Hello, dear readers! It's Emma here, your trusty grey draught mare from Hayfield, near Aberdeen. As you know, I’m passionate about horse history, and today I’m going to share a glimpse into my world – the world of horses in the year 1025. Buckle up, my equine friends, because it's going to be a wild ride!
Now, 1025 AD might seem like a distant whisper in the wind, but for us horses, life wasn't that different from today, at least in some ways. We were the backbone of the community, used for everything from pulling heavy carts laden with goods to helping with farming, transporting people, and of course, a bit of grand cavalry work for those knights in shining armour!
Just yesterday, I was helping Farmer Macgregor load up his cart for the trip to the bustling market in Aberdeen. It’s about a day's journey there and back, and let me tell you, pulling a load of hay, grain, and even a few goats (which always seemed to bleat rather loudly, even if you’re well fed!) is a workout! Thankfully, the scenery here in the rolling hills of Aberdeenshire is breathtaking. The lush green fields with their colourful wildflowers are a welcome sight. I think the most memorable thing is that I am truly blessed with a good, kind master, Macgregor is.
Now, being a draught horse in this time period, life for me is very different to those sleek thoroughbreds of today. We’re known for our strength and stamina. My thick, glossy grey coat, my proud, white mane, and tail make me stand out from the crowd. I like to think it makes me look a bit like the grand warhorses I've heard tales about! The Vikings used to ride large, muscular horses in battle, and from what I've heard from the older stallions, they were both magnificent and fearsome. My fellow drafters and I, on the other hand, are sturdy, calm creatures. We love a good walk but can sprint when needed. It's a very satisfying feeling, moving heavy things, being a part of something bigger than myself.
Talking about stallions, my own father was a magnificent black horse named Angus. He was a real force to be reckoned with, pulling heavy loads like the lord’s carriage without breaking a sweat. And as for my mother? A majestic brown mare named Fiona with the softest coat I’ve ever felt. I have a lovely family, including my brother, a big brown horse named Oliver. He's quite a character, but I must say, his eagerness can be quite the nuisance sometimes, especially when it comes to racing the local greyhound. It’s a competition we often find ourselves drawn into on long trips through the country!
Speaking of racing, back in 1025, the people of these lands were quite mad about the “The Battle of the Clydesdales." You’d think this was some grand fight to the death, but I assure you, it was just a playful race between all the fine steeds of Clydesdale. The best steeds from across the country, with the fastest strides, were put to the test, a sight to behold indeed! Even the mighty Viking warlords participated in these spectacles. Of course, a horse’s life isn't all fun and games!
Just this week, the village was in a frenzy with excitement and anxiety. King Duncan, who rules this land with fairness and courage, announced a grand campaign against the English king, Edmund Ironside! I knew exactly what this meant! We horses, would be put to use again, hauling supplies for the soldiers and transporting the mighty army across the fields and forests.
Let me tell you, seeing a field full of armored knights astride horses, spears held high and ready for battle, is truly impressive. It's not a life I want for myself - it can be incredibly dangerous, but we horses must be ready to serve our land.
However, our duty goes far beyond battles. We work hard to nourish the villagers. Imagine those glorious loaves of fresh bread, the sweet honey, or the thick creamy milk, all thanks to the hard work of our four legs and sturdy build! That’s us, your trusted partners.
Speaking of nourishment, the food is quite decent here in Hayfield. Our stables are stocked with hay, barley, and oats, ensuring we have enough energy to work all day long. And in the warmer months, we get to feast on sweet clover and fragrant grass, delicious for a grazing horse! I wouldn’t be honest if I didn’t admit that a horse needs a healthy amount of apples and pears from the orchard. Every once in a while, Macgregor throws in a special treat – carrots, my favourite!
Being a horse, of course, brings its own challenges. A day's work can leave your muscles sore and stiff. But I love it, it's a part of our purpose! We're the companions to these fine people, their tireless workers and constant friends.
The evenings here are often filled with laughter and stories. While the humans rest by the fire, their voices rising in melodies, I lie in the stable with the other horses, our hooves tap-tap-tapping a slow rhythm. The older horses share stories about past events – heroic tales, tragic stories, and, yes, sometimes even comical events about mishaps during journeys! They speak of grand cities, mountains with snow so deep it buries the plains, even seas of shimmering blue and green, where brave men and women travel on ships with white sails soaring against the sky.
Sometimes, when the stars shimmer across the night sky, I wonder if our purpose goes beyond just transporting goods and people. I think about the legends about creatures called ‘unicorns’, with horns that sparkle like moonbeams. My heart races with excitement at these tales. Is there something more than just pulling a cart, a purpose larger than I know? It makes me feel hopeful.
What’s next in my equine journey? Who knows, but for now, I feel proud to be a horse. We're part of this grand history, part of a tapestry of life woven with kindness, adventure, and unwavering purpose. I'm off to graze now – more tales tomorrow, perhaps about the life of my neighbour, a mighty brown stallion named Taffy, who is said to have a story about his trip across the sea to a faraway land...
Until next time, friends! Keep your hooves happy and your hearts bright!
Your pal, Emma
