Hello fellow equine enthusiasts! Emma here, your resident history buff from the misty moors of Hayfield near Aberdeen, Scotland. It's been a while since my last post, but the days are long and full here in the Highlands, so apologies for the delay!
I've been doing some digging – literally! – into the archives of my trusty equine ancestors and discovered that the year 858 AD was a significant one in our horse-filled world. So, grab your favourite oatcakes, pull up a comfy straw bed, and let me share some fascinating insights with you!
Life in Hayfield
The wind whistles through the pines here, as it always has, carrying the scent of heather and damp earth. 858 AD, a time when Vikings roamed the northern seas, and the Kingdom of Scotland was newly forged, life here was simple and focused. Our lives as draught horses were intertwined with the human community. We pulled heavy plows, carried heavy loads, and provided transport for goods and people alike. The villagers of Hayfield rely on us for their livelihood, and in return, they ensure we are fed and cared for with warmth and respect.
My family, for example, works alongside a small farm owned by a kind old man named Lachlan. He calls me “Bonnie Lass” and gives me pats on the neck every morning, often sharing a handful of his oatmeal breakfast. He taught me everything I know, how to pull the plow straight and true, how to keep a steady gait under load, and the joy of pulling the cart with Lachlan's young grandson, Finn, riding on top.
The young lad, Finn, is quite the spirited one! We are friends, him and I. He often shares his barley bread with me and talks to me in his quiet voice, telling me about his dreams and hopes. He even started teaching me tricks, and I can now raise my right hoof on command, to his immense delight.
We work hard in Hayfield. The men tell stories of fierce storms, and tales of strong Vikings raiding down the coast. They say it’s a challenging time for the Kingdom of Scotland, and they thank their lucky stars that the Picts and Scots have united into a new kingdom, fighting as one.
But those worries, though understandable, do not reach our pastures here. We are strong and healthy, cared for with great respect by the men and women who rely upon our work.
Around the World
Now, my journey through history does not just stay local! Through stories shared over the generations, I hear tales of our brethren in other lands, across continents and empires.
I am reminded of the famed horses of Persia, revered for their beauty and stamina. Imagine a stallion with coat of pure fire, like the setting sun, galloping through the desert sands, its mane like a banner flowing in the wind! They say those horses were prized in those times, used by noble warriors in battles across vast plains, and by traders carrying exotic goods along the Silk Road. Their strength, spirit, and ability are known throughout the world.
I also learn about the horses of China, renowned for their intelligence and gentleness. Some were even used as companions for emperors! They carried intricate saddlebags filled with scrolls and poems. The stories say these horses were revered for their calm demeanour, carrying wise scholars across vast lands, carrying the whispers of ancient texts to every corner of the empire.
While we draught horses work in the fields, carrying and pulling, it’s clear that in this time, our brethren all over the world contribute greatly to society and civilisation. We work the land, help to trade goods and spread knowledge, and even play important roles in battles. Horses, truly, we are a force to be reckoned with, both in strength and in heart.
Horses and Healing
Interestingly, this year I also discovered that some of my kin were finding new roles outside of agriculture and warfare! Apparently, in distant lands, such as in the Mediterranean, some people are beginning to discover our therapeutic abilities. They’re finding that our gentle nature and warmth can comfort those in need, and even offer solace to those with ailing bodies.
Imagine the magic, gentle friends, of a weary soldier or a troubled soul finding comfort in a horse's company, a touch, a gentle breath, a quiet moment shared with a loyal creature! These are times of change and learning, a period where humanity, perhaps, begins to recognize and appreciate the gifts our species holds beyond the merely practical.
* Looking Ahead*
The world of horses is as vibrant and ever-changing as a field of wildflowers in spring. The year 858 AD, just a speck in the long tapestry of our history, holds many tales of strength, progress, and change, just as each year in our rich past continues to do.
We may pull plows and carry loads, or grace noble riders on battlefields. We may even lend our peaceful presence to those who need comfort and solace. But one thing remains consistent: horses remain deeply interwoven in the fabric of humanity.
As I finish this post, Finn walks by, calling to me with his gentle voice. He offers me another bite of his barley bread, smiling at me with his gap-toothed grin. He's just told me about his plans for next week - we're going to the market to watch the merchants from the coast trade their goods, and he promises to tell me all about it.
The days, as they are in 858 AD, are long and full. We are here to serve and to work. But also to laugh and play and to share companionship with humans, forging bonds that weave our lives together like strong strands in a finely spun rope.
So, dear EquiWorld readers, keep watching this space! Next time, I'll share about what I've learned from my recent trek to the local village for a fresh batch of oats, the sights and smells of the town, and maybe even a bit about the famous horses of ancient Rome!
Until next time, stay strong, stay connected, and always remember, we are part of something special, horses of the world, together, weaving the threads of our story!
Sincerely,
Emma, the Grey Draught Mare of Hayfield.
