Welcome to Equiworld, everyone!
I'm Emma, and it's my great pleasure to share with you, my lovely equine friends and fellow enthusiasts, another fascinating chapter in our history, right here on our blog, Equiworld.
This week, we're taking a trip back to the year 0899. I'll be letting you in on all the gossip and exciting developments going on in the world of horses right back then, and sharing a little bit about my own experiences, being a twenty-year-old, grey draught horse, with a proud white mane and tail, living in the charming village of Hayfield near Aberdeen in Scotland.
I often stand in the field at dusk, with the sweet smell of hay and the gentle hum of insects around me, and I think about how far we've come as horses. Just the other day I heard my young foal, Pip, talking about the “Iron Horse”, whatever that is. Apparently it moves around without any horses! They tell me they've invented these strange carriages that run on tracks without a single horse in sight. It seems as though these horses are replaced by something called steam! Pip calls it "magical", which sounds a little wild to me.
But here in 0899, there's still plenty of work for us. I wouldn’t trade my life for anything. Our horses are an integral part of life – we’re the engines of transportation, pulling ploughs in the fields, transporting goods across the land, and we’re a trusted friend and companion.
Back in the 9th century, horses in Europe have become vital members of the working world. You see, life was quite different then! No cars, buses or trains – it’s hard to even imagine! And of course, there wasn’t electricity. For everything, for all travel and work, people rely on the strength and stamina of us horses. And, of course, the amazing skills of our riders, who trained us, loved us and gave us the respect we deserve.
Oh, how I love this time of year in Hayfield, the heather blooming on the hillsides! Every morning I’m harnessed and ready for my day's work, feeling the cool, fresh Scottish air in my mane. Most days, it’s a bit of hard graft, but we're strong, we’re powerful, and we are always willing to do what’s asked of us. I am proud to be a working horse.
Across Europe, from the Scottish highlands to the warm, sun-kissed vineyards of Italy, we're hard at work. We're hauling timber out of the forest for building and making tools. We're pulling plows across the fields, prepping the land for crops that will feed everyone. We're also making sure people get where they need to be - carts and wagons with goods and people on board - us strong horses pulling them steadily across the muddy roads.
The Scottish weather is fickle, and one thing’s for sure, we never know what it's going to do next. It could be brilliant sunshine in the morning and then a downpour in the afternoon, but regardless, we're out there, delivering what we need to do with unwavering strength.
It's in times like this, as the rain pours down and the wind whips across my coat, that my long white tail helps me keep warm! We do have our good days, too! And when we have some quiet time, we enjoy having our mane and tail carefully brushed by our human friends - the care they take with our hair is delightful.
Here in Hayfield, I'm part of a bustling, vibrant community. We all live and work together - I even met the sweetest mare called Elara from a farm just outside of Aberdeen a while back. We share tips on how to navigate our tasks, or to avoid tricky puddles and patches of mud. You know, horses’ gossip, haha! We share a good, friendly rivalry.
Life isn’t all about work, you know. One of my most pleasurable activities is to trot, often at a lovely fast pace, through the heather and across the wide expanse of the Scottish highlands. It makes my heart soar, to gallop through fields and hillsides, knowing that with every stride I'm doing what I'm built for - working and enjoying the scenery, making new friends, and helping humans.
Our world is filled with such wonder, my friends! Did you know, there's a story going around that some horses are being bred for something called "warfare"! I couldn't believe my ears when I heard about it. It seems some horses have been specifically bred and trained for military battles, trained to move swiftly and gracefully across difficult terrain, ready to strike at a moment's notice. Now, I must say, even with all of our skills, I wouldn't fancy that kind of job, not one bit!
We horses may work hard, but we know how to have fun too. On quiet evenings when the moon shines bright and everything's settled down, we all come together. My little foal Pip always makes sure to remind everyone about our games - we often play hide and seek among the trees - all the little foals scampering off giggling, with a cheeky, “Gotcha!”. It's wonderful.
I think about my life. In my younger days, I’d gallop with a group of my fellow young colts and fillies on a crisp morning through the rolling green pastures and over the stone walls. And those mornings of sunshine and sweet wild flowers - nothing could compare!
Now I'm the older one, the one to keep an eye on the younger ones. That’s part of the life cycle. There is something very calming about that - the peace that comes with knowing the time, knowing that we play our role and are connected. My dear Pip loves to be by my side as we explore our world. Life seems simple, right here and now.
Although life was much slower, more rural and simple back then, I think the essence of being a horse remains very much the same.
We horses still crave companionship, love, good care, a stable, reliable rhythm to life - that strong bond with the humans we work with, and all that comes with it - food, fresh water and lots of tasty hay.
And of course, it’s important for us to be treated with respect, kind hearts and gentle hands. It's all about balance. Being appreciated for all we give. And knowing we're an essential, valued part of the world we live in.
For all of my equine friends, let’s take a moment to give thanks for the amazing horses before us who worked hard, toiled with unwavering dedication, made life better for everyone around them.
Let us celebrate our powerful connection to human beings. Together we shape the world.
So many thanks to you all for listening. Stay safe and be happy.
Don’t forget, check back in with me soon on Equiworld.org.
Next time, I'll share more about life here in Hayfield in 0899 and how horses have adapted to our modern life.
**Until then, your faithful companion,
Emma.**
