Welcome to my EquiWorld blog, everyone! My name is Emma, and I'm a 20-year-old grey draught mare with a white mane and tail. I live in a lovely little village called Hayfield, nestled near Aberdeen in the heart of Scotland. Now, you might be thinking, "Emma, a draught mare in the year 891? What on earth could you possibly have to say?" Well, believe it or not, this year has been a whirlwind, just like every other year, really.
As a working mare, I see so much! I feel connected to every little event happening around me - from the big wars to the everyday tasks that keep people going. And it all starts right here, on this lovely piece of earth where my family lives and works.
Life in Hayfield: Work and Play
Hayfield is a bustling village, with the smell of peat fires warming the air and the cheerful sound of hammering echoing through the streets. Every morning, the first rays of sunlight find me in the stables, my warm coat catching the light as I greet my fellow horses. We share stories of our previous days – I love hearing about my younger brothers, carrying hay to the big manor house, or my cousins, helping the blacksmith.
Our day always starts with a delicious bowl of oats and barley, followed by a quick brushing session – keeping our coats shiny and clean is an important part of our job! After breakfast, it's time for work. Some of us haul wagons of hay for the farmer, while others, like me, pull the sturdy plough through the fields, preparing the ground for new crops.
This year, however, has brought a new kind of excitement. You see, my favourite part of work is not just hauling things, but also getting to know people. I'm not just a "workhorse," I'm a part of the village, and I take pride in it.
Recently, we've had more visitors than ever, their wagons rolling into the village. They seem nervous, looking at our horses with a mixture of awe and apprehension. They are "Vikings" - strange, fierce-looking men with long, tangled hair. This year, it seems, they've decided to visit Scotland. The villagers call them "pirates," but they don't seem very piratey to me - they're just visitors, with big ships and beautiful crafts!
I've seen their powerful horses – they are much lighter and faster than ours, nimble like greyhounds. They're used to riding, and it’s interesting to see their tactics. We work with people in close partnership, sharing the burdens and responsibilities. Their horses are more like an extension of themselves – the riders command their every move.
They are magnificent horses, these Vikings', but I think our horses are the best - they're strong and dependable, their coats gleaming like the sun on a snowy field.
A Night Under the Stars
When the work is done, it's time for us horses to relax and unwind. We graze on the rich meadowland, enjoying the fresh air and the feeling of the soft earth under our hooves. I love watching the sunset, its fiery hues painting the sky as it fades into darkness. Then, as the stars begin to sparkle above us, we retire to the stables. There, nestled with my fellow horses, I dream of adventures.
It's true – these Viking horses remind me of adventures I've heard stories of, travel and unknown places beyond the furthest meadow. They are a reminder that life is full of journeys, that adventure is everywhere if you know where to look. Maybe, I think, we could share some knowledge, learn from each other – us horses of the highlands, and these horses of the north.
Horses and the Vikings
One thing I've learned from these Viking people is the importance of training horses. We Draught horses in the Highlands are known for our strength and loyalty, while the Viking horses are quick, agile, and skilled in combat. Each of us excels in different tasks. Their training focuses on movement, on speed and precision. They learn to fight and defend their masters.
There's an ancient skill to their way of handling horses. It seems like a whisper of an ancient language we all understand – a way of feeling the energy between horse and man. Maybe, one day, they might be persuaded to teach us some of their skills. Who knows?
Beyond the Farm
Evenings bring a special magic to our lives. When the village settles down, and the sounds of hammers fade away, we enjoy our family time, nuzzling and whispering in the soft night air. We have family dinners under the watchful eye of the old stableman, who tells us stories of long-forgotten days when knights rode through our valleys.
We horses carry a heavy responsibility. Our power helps shape the world around us - from farming fields to helping transport goods. This is what makes us, horses, important members of the community, not just farm animals.
There's so much more I could say about life in the year 891, about the world beyond our meadows and fields, the stories carried by the wind and woven into our history. But that, dear reader, is a story for another day. Until then, keep watching this space!
Yours in mane and tail,
Emma
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