By Emma, Grey Draught Mare, Hayfield, Scotland
Good day, fellow equine enthusiasts! Emma here, a seasoned twenty-year-old grey draught mare from the beautiful Scottish highlands, ready to share some insights into our noble breed and the times we lived through, back in the year 0925.
Oh, how time flies! It feels like just yesterday I was a skittish foal, learning to navigate the world on wobbly legs. But those years have flown by, and with every passing season, I’ve had the chance to learn, to serve, and most importantly, to appreciate the amazing history we, horses, have woven into the fabric of human society.
Now, 0925 - quite a year, if I do say so myself! As a strong draught mare, I've been fortunate enough to witness the impact we have on our world.
The chill winds of winter were still whispering secrets through the rugged Scottish landscape as the new year began. You see, this is Hayfield, nestled close to the majestic city of Aberdeen, where the landscape is a breathtaking blend of rolling hills, glistening rivers, and rugged coastlines. Our fields are rich and fertile, ideal for growing barley and oats – those are the staple for our diet, of course! But that also means there’s plenty to transport around.
Back then, as it often still is, horses were a vital part of everyday life. Farmers depended on us for plowing their land, hauling their crops to the markets, and transporting people and goods. I'd be spending my days pulling heavy loads – be it a wooden plow across our barley fields or hauling logs for the local carpenter. Those long, slow walks are where I get most of my contemplation time.
Life in Hayfield:
I often found myself reminiscing about my family, those wonderful mare and foals that filled my early days with carefree joy. My dear mother, a wise, strong mare, had always warned me, "Emma, strength isn’t just about muscle, it’s about knowing your place, understanding your power, and using it wisely." I cherish her words now. I'm fortunate to be part of a stable of eight horses, including my younger brother, Angus, who often tries to keep up with my pace, with his usual boyish enthusiasm. It's heartening to see him learning the ropes and following in our footsteps. We dote on the foals, their boisterous energy a refreshing reminder of the cyclical nature of life.
Hayfield’s villagers, they are the most kind souls! I know some horses experience harsh treatment elsewhere, but I can't complain. There are few finer souls in the world than my good, gentle, hard-working farmer, Lachlan. He knows every horse by name and understands their needs. I believe he sees not just the work we do, but the heart within us too. And he is fair. He gives us plenty of good grain and hay, ensures we are well groomed, and, above all, he treats us with respect.
Lachlan often speaks about a world beyond Hayfield, about kingdoms across the vast expanse of Scotland, the vast and mysterious seas, and stories from beyond – of great kings and daring battles. I listen intently, his voice bringing alive a world beyond the meadows and fields I know.
Beyond Hayfield: Glimpses of a Larger World:
As much as I adore my peaceful life in Hayfield, my world isn't limited to our valley. Every now and again, I am part of longer trips, taking supplies and messages to the bustling city of Aberdeen. It’s there that we are part of a more complex world – the buzz of activity, the carts lined up, and the crowds moving in all directions – It’s quite a contrast to the quiet solitude of our home.
I've been lucky to witness some fascinating things on those trips to Aberdeen. There are always new horses arriving, with stories from the farthest corners of Scotland and beyond, stories of distant lands and far-reaching events that unfold during the travels of men.
For instance, on a recent trip, I overheard merchants talking about a brave warrior king who resides in the north, Cnut, the Viking who rules with iron fist! There is talk of how he sails across the water, bringing his strong Viking men, the fearless 'huscarls', to settle here in Scotland. Many believe he is stronger, bolder than the previous Scottish king. There is a lot of tension surrounding Cnut.
More than Work, a Bond:
I understand some of our kind may be burdened with hard tasks or lack the love of good human care. But for me, these are more than mere tasks - they are about connections, bonds. As a draught mare, I am deeply connected to this land. I’ve felt the warmth of the sun, the cold bite of winter, the caress of the wind. I've seen the changes in the seasons and witnessed life springing forth in a glorious cycle. There's a primal connection we share, a rhythm that pulses within both man and beast. It’s this unspoken bond, I believe, that keeps the world moving and that strengthens our world.
I know many horses like me are out there, toiling hard. Working, serving, connecting us to our environment in profound ways. The world needs strong draught horses like me to keep things moving, to transport necessities and people from one place to another. And even when my working days are over, my knowledge and strength continue to serve my kind. I spend many hours teaching the foals, training them for their roles. There's a thrill that comes with seeing a young colt blossom, his first steps steady, his muscles developing, his spirit keen to learn.
A Legacy of Service:
I am proud to be part of this history, the legacy of our service to humankind. Our strength, endurance, loyalty – These are not simply qualities. They’re stories written in the earth itself, in the progress of mankind. And though time marches on, and even our kind face the challenges of the changing world, one thing remains certain: horses, in our quiet and persistent way, are essential for maintaining the world's delicate balance.
We’ll keep carrying our burdens, contributing to a vibrant life. We are here, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with humanity. And that, my friends, is a truly beautiful thing!
* Until next time, remember to always celebrate the unique bonds we share. It's in this interconnectedness that true joy and peace reside. Until next time, take care, my fellow horses, and keep neighing with passion!*
*- Emma, Hayfield, Scotland. *
