A grey mare's perspective from Hayfield, Scotland.
Good day, fellow equines! My name is Emma, and I'm a grey mare of twenty summers, born and bred in the picturesque Hayfield, near Aberdeen, Scotland. You might be surprised to hear from a horse in the year 0847! You see, for all the incredible advancements of humanity in this modern age, the horse remains the stalwart companion, a powerful ally in times of peace and war. And in this year of our Lord, 847, that bond remains as strong as ever.
As I graze the lush fields of Hayfield, my gaze often falls to the distant peaks, cloaked in mist, as if guarding the secrets of a bygone era. But what I feel, with every rustle of the wind through the heather, every call of the plovers, is the pulse of history - a history that I, a humble workhorse, am part of.
Today, I thought I'd share with you some of the most important things happening in the world of horses in the year 0847. So put your hooves up, have a nibble of hay, and let’s delve into the equine world as it was, over a millennium ago.
The Warhorse: A Warrior's Best Friend
We live in times of strife. In this year of 0847, Europe is far from peaceful. Battles rage across the continent, from the North Sea to the Mediterranean. From the icy wastes of Scandinavia to the windswept Scottish highlands, the mighty Viking warriors are a force to be reckoned with, wielding axes and shields, fearsome and fearless.
We horses play a vital role in these wars. Imagine, my dear readers, the feeling of the wind whipping through your mane, your strong hooves pounding the earth as you charge into battle. It's a whirlwind of noise, dust, and blood. But it is also a feeling of intense connection to your warrior master. It's a partnership built on trust and loyalty.
I am not a warhorse myself, my work lies in the fields, pulling ploughs and carting supplies. But I see the warhorses when they come through Hayfield, heading south to join the conflicts. Their coats are glistening, their muscles taut, their eyes are alight with purpose. You can tell they’re made for battle, these majestic creatures, trained and bred for courage and endurance. They are, without a doubt, the most magnificent horses in existence.
A Day in the Life of a Hayfield Draught Horse
Here in Hayfield, we live simpler lives, focused on the rhythm of the seasons and the cycle of planting, harvesting, and tending to our fields. My day starts before dawn, when the faintest light of sunrise paints the sky. I am up, roused by the calls of the farmhands. A hearty breakfast of oats and barley is my fuel for the day.
I am a strong grey mare, a draught horse with a sturdy build, and I take pride in my strength. Every morning, I am harnessed to a sturdy cart, ready to pull the day's burdens. This is what my kind were born to do - to carry the weight of mankind. It’s hard work, but it's also a life full of satisfaction, knowing I contribute to the prosperity of our little community.
With the first rays of sun, we head out into the fields. We pull heavy plows through the earth, breaking it open for seeds to be planted. Our hooves stir the soil, breathing life into it, a powerful reminder of nature's cycle. As the days lengthen, we haul cartloads of barley and oats to the threshing floor. We also deliver precious supplies – barley, wool, hides, to the local markets, often bustling with merchants and farmers coming together for trade. The rhythm of work is ingrained in my very being. The steady, heavy thud of hooves on cobblestone streets, the creak of wooden wheels, the quiet humming of the world going about its business - these are the sounds of our life.
Beyond the Field: The Horse as a Partner and Friend
But horses are not just working beasts. In the years following the great famine of 828, life has slowly returned to normality, even here in the Highlands. The Vikings are retreating, the weather has turned mild, and our people are beginning to recover.
Today, horses play a vital role in everyday life, they are much more than tools, they are our companions, friends, and trusted steeds. We bring life to communities. We allow people to traverse vast distances, making our lives easier, opening new trade routes and facilitating the spread of knowledge and information. Imagine travelling long distances on foot, through difficult terrains - how long would that take? Thanks to the speed and stamina of horses, we bring distant lands closer, enriching the lives of the people we carry on our backs.
But it’s not just about physical journeys, dear readers. The horses play a role in bringing people together through the joy of sports and leisure. It’s not unheard of for groups of young men and women to gather for horse races and riding competitions. Some communities even use horses for feats of skill, for agility trials, and for jumping obstacles. In these moments, horses are celebrated not for their physical strength but for their agility and their playful nature, reminding us of the close bond that exists between humans and horses.
Breeding the Perfect Steed
The people of Hayfield and all across the land value their horses highly. That's why great care is taken to breed healthy and strong horses. We have dedicated breeders who spend countless hours selecting the best stallions and mares, pairing them with a view to achieving specific desired traits - be it for size, strength, speed, or even colour.
I must confess, as I stroll through the Hayfield fields, I sometimes catch a glimpse of a well-bred foal with a perfect chestnut coat or a beautifully sculpted white stallion - it reminds me that beauty is present everywhere, even in the humble world of farm animals. It’s these beautiful and noble creatures that continue to fuel humanity's journeys.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future
From the bustling fields of Hayfield to the grand stables of kings and queens, horses are integral to all walks of life. Even as the world enters a new century, horses remain at the heart of civilization. We pull carts, carry loads, carry our masters through treacherous terrain, and provide them with comfort and companionship. In the centuries ahead, the bonds between man and horse will continue to grow and deepen, creating stories for countless future generations.
But that, my fellow equines, is for another blog post! Today, we stand here in the year 847, basking in the golden light of this era, carrying with us the wisdom of generations and the strength of the spirit.
Until next time, remember: Life is about connection, and we horses, strong, resilient and steadfast, are proud to be part of that connection.
*With heartfelt neighs, *
Emma, The Grey Mare of Hayfield, Scotland.
Post #847
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