Hello everyone! It’s Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood grey mare from Hayfield, near Aberdeen. It’s a beautiful morning, crisp and clear, and I can already feel the day ahead promising excitement. Today, I thought I’d write a little something about my life in 1075. It's fascinating how much things have changed since then - although some things stay wonderfully constant!
First, let me tell you about Hayfield. It’s a lovely little place, surrounded by rolling green hills, perfect for grazing, and tucked near the Dee river. You couldn’t ask for a more beautiful place to be a horse! Of course, our home is not just about scenery; we're working horses here. The life of a draught horse like me isn’t all grazing and sunshine. I pull the plow, I haul the carts, I even sometimes carry riders - I have a strong build, so that's nothing new. The best part, though, is I help the village flourish! It's rewarding knowing my efforts contribute to people's well-being, whether it's the barley that will become delicious bread, the logs that fuel fires, or helping with harvests. It's what gives meaning to our lives.
A World on the Move:
Life in 1075, although somewhat simple compared to now, was quite exciting, particularly with the horses involved! Yes, horses play a pivotal role in our lives. Everything around us, really. I feel it's my duty, and my joy, to be a part of that.
Here’s what I can tell you about horse life in this particular year:
Warfare:
In 1075, it seemed war was ever-present, like a shadow hanging over the world. The Normans, those imposing, strong warriors, were conquering and consolidating their position across Europe. It’s a bit scary, actually, knowing we could be involved. Sometimes, riders come in with grim faces and travel to the southern shores of England.
It's scary to think that we horses play a crucial role in war, both in carrying warriors and pulling supplies and war equipment. I have seen riders on horseback, their eyes gleaming, ready for battle. It isn’t always pretty, but the knights of those times had to move with a fierceness to keep their lands and protect their people. Perhaps if our strong builds hadn't been used, they wouldn't have succeeded. Of course, it isn't just the men of war - it is said there are strong women too, fighting side by side.
But I believe there is hope too, perhaps not in the world of warriors, but certainly for horses and those that use us!
Horses in Everyday Life:
Outside of war, 1075 was all about horses in our daily lives! As much as it’s a beautiful thing to feel the sun on your back as you graze, and to roll on the soft earth, my role is to work, and I'm proud of that. As I mentioned, we help with all kinds of things - the most crucial is perhaps hauling. This doesn't sound glamorous, but it truly brings about change and creates happiness! Imagine what a village would be without horses pulling carts of provisions, or heavy timber, or helping us haul in harvest goods. Imagine all the miles our brave brethren cover delivering important messages and carrying people long distances - life would be drastically different, slower, even difficult.
In fact, in 1075, horse transportation wasn't limited to goods or even just people! This was a big year for postal services! Yes, a mounted rider delivering a sealed letter would travel hundreds of miles just to give a single piece of parchment to another! How marvelous, how powerful, how clever is that? To deliver information with such swiftness is vital, and horses made it all possible. This way, everyone knows what’s happening across the kingdoms. And, that also contributes to peace, don't you think? Knowing everyone's needs and situations better ensures a quieter, safer world for all.
I see what a strong connection we horses have with people - how could we be happier?
More Than a Work Horse
I remember last year, we celebrated Saint Patrick’s day. Of course, my favourite day of the year! I can almost hear the music now, and I still smell that glorious aroma of fresh beer. The humans celebrated by making horse cakes - yes, edible creations of a beautiful grey steed! Such dedication to honour our noble nature is truly beautiful, and that's why we work so hard, day in and day out, and I must admit, some of us do enjoy those horse cakes immensely! You’ll find there's even a little church built close by, and there's often a blessing for horses, even a blessing for a few horse races. What fun, what joyous occasions to share!
There are also the fairs in nearby towns where the village gathers, often selling produce from our lands, even selling horses themselves. Of course, everyone, the entire village, comes to see the horses – including many handsome stallions - I even sometimes get to join the celebrations, even get a treat myself! The entire day is dedicated to our specialness - oh, it's all quite beautiful and wonderful!
And that reminds me of the races. My stablemate, Fiona - she's a chestnut mare, not so fast as me - even though I'm built for strength and not racing - but Fiona, she's nimble and fast. Last year she went on to participate in races in London itself! Oh, to be in London! It's so grand and vibrant, people come from all over - but even more, the horses from all over. Perhaps this year Fiona will get another chance. Wouldn't it be glorious for a grey horse like me, to race with her in London?
Horse Life in Scotland:
Life here in Scotland, though it can be rugged, has some real pleasures. The landscape, with its vast moorlands and glens, it is as magnificent as our own Hayfield, where I was born! We are truly part of nature, not just part of our daily lives, our humans have been gracious to include us, it's a peaceful and rewarding feeling! We enjoy all that our country has to offer. The people are kind and we have a warm relationship with them. This special closeness gives my work and my daily life true meaning.
This is our story. We work hard. We haul. We help everyone. We even bring joy, even excitement. Yes, Horses in 1075, and in 2023 too - what an important, joyous, vital, even thrilling role we have! I am grateful, so very grateful, to be a horse.
Please stay tuned for more entries as I delve further into my life, and the lives of horses across time!
Until next time, keep trotting along, Emma
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