Greetings, fellow equines and horse-lovers!
Emma here, a twenty-year-old Grey mare with a mane and tail the colour of freshly fallen snow. I'm writing to you from the rolling green hills of Hayfield, near Aberdeen, Scotland. As I munch on my breakfast of barley and oats, I can't help but think about how far our species has come, and the exciting times we are living in, here in the year 1003.
Today, I wanted to delve into a little bit of horse history, focusing on what the year 1003 AD held for us. Now, 1003 wasn't exactly what you would call a 'year of big change' for the horse world. Things have always been rather settled for us, particularly here in Scotland, where we’ve been firmly in place as our owners' trusted companions and partners in work and transport for as long as I can remember. We were, and continue to be, crucial for farming, pulling the plough, hauling carts, and helping get supplies and produce to market. But that doesn’t mean that 1003 wasn’t an important year, brimming with little moments of joy, hardship, and of course, that ever-present bond between us horses and our human companions.
Now, let's have a quick peek back at what was happening across the world for our species back then:
From East to West: Horses, the Silent Partners
Across the vast expanses of Eurasia, life for horses continued to be pretty similar to what it always had been. In the great Byzantine Empire, we were still the mainstay for armies, hauling heavy weaponry, and serving as valiant companions on the battlefield. The Arab warriors were still using their sleek Arabian horses to traverse the desert sands, with their uncanny speed and endurance serving them well on their raiding expeditions. Even in faraway China, we played a vital role in agriculture, commerce, and even entertainment, carrying noblemen in grand parades and showcasing impressive displays of skill during thrilling equestrian feats.
The year 1003 was also an important time for the breeding of the magnificent steeds of the Spanish Royal Studs. Those guys were truly beautiful! Majestic creatures bred for their speed, strength, and noble temperament, they graced the courts and carried royal families across vast distances. I remember reading about a chestnut stallion named "Don Quixote," which, believe it or not, became something of a legend in the Spanish courts because of his grace and gentle spirit. Imagine! I'd love to meet him sometime.
Life in Scotland: Hayfield Horses
But now, let's turn our attention back home. In Hayfield, the year 1003 was marked by its own set of rhythms and events. The days would begin with a rumble and clang of metal – our sturdy horseshoes echoing off the cobblestone paths as we joined the farmhands, getting ready for a long day of work. Our days involved tilling fields, carrying hay for our sheep, and transporting heavy supplies to the local market, returning loaded with food and necessities. We were indispensable members of the community.
It's interesting, however, to look back on this time and see just how our role was changing, becoming even more specialised. You see, my family was known for our size and strength - we were real draught horses, perfect for hauling the larger cartloads. We weren't built for speed like some of our cousins further south, but our strength and temperament were invaluable to our local farmer, Donald. His farm was considered to be among the largest in the surrounding area, so he needed powerful workhorses like me and my kin to keep things running smoothly.
We were like family - and just like any family, there were a few memorable moments in 1003, both joyous and tough, that I fondly recall:
The Annual Market
The highlight of the year, as it always was, was the bustling annual Hayfield market. The whole village, and all of its horses, would descend on the main square. It was a time for excitement and opportunity, with traders and farmers from all over coming together. This year was particularly lively, with a contingent of English horsemen coming through with new tools for harvesting. There was something exciting in the air, as the energy from the people around was truly electrifying. As I carefully walked through the crowd, a beautiful brown mare with a white star on her forehead caught my eye. She seemed to be a horse of spirit, much like me, and I'll never forget how we exchanged a look as she made her way around the square.
The Long Winter
I must confess, while the market was great fun, we all breathed a collective sigh of relief when we returned home. You see, winter 1003 had a little bit more bite than usual. The wind howled relentlessly, and we had to trudge through heavy snow, which slowed us down. The days became short and dark, and the need for extra food and care became vital to help us stay warm and healthy. Luckily, our good friend Donald always kept a generous supply of hay and oats. He'd always stop by to check on us in the stalls, brushing us with his warm hands to help soothe us in those cold winter months.
Friendship and Trust
These are just a few moments from 1003. But beyond all of the challenges, this year taught me a simple and important lesson - that the bonds between horse and human are some of the strongest in the world. The understanding we have for each other goes deeper than words, we communicate with each other through gestures, touch, and shared experience. There was Donald, my trusted companion, and his daughter, Elspeth, who loved to share her warm apple treats with us in the evenings. She even started training us on small, intricate tasks that made us feel clever and involved. I knew from that moment that horses wouldn’t be replaced anytime soon. We weren’t just useful machines - we were trusted companions.
That’s a big part of what makes my life as a horse so rewarding: knowing I play an important part in a story far bigger than myself. In the coming days, I’ll be writing more about my experiences as a workhorse in Hayfield. We horses were not the only ones changing in 1003, our world was becoming more connected with the advent of trade, a constant need for reliable and steadfast horses. That’s a story for another day though…
Until next time, stay strong and be true to yourselves!
Your Grey Mare, Emma
