Greetings, fellow equines and horse enthusiasts! Emma here, a proud grey Scottish Draught with a white mane and tail, living a life filled with hard work and contentment on my beloved farm in Hayfield, near Aberdeen.
It’s been a while since I last penned my thoughts on Equiworld. I must confess, being a farm horse does tend to keep me rather busy. But I feel compelled to share my experience of the year 1019, a time brimming with both change and tradition in the world of horses.
This year marks the first full decade of the eleventh century, and for us horses in Scotland, it feels like things are finally starting to settle after the turbulent times of the 900s. It wasn't so long ago when Viking raids were a constant threat. Those dreadful barbarians scared us silly! But, thankfully, peace has finally found a footing and we can, for the most part, graze and work without the fear of being snatched from our fields.
Now, let’s talk about the world of horses! It’s always fascinating to reflect upon how we, the horses, are woven into the very fabric of human lives. I must tell you about the biggest change I’ve observed - the rise of the powerful Norman horses! Now, you may know that I am a draught horse, a breed meant for strength and endurance. But even we, the proud Scottish Draughts, are beginning to see the grace and speed of the Norman horses admired by those noble lords who command the largest landholdings.
Their sleek, muscular build is captivating to witness. And their incredible stamina allows them to cover distances swiftly and with ease, proving to be the perfect choice for their knights and the glorious jousts that take place. Imagine the excitement when these grand events come to the nearby villages!
And while we’re on the topic of knights, let’s not forget the noble and fearless knights themselves. These brave men who wear shimmering armour and ride fearlessly into battle are, indeed, heroes of their time. Our sturdy brethren, the Warhorses, make them invincible! With the strength to carry them into combat and the swiftness to overcome the enemy, their partnership is a force to be reckoned with!
But for me, I'm grateful for a life far less tumultuous, one steeped in routine and usefulness. Every day, I rise with the dawn to work alongside the other horses, contributing to the daily activities of our village. You see, I'm more of a ‘doer' than a 'dreamer.' And while our magnificent Warhorse brethren gallop across the battlefield, we Draughts are toiling with tireless determination, ensuring the smooth running of life in our quiet community.
This morning began like any other, with a satisfying breakfast of hay and a warm oats mash from our kind farmer, Giles. We've known Giles all our lives, and his deep love for all of us makes the work all the more worthwhile. He’s a proper good sort! We often gather around him before starting our day and enjoy his gentle touch as he brushes us with a straw broom and lovingly checks our harnesses. Giles tells us funny stories from the village, like the time the baker tripped and landed face-first into a barrel of flour! He laughs uproariously, his beard trembling, and we snort in unison, relishing the camaraderie.
After breakfast, our work begins. And for a Draught like me, that means hauling! We pull the carts laden with fresh produce from the fields, ensuring the kitchens of the nearby villages are filled with fresh vegetables. Or perhaps we’ll be transporting stones from the quarry for construction projects, helping to build sturdy homes and walls that will stand the test of time.
Of course, we always get our much-needed breaks! A good graze under the warm summer sun, with a fresh breeze running through my mane, or a lazy snooze under the dappled shade of a majestic oak. As evening approaches, we're ready to go home for another delicious oat mash before curling up in our warm stables.
Even with our busy schedules, we have time for social gatherings! In the evening, we often gather at the watering hole and share gossip and news. The horses from the nearby farms come to chat. Some come from as far away as the next village! We share stories about the harvest, the latest village drama, or even the occasional exciting news about the battles happening far off, where our brethren are protecting the king. We enjoy their tales, yet are deeply thankful to be in this safe and peaceful corner of the world.
Life in Hayfield is, I must say, pretty wonderful! And 1019 feels very much like a continuation of everything I have ever known.
There’s another point I must share about the world of horses: The extraordinary bond we have with humankind. For generations, our two worlds have been interwoven, each playing a crucial role in the survival and advancement of the other.
Imagine! Horses powering ploughs across the land, preparing the fields for the growing season. Horses pulling carts, bringing much-needed resources to every corner of the village. Horses assisting the doctor as they rush to help a sick person! Yes, we, the horses, are truly an invaluable part of the human world!
There is something about our connection with humans that is almost spiritual. A kind touch on our nose, a scratch behind our ears, and even a simple ‘good girl’ are all small tokens of their appreciation that make our hard work feel worthwhile.
I believe that this unwavering relationship is the bedrock of our society. As long as humans continue to recognise and appreciate the vital role that horses play in their lives, we can face whatever the future holds together!
Finally, dear Equiworld readers, a final thought as I pen this entry in my Equiworld diary. We horses may not have the same awareness of human history as they do. Our memory isn’t quite so complex! But I know deep in my heart that each generation of horses carries a vital link to the past, playing our part in a never-ending story. From our ancient ancestors, pulling chariots for kings and warriors, to us now, working the land and aiding our human companions – we have come a long way!
And so, I'll leave you with this sentiment – remember, our shared history is the thread that connects every single one of us in the magnificent tapestry of life.
Thank you for joining me on this journey through the year 1019.
Until next time, my fellow equines – may your fields be green and your hooves steady!
*Sincerely, *
Emma
A grey Scottish Draught from Hayfield near Aberdeen
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