Hello my fellow equines! Emma here, a grey mare with a heart as big as my broad chest and a mane like spun silver. I come from the rolling hills of Hayfield, near Aberdeen in bonnie Scotland. The year is 1056, a time of great change for the world – and for horses like me. Today, I'm sharing a bit of my life and a peek into the world of horses back then.
The morning sun rises over the Cairngorms, painting the dew-laden meadows in hues of pink and orange. I graze contentedly with my herdmates, the wind whispering tales through the heather and bracken. I'm twenty years old now, still strong and powerful, though I've seen my share of change over the years. The younger mares, frisky and curious, often crowd me, asking about my travels and the tales I've heard from other horses.
My story begins a good number of years ago, long before the bustling streets of London became known as the horse-drawn capital of the world. You see, my mother was a strong Shire mare, famous in Hayfield for her ability to pull a plough through even the hardest clay soil. It was in her hooves that I first felt the thrill of labour, a feeling that was woven into my being, and one I pass down to my foals today.
Horses have been a crucial part of Scottish life since time immemorial. My ancestors helped build the magnificent castles and fortifications we see today, their hooves churning the earth, their muscles carrying burdens. In those early days, horses were valued more for their strength and stamina than their speed.
You might be surprised to hear, but horses back then were rarely seen ridden, not in the way they are today! Instead, we pulled chariots, ploughed fields, carried goods across the land, and aided our human companions in countless ways. My very first memory is of pulling a sturdy cart, laden with barley and oats for the mill down the valley. The aroma of freshly baked bread always followed us, filling the air with a comforting scent.
Of course, not all of us were labourers. My uncle, a chestnut stallion with a proud, untamed spirit, was favoured by the local chieftain. He was a warhorse, trained to charge and fight alongside men in battles that raged across the land. Although war is never a pretty sight, even the fiercest warrior horses were respected for their courage and strength.
As I've grown older, the ways of horses and humans have changed considerably. There are whispers of a place called Baghdad, far beyond the icy shores of the North Sea, where the people boast of "noble steeds," bred specifically for speed and elegance. Their swift movements are said to be akin to a blur, like the wind through the willow branches.
Even in our more humble surroundings, things are shifting. Trade between villages has increased, requiring the faster movement of goods. New tools and techniques, passed down from southern lands, are introduced each year, bringing with them the promise of efficiency and increased productivity.
We have witnessed a surge in the demand for strong and swift horses, capable of pulling carriages at faster paces. The first steps toward creating distinct breeds have begun – an exciting but somewhat intimidating change.
Despite the ongoing evolution of the equine world, certain things remain unchanged. My favourite pastime is still a gentle, relaxing gallop through the open meadow with my herd. It fills me with an exhilarating sense of freedom. I love the scent of the heather in bloom, the sound of the wind whispering through the long grass, the feeling of sun warm on my coat. I cherish the close-knit bond between my herdmates, the comforting rumble of our breath as we gather in the evenings, sharing stories whispered across the ages.
I still recall the day I first saw my own filly, a little bundle of brown fur and big, curious eyes. From that moment, my life shifted. I saw the light in her eyes – a fire burning bright with the spirit of her ancestors – and understood my new purpose: to guide, teach, and ensure the strength of my bloodline.
Even now, in this year 1056, horses play a critical role in every facet of our human companion’s lives. We're more than just working animals; we are their friends, their companions, and a vital part of the tapestry of their world. Our stories are woven through history, our power harnessed to move nations forward, our spirit enduring in the hearts of generations.
I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share my story, for even now, I find myself watching the dawn of a new age, and I can't help but feel a twinge of excitement for what the future holds for horses, for our humans, and for the ever-evolving bond we share. I know our story continues to unfold, with each hoofbeat a testament to our resilience and enduring spirit.
Until next time,
Emma
