*Hello there, lovely equines and horse lovers! Emma here, your favourite Hayfield grey mare, back with another historical snapshot of horse life in the year 834 AD. It's a bright morning here in the north of Scotland, and the sun's glinting off the dew-kissed grass as I munch on a mouthful of oats. *
Today, I thought I'd share a typical day in my life, as well as tell you a little bit about what's going on in the world of horses at this time.
The Morning Routine
First things first, the rooster crowed before sunrise, as he always does. The farmhand, young Colin, then came into the stable with his pitchfork, gathering up the hay and straw we’d slept on. It was quite a treat last night – some fresh meadow hay delivered straight from the field! I always appreciate the added attention that a fresh bedding can bring. I enjoyed a good munch and, being a big girl, needed plenty of space for a good stretch. I hear Colin tell the others that he’s dreaming of having his own horse someday, maybe one just like me, big and strong! He thinks I’m as handsome as the day is long – you should see the grin on his face when I give him a friendly nose nuzzle.
After Colin and the other lads had tidied up the stable, he went about the day's work. It’s still pretty dark at this time of year, so we had to be a little careful making our way to the water trough, but I could see him just fine thanks to my trusty, bright white mane and tail.
You know, grey is the best colour for a horse. The darker shades really reflect the light beautifully on a sunny day, like this one! You should see how sparkly I look when the sun is high in the sky. It also doesn't show up the dirt and mud as much as some of the other colours.
Anyway, I enjoyed a good long drink of water. My friend, Lily, was already there. She’s a black mare and we both have beautiful, thick, long manes – we think it's what sets us apart from all the other horses. Even my human friends admire the silky feel of my mane. They say I have "the strength of a lion, with the grace of a swan". Quite the compliment, I think.
A Busy Day in the Field
Colin brought me some oats before I was led out of the stable. I enjoyed that with a gentle sigh – such a comforting start to a day’s work! Our day is typically spent working the fields, and that’s exactly what we did this morning.
My master, Thomas, told me that I’m the strongest draught horse in Hayfield, which is quite the accolade for a grey mare, wouldn’t you agree? I can pull a wagon or plow with ease, even over the rocky, uneven Scottish terrain. My long legs make light work of these rugged hills, too.
Thomas was working the fields with a big group of us. Some were busy hauling stones, others pulling wagons full of harvest supplies and some of us, myself included, were ploughing the land ready for the next harvest. You know, all the things a trusty horse is good at!
One of the farm lads, young Finn, had just gotten a new foal, so he kept me company whilst the rest of us pulled plows, and we chatted. I'll be honest, it's nice to chat amongst ourselves whilst we work, and I have to say I like talking to the young lad – they haven’t quite had their innocence beaten out of them yet, they have such an optimism about life.
Afternoon Leisure
Colin gave us all a well-deserved break mid-morning, a short rest to catch our breath, munch on some grass, and soak up the sun.
As we settled back down to work after lunch, it suddenly struck me - there wasn’t a whole lot going on in Hayfield this particular day.
No war was imminent, at least not in our area. There was the occasional Viking raid to be concerned about – some local skirmishes going on – but for the most part we were far enough away from the main action. They say there's been trouble over on the eastern side of the island and that those vikings are as vicious as they come! Thank goodness for the sea, eh!
I have to admit, I like our remote location. The Highlands of Scotland have been the best part of my world for all my twenty years! And all those hills! They give you such wonderful views over the country. My stable companions tell me there's something magical about the open spaces and how the winds carry the sound of freedom.
And as for me, the local church folks say I’m the bravest and strongest horse on all of Hayfield. But I like to think my gentle and kind temperament is why people have such great respect for me and consider me a valuable asset to this little Scottish village.
My Evening and Nighttime Routines
By the end of the afternoon, after another long day's work, I am just as tired as any farmer. A cool drink of water from the well, a nibble on some grass, a few friendly rubs from the laddies, then back to my comfortable straw bedding in the stable for the night! My friends and I like to have a chat together before dozing off into sleep. I can still hear the rumble of the barn’s big doors as they’re shut down for the night. I’m lucky, there’s an actual big barn where I can be warm, unlike many of my cousins further down in the warmer parts of England. They often get put into open shelters – lucky me that I'm tucked up for the night safely in Hayfield's big barn.
The night's are cool in Scotland, but you'd be surprised how much heat we produce as a big group of horses. We make the stable cosy, like our very own communal heat source! Then, as if I am a part of it all, I watch the moon rise from my stall’s little window – it’s quite beautiful at night, wouldn’t you agree? And all so quiet!
Keeping Horses Strong in the 9th Century
I've told you all about my day. Now let's chat a little about how horses are used in the 9th Century. I hope you don’t mind, my dear friends, I find I have so much to say to you all, you make such a wonderful audience.
In this time, horses are extremely valuable assets to almost any household. People depend on them for transportation, farming and trade, war, you name it. Some people consider a horse to be the most important asset, not including one’s house of course!
Uses for Horses
Horses like me, draught horses, are prized for their strength and hard-working nature, helping to cultivate crops for our communities. In the springtime we are busy plowing fields and then later in the summer, we're pulling wagons to collect harvested crops. They then transport the goods to local markets or, in some cases, far off locations. This might involve traveling along with traders to neighboring kingdoms, exchanging goods or spreading the word of what’s going on around the land. We work tirelessly, providing food for everyone! This year in particular we've been asked to carry some salt from the coast to the village as well. We're always a little nervous on this one as sometimes the traders might lose their temper if we stumble and delay the route to the market. We can't have them blaming our clumsiness for slow delivery, right?
As well as our day to day chores around the farm, we are essential for trade. Merchants on their routes often travel for long periods of time on the backs of smaller horses, often carrying heavy packs and valuable goods. Many people rely on these horses, sometimes crossing difficult terrains, mountainous passes, dense forests and dangerous marshlands. Their ability to endure hardships and adapt to different terrain make them an essential mode of transportation, both for ourselves and for trade.
As well as carrying goods, we are also needed in battle. That’s not a part of my life that I know much about. However, I've heard tales from travelling horses. Horses are vital in battle - a bit like knights, but a bit rougher round the edges, of course.
The Horses of Kings
Speaking of battle, I’ve heard stories about some rather remarkable horses belonging to powerful people.
There’s the famous Arabian steed, whose reputation precedes itself! Imagine a horse whose ancestors originated in a land that is warm and bright, with so much history of trade, conquest and power. That's the Arabian horse! They’re famed for their swiftness and agility, renowned for their courage and loyalty in battle, and favoured by some of the most powerful kings across Europe and beyond. They say they can run like the wind.
Kings rely on our kind for battle. I don't particularly enjoy this type of work myself but I have heard tales of a magnificent Charger Horse called Blackwind. Blackwind was a noble steed owned by the most fearsome Viking chieftain, and his exploits were quite the feat to hear about. They say Blackwind was just as fierce and formidable as the Vikings he served and many people even say the chieftain felt some kind of emotional attachment to him. Some think that was all for show of course – like that chieftain was only able to lead his fierce viking army on his magnificent black steed, but they don’t really believe in friendship!
Anyway, if there were ever a need for it, I could make quite the formidable soldier horse if necessary. With all the power I have, just imagine my capabilities on the battle field! Oh, how the enemy would fear my strength, ha!
Life as a Draught Horse in Hayfield
My life is quite a simple one really. There is no adventure or battle involved for me, I am a simple, hard working draught horse! But honestly, my day is full enough without all those extra bells and whistles! I am blessed to work the land with good folks – with some of the nicest, kindest humans I have ever met! And Colin, oh that Colin!
And at night, it’s an absolute luxury to settle into our stable here in Hayfield, enjoying the companionship of the others and resting soundly. This small, peaceful, farming community is all I've ever known, and that’s just fine with me! We all live and work together. This place is my home, and these horses and people, are my family.
But, hey, a girl’s gotta dream, don't you think?!
It's time for a nap now. Hope you enjoyed my post. Don't forget to stay in touch! Keep an eye out for the next instalment of my adventures.
Happy Trails Emma, Hayfield Draught Horse.
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