Hello everyone, Emma here, a grey draught mare with a heart as big as my powerful frame. Today, we're taking a trip back in time to the year 1073. It's been a busy year for all of us here in Hayfield, near Aberdeen, Scotland. Now, I wouldn't want to boast, but I do have to admit I’ve been kept incredibly busy – the humans say I'm “a real worker bee” which I think is meant to be a compliment, although I wouldn’t mind a little more time grazing in the sunny meadow.
Life as a Draught Horse
So, what does a typical day look like for a working draught mare like me in 1073? It all starts before the sun even thinks of waking up. My master, young Colin, wakes me gently with a scratch behind the ears. That’s what he likes to tell himself, anyway, although my sleep tends to be quite light, so I’m usually wide awake already. A warm breakfast of oats and barley - what's better than that to get your day going?
Then, it’s time for work! We work on the land, pulling heavy plows to prepare the fields for the winter wheat. This is hard work, especially in the colder months, but I enjoy the feeling of the wind in my mane as I pull those massive furrows. And seeing the field, all ploughed and ready, makes it all worthwhile. My strong hooves carry a responsibility - to feed the people, and I do it with a proud heart!
You see, our lives are tightly woven with the human world here in Hayfield. We are not mere tools, but companions. We work hard alongside them, and we share their lives, their joys and their sorrows. Even Colin, who's only a few years older than I, finds solace in my company when his heart feels heavy. He loves to sit on my back as we graze the fields, telling me about his dreams and anxieties. I might not understand his words, but my quiet companionship soothes him.
More Than Just a Working Horse
My work isn’t limited to the fields. When Colin goes to market, it’s I who pull his wagon, laden with oats and barley, to be sold. That’s how we earn our keep, of course, and that means ensuring a warm blanket of straw in our stables and plenty of barley when the harvest is in.
We are not just about farming though. We are also part of the larger community. Recently, the Lord of the manor organised a horse racing competition to mark the birthday of the new king. The entire community, it seemed, came together to celebrate – and who did they choose to carry the winner’s flag? That’s right, me! It was an honour to be chosen for such a prestigious role, and I strutted my stuff down the racetrack with pride! The crowd cheered and I even got to take a dip in the water, a real treat after such a long day.
The Wider Horse World
Talking about events, even in our small Hayfield corner of the world, we hear stories of other horses and the important roles they play around the world. Colin read aloud a tale of a magnificent chestnut warhorse called Bismark, fighting valiantly with the Norman knights at Hastings! Imagine, using your power and strength to defend your country! I couldn’t help but dream of battlefield glory, even though I was far from the bustle of war. My hooves would surely tremble!
The Horses of the East
Colin mentioned a strange rumour from distant lands: a King of Persia is known for his amazing Arabian horses, said to be the fastest in the world! My head often quivers when I imagine the desert, scorching sun, and galloping through the dunes, racing the wind with those incredibly sleek steeds! It feels almost mythical! My heart longs for adventure, but here I remain, loyal to Hayfield and the humans who care for me.
Always Learning
We learn much from our travels to market, stories passed down like whispers on the wind: the tales of Arab stallions in the East, the exploits of those Norman warhorses in the south, and even the legends of mythical winged creatures with manes of starlight! The more we hear about horses in different lands and their abilities, the more I admire our majestic species and its unique relationship with humankind.
Horses, an Ancient Friend
As I write this, nestled in my cozy stable stall, munching on a treat of sweet grass, I feel a surge of contentment. Being a working horse is fulfilling. We have an ancient bond with humans – one that is built on trust, strength, and loyalty. It makes me feel so important and purposeful. I couldn't imagine life any other way.
Stay Tuned for the Next Chapter!
Until next time, my fellow equine friends. May your stables be filled with warmth, your bellies with oats, and your days filled with joy. We horses may be working creatures, but we deserve all the best in life.
Stay safe and happy, everyone. And don’t forget to follow my blog – more to come on the world of horses!
