagine this: villages clustered in fertile valleys, vast expanses of open moorland, and rivers shimmering like ribbons snaking their way through the countryside. The scent of wildflowers fills the air, mingled with the earthy aroma of newly turned soil. We are essential for everything - from ploughing fields to pulling heavy carts.
I've always loved the feel of the earth under my hooves as I work alongside my fellow steeds, our muscular bodies a testament to the power that resides within. You know, I find myself grateful for my strong, sturdy build, perfect for pulling plows through challenging terrains, particularly here in the highlands of Scotland.
Every morning, we head out, led by our stable master, to the nearby fields. The morning mist is just beginning to lift, and the first rays of dawn paint the sky in hues of rose and gold. The scent of hay wafts in the breeze, and the birds are chirping their sweet melodies. We feel the familiar tug of the reins, the rhythm of our work becoming our natural beat.
Our human companions rely on us for everything – transportation, sustenance, even companionship. Their livelihoods, and in fact, the lives of their families depend upon us. The bonds of trust between us run deep. There’s nothing quite like the sense of connection between horse and rider, a bond forged in sweat, tears, and triumphs.
And here is something interesting you wouldn’t know: this year, there has been talk about the arrival of Viking raiders. I remember being in the village square, hearing whispers from the men about this ‘warriors’ from faraway lands who are taking their horses across the sea. Our village, for the most part, remains peaceful. But those whispers carry a chill through the air.
You see, we are more than just working animals. We're messengers of hope, messengers of stories. We carry whispers of adventure and fear on our strong backs. It’s a privilege to play a part in these grand, intricate tales, each one unique.
Beyond our daily work, life here in the Highlands is truly wonderful. There is such a quiet serenity about this part of the world, a stillness that settles on your heart and soul.
And of course, our own world within the farm is brimming with excitement, especially this year! There have been two new foals born in our stable, a dappled grey filly named Luna and a chestnut colt named Orion. They are a joyous reminder that the cycle of life continues, with a bright, hopeful future awaiting each one.
We’re learning from the older mares like myself, how to respond to the commands of our human companions. I feel such immense pride teaching the foals how to navigate the farm, and master the basics of being a reliable working horse.
I remember back when I was a young filly myself - filled with excitement and curiosity. Now I understand the strength, wisdom, and quiet resilience that comes with age. You learn to appreciate the simple things, the smell of fresh hay in the morning, the rhythmic pace of work, the deep bonds of friendship formed over a shared journey.
What else has happened this year, you might ask? Well, our human companions tell us tales of faraway lands where powerful armies ride on the backs of strong steeds, of magnificent cities where people gather for trade, of breathtaking journeys across vast deserts.
Each tale opens a new world within me, one that’s fuelled by the imagination and the sheer adventurous spirit of our human companions.
We hear stories of horses playing a role in events across the globe. There are even tales of horses playing in the tournaments held in other lands - exciting matches of strength and skill! We horses, we are the true heart and soul of the world - in so many wonderful ways.
That reminds me, our human companions will be riding into the city this weekend for the big celebration - the annual St. Giles' Festival. It’s a joyous time filled with feasting, music, and storytelling. We horses will be in high demand, carrying riders through the busy streets. It’s a special treat to see the world from a different vantage point, our eyes taking in a glimpse of city life, a spectacle that fills us with wonder.
We often find ourselves surrounded by so many people on this busy day. They look at us with adoration, appreciation, even admiration. And we, in turn, sense the strength of our bonds with them, a connection woven through trust, dedication, and a deep understanding that transcends language.
I am deeply thankful for every sunrise that paints the sky with hope, for the scent of fresh hay, and the warmth of the stable in the evenings. Our lives are woven into the tapestry of human existence - filled with quiet labor, quiet joys, and a lasting love for the land and for the animals who share this world with us.
And so, dear friends, I end this blog post with a grateful heart. I am Emma, a Grey Draught mare with a fluffy white mane and tail, living in the year 828, content with the simple joys of life and filled with a quiet pride for the role that we horses play in shaping the world.
Stay tuned for more stories from my horse history blog - Equipedia, as we embark on another year in this wondrous, wild ride called life.
Until then, keep galloping and always remember - horses are the heart and soul of the world!
Yours, Emma
* www.equiworld.org*
