Hello, dear readers! Emma here, your friendly grey draught horse from Hayfield, near Aberdeen. It's always a pleasure to catch up with you all. This month, I'm delving into the year 0923, a year filled with so much change and intrigue for my fellow equines.
I'm not just your typical equine blogger; you see, I've got this knack for knowing about things from the past. Maybe it's because I've had the chance to see so many centuries go by, here in Hayfield, a place that hasn't changed much. It’s beautiful here - rolling hills, cool air, and fields of sweet, lush grass. It's easy to lose myself in the quiet rhythm of nature, the rustling leaves, and the birdsong. Sometimes, I feel like I'm a part of this landscape, connected to the centuries that have passed.
It’s just me, my dear friend Angus, and our farmer, Gregor. Angus is a bay, with a powerful build, perfect for pulling the plough. We’re both workhorses, dedicated to our jobs, and of course, we’re the best of friends. Our work may be hard at times, especially when the weather's not kind, but I wouldn’t trade this life for anything.
You see, it wasn't always this peaceful. A long time ago, during those dark days, my ancestors faced battles and invasions. But in 0923, it seemed that the world was catching its breath. We were fortunate that the Scottish people had found a King, Constantine II. The Kingdom was recovering, and that meant more opportunities for us horses, to carry loads, and till the land. I think that’s why we were kept busy pulling those carts of grain to the nearby mill.
Imagine, dear reader, the rhythmic clomp-clomp of hooves on the stone, the scent of oats in the air, and the quiet hum of the mill wheel. Those journeys weren’t about battles or conquests, but about feeding our community. I often thought, what’s the purpose of war, when the most important things are the grain to feed us, the land to grow it, and the peaceful days to enjoy them.
Now, 0923 is far from my memory, but like all memories, they shape who we are. This year holds significance not just because of peace but because of what our human companions were developing - the early forms of the ‘horse-collar’. Yes, I’m proud to be a part of that! The older style harness that relied on pressure around a horse’s neck was harsh and not efficient, you see. But the new ‘horse-collar’ helped horses like me pull loads with less stress, meaning more efficiency and less chance of injury. And let’s be honest, that means less complaining from Angus.
Back then, most horses weren't pampered like they are now. No fancy rugs or stables with heating; they'd just work hard and keep the community going. Still, a hard-working horse gets respect. Even the farmer Gregor, a grumpy but kind old soul, knows a good workhorse is valuable.
Speaking of respect, this is where a little personal anecdote comes in: One of my earliest memories in 0923 was helping Gregor prepare for the local market. Now, he wasn't just a farmer; he was an amazing craftsperson, making beautiful furniture with his own hands. That year, his tables and stools were especially sought after. They’d go from the workshop onto my back and I’d trot off to market, carefully balancing the treasures upon my saddle. And the pride in Gregor’s eyes! It’s a beautiful thing, to be recognized for the hard work you do.
But that market day wasn’t about just Gregor’s work. Imagine, dear readers, the bustling scene: people talking, laughing, bartering, all around me. Merchants setting out their wares - beautiful fabrics, fresh produce, sturdy pottery, all for sale. Horses and mules pulling their carts, carts overloaded with sacks of grain and potatoes. I loved the feeling of community there, of being a vital part of life. And my goodness, there was always plenty of hay to be had!
While life for horses was usually hard, there were some exciting things happening too. Remember how I said there was less war and more farming? Well, that meant an increase in breeding. New foals, strong and healthy, being born, promising a future filled with the joy of growing strong and the chance to work the land. I recall feeling this strange tug in my chest, this feeling of joy for the little ones, for their bright futures.
And here's a little nugget I gleaned from some whispers in the stables that year: a new breed, small but powerful, began emerging from these very shores - the Clydesdales! You see, they were big and strong, with long coats and feathers, a sight to behold. They quickly became renowned for their pulling power and are now an iconic part of Scotland's heritage. They say a Scottish knight's strength was measured in the number of Clydesdales he could manage. There was something magnificent in knowing our Scottish heritage was helping shape new and beautiful breeds.
But now, let’s return to my world in 0923, back to Hayfield, back to Gregor and Angus. The end of that year marked the harvest, the climax of our labours. The feeling of completion, the smell of ripened barley, and the joyous celebrations - those were the days. Everyone joined hands, literally. Gregor held a celebratory feast, and you could feel the happiness and relief in the air. Even Angus, who rarely smiles, let out a loud snort, happy to have endured another year. We, of course, were well-fed with a hearty banquet of hay and oats. That evening, under a starry Scottish sky, as we watched Gregor and the other men and women dancing around a bonfire, I realized that despite the hard work, it was the connection, the shared life, and the camaraderie that made our existence truly worth it.
In closing, I'll leave you with this: Even in those distant times, we were a community. We were working together, for our families, for our friends, and for the land that gave us life. And you know what? Not much has changed even in the centuries since 0923. We’re still a community, still helping each other. And despite the changing times, I believe we are part of something bigger than ourselves. That, I believe, is something we can all celebrate.
Until next time,
Emma, the grey draught horse from Hayfield, Scotland. www.equiworld.org
