"Hello everyone, Emma here! It's been a while since my last post, but I've been keeping busy around Hayfield, and it seems there's been quite a lot happening in the world of horses as well.
Let me catch you up on my life. My human family, the MacDonalds, have been very kind to me these last few years. My coat is starting to turn a lovely silvery grey, though my mane and tail are still as white as fresh fallen snow. They keep me in good shape with the best barley and oats, and I often find myself luxuriating in the warm summer sunshine. I know I’m a working horse, and I wouldn’t have it any other way, but it’s moments like that which make my life truly wonderful.
You see, I’m a draught horse. My powerful build is designed for hauling heavy loads. I pull the plough and cart, bringing in supplies and moving goods around the farm and the local village. There’s something so satisfying about the feel of a well-balanced load on my back, and the strength in my legs when I'm pulling. I am especially proud when I pull the heavy cart with supplies to the monastery in the nearby town. The monks are good souls and treat us horses very kindly. Sometimes they share some of their lovely baked goods, which are so much tastier than plain bread!
*This year, 852, is a significant one for the horses around Hayfield. * You see, the MacDonalds have a special role to play in our village - they are one of the most trusted families, and it falls to them to transport vital goods for the King of Scotland, Kenneth MacAlpin, who is building his power throughout the land.
The king himself, isn’t a great rider, at least from what I hear, but he’s incredibly enthusiastic about horse breeding. There are whispers about him creating a stable full of magnificent war horses – the type of strong, fast animals who could change the face of war forever! Now, a good rider myself, I can tell you that riding is something which needs constant practice and respect for the horse – simply putting a saddle on a horse doesn’t make it ready for war. It seems that the King needs a little help with that - more on this in a moment.
I feel fortunate to be here in Scotland. While there are many other magnificent creatures like me living in Europe, many are toiling away, working in fields and forests and carrying burdens for long distances. In these parts, we horses have a more important role - not just transporting goods but contributing to the prosperity of our people, providing food, and playing a vital role in defending the land from the Viking raiders, a threat we are all becoming aware of.
I’ll admit, my heart always flutters a bit when the Viking ships come down the coast - they have a fearsome reputation as warrior horsemen, and they come for anything of value that’s not defended! This makes us all proud of the work we do on the farm and the protection of our territory, as without our strength and speed, there’d be little to defend.
Anyway, back to those warhorses!
Now, here’s something that gets all of the horses here excited – we have a new young stallion on the farm. His name is Glencoe. I hear the King sent him to be bred with the best mares in the area, to improve the strength and speed of the King’s cavalry! Glencoe, though quite young, has the markings of a true warhorse: powerful limbs, strong flanks, a sturdy chest, and a temperament that’s calm and ready for action! I must say I found him quite striking the first time I saw him; dark and gleaming, like a piece of polished black granite. I felt a surge of admiration - a fine specimen indeed!
Glencoe's arrival has stirred a buzz throughout the stables. Every mare seems to be flirting with him, all swishing their tails, lowering their heads, and nickering seductively! This sort of behaviour doesn’t bother me too much – my human family tell me I’m ‘an old girl’ and it’s my duty to be responsible now. And of course, the good Lord has chosen not to bless me with foals; he's gifted me with a peaceful nature, and I love my quiet moments, but there's a special joy when you see the other mares becoming mothers and I witness new foals discovering the wonders of the world, with all their strength and enthusiasm.
One of my good friends is a bay mare called Bonnie. Bonnie and I have worked together in the fields and share late night gossiping sessions when everyone's settled down and our humans have gone to sleep. She, with her long, flowing mane, is beautiful, kind, and has a foal of her own - a little filly with beautiful eyes like Bonnie's own, and a coat the colour of ripened corn. Her name is Elsie, and she’s as playful and mischievous as a baby bird! I look after them both and try to teach Elsie all I can - after all, Bonnie has quite the demanding human family and needs every moment she can to look after her beautiful daughter.
The King’s stablemaster often visits to choose the strongest foals to train and educate them into powerful steeds ready for battle. It’s a wonderful thing to see the care that is taken with the foals: from selecting the best to providing the right nutrition and exercise – even using specific tools to shape their legs to run faster and gallop longer, and creating specialized saddles that sit perfectly on their backs, without the rider weighing them down! These foals are very special; they will shape the course of Scottish history. I’ve always known that we are more than just working animals, that our strength is valuable in war and peace, but it’s becoming ever more clear that we horses play a significant role in Scottish society. It is something I’m truly proud of, but also brings great responsibilities, knowing that each of us plays a crucial part in something larger than ourselves.
I don't know where all these events will lead, but I hope they will lead us towards a brighter future for all, for the people, for the King, and for us horses, because when humans and horses work together, wonderful things can be achieved. I'm off to rest now; after all, even we horses need a good sleep from time to time.
Until next time, Emma.”
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Post Script: From the Equiworld TeamThank you for reading this latest blog from Emma! We are so lucky to have Emma's insights into 852 AD, providing a wonderful glimpse into the life of a draught horse during a significant historical moment. This period is crucial, as King Kenneth MacAlpin's unification of Scotland was a landmark event!
We are sure that Emma will continue to provide us with interesting updates and stories from her daily life. We hope you are all enjoying your equestrian lives as well - please share your own stories, photographs, and interesting articles on our site for other equestrians to read and learn!
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See you next time!
