Greetings from Hayfield!
I'm Emma, a twenty-year-old grey draught mare with a mane and tail as white as winter snow. My life here in the verdant hills of Hayfield, near the bustling town of Aberdeen, is as peaceful as a moonlit field. Every day brings new sights, smells, and the rhythmic clatter of hooves on cobbled streets.
You might be thinking, "Horses? In 965 AD? Isn't that awfully long ago?" You'd be right, of course! But even then, horses were the backbone of life, carrying people and goods across land, pulling ploughs in fields, and galloping into battle for brave knights. My story, like that of so many horses throughout history, is interwoven with the lives of the humans who depend on us.
A Year in the Life of a Draught Mare
This year, 965 AD, is no different. My days start early, a familiar sunrise painting the sky in soft pastels while I wake up, my stablemate Rosie by my side. Rosie, a spirited bay mare with a feisty streak, and I are like two peas in a pod, always ready to face the day's challenges.
After a hearty breakfast of hay and oats, we head out to work, our harnesses polished, our manes neatly braided. Today, we are hauling sacks of grain to the local mill, our steady hooves echoing on the ancient road. The journey isn't always smooth, as we sometimes encounter herds of shaggy highland cattle crossing the path or curious children waving from the fields. But we are strong, capable horses, built to bear the weight of the world.
Tales From The Past:
Life in 965 AD feels both ancient and timeless. Across the highlands, we see evidence of Viking raids – scorched fields and broken fences tell silent stories of violence and plunder. Our master, a sturdy farmer with eyes as blue as the sea, tells stories of a brave king named Duncan, who defended Scotland against these invaders. He speaks of knights with gleaming armor, charging into battle on mighty steeds.
While life in these troubled times can be unpredictable, we are blessed with a safe home, kind humans who appreciate our work, and the ever-present beauty of our homeland.
The World of Horses Beyond Hayfield:
Of course, I am not the only horse in the world! My cousin, Flora, wrote me a letter from a place called London, where she pulls carriages for the wealthy and fashionable. She writes of cobbled streets, crowded with merchants and brightly painted carriages.
Flora mentions a fascinating thing called a "livery stable", a special place where horses like her can rest and be cared for while their owners are away. It sounds delightful – imagine having your own personal stall, with clean bedding and a special groom to attend to your every need!
Then there's another horse, named Shadow, a black Arabian with an aristocratic air. He lives in a bustling city called Constantinople, which sits at the heart of a grand empire. He writes about grand stables with ornate mosaics, gleaming saddles adorned with jewels, and parades of horses in the Emperor's colours.
These letters make my heart swell with a mixture of wonder and longing. It seems like horses are part of everything – grand ceremonies, bustling markets, even epic battles!
Horses in Every Era:
While our lives are vastly different, the bonds between horse and human have remained constant through the centuries. I’m excited to see what the future holds! And I look forward to sharing more stories of horse life, in this year, 965 AD, and beyond.
Until next time, remember, friends, you can find all kinds of stories about horses, from the past and present, at www.equiworld.org!
*With a flick of my white tail and a happy whinny, Emma, from Hayfield, Scotland. *
