Welcome, fellow equines and friends of the horse! It’s Emma here, a 20-year-old grey draught mare with a white mane and tail, from Hayfield, a quaint little village nestled near Aberdeen in the bonnie hills of Scotland. Today I’m sharing some of my experiences, observations, and insights into the world of horses back in the year 1102, and it's sure been a year, trust me!
A Draught Horse's Life
Life as a draught horse back then is... well, it’s a lot of hard work! We're the backbone of the community, essential for ploughing fields, hauling heavy loads, and transporting goods. As the day breaks, we're harnessed and yoked to our tasks, and don't you worry, we are strong! We are a sturdy, strong breed that doesn't shy away from a good day's labour, Our powerful builds and thick, strong legs make us perfect for these jobs.
A typical day for me starts with a brisk walk to the fields with my fellow steeds. We're part of a team, you see. There's me, Millie, a dappled grey mare who is such a sweetie and likes to sing while we walk; and Barnaby, a chestnut stallion with a twinkle in his eye - he's a bit of a cheeky chap, that one! We spend the morning diligently churning the earth, preparing for the seeds of future harvests. The fresh, earthy scent fills my nostrils, and the wind tousling my mane brings me immense contentment. I can feel the rhythm of our work pulsing through the ground, connecting us all. It's tiring, certainly, but there's a primal satisfaction that comes from being part of this timeless process.
We spend our afternoons delivering produce to the market, the heavy wagons creaking behind us. Every day we encounter various villagers on our rounds, some eager to share a carrot or an apple with us, and others simply offer kind nods and a knowing smile. We're loved here, a familiar sight and an integral part of the village's heartbeat. It’s our responsibility to ensure that the community thrives, and we wouldn't have it any other way.
Horses at Play
But our lives aren't just work! Just before sunset, after a hard day's work, we find ourselves at the village commons. It's a space where all the local horses are free to roam, graze, and play. Oh, the stories that come from this space! From rollicking races to playful bucking sessions, to friendly sparring with our fellow horses – it's truly a sight to behold. This is where we get to socialize, build relationships, and create memories that we will carry with us throughout our long lives. You see, despite our tough life as workhorses, horses are inherently social creatures! The common offers us the opportunity for some well-deserved fun, connecting with our friends and forming those unbreakable equine bonds.
News from the Outside World
Of course, the world extends far beyond Hayfield, and rumour has it, a lot is happening! The rumour mill is going crazy at the moment with whispers of war! We heard news of King Henry the 1st in England, just to the south. Now, this King Henry, well he's building grand cathedrals and putting his horses to work on building sturdy stone walls – it seems a bit of a grand construction project going on there! The villagers whisper about it at the market place. These are difficult times, they say. Times when strong horses are needed more than ever.
King Duncan of Scotland
Speaking of royalty, the year 1102 saw King Duncan of Scotland holding court in Edinburgh. Now this Duncan, a worthy King indeed. We may be a bit further north but the Scottish monarchy makes its way through our little region with increasing regularity these days! We are even said to have heard a song written for him – something about “Duncan the Brave”! He seems like a worthy king with a very nice war horse they say!
A Year of Reflection
Overall, the year 1102 has been a busy one, it’s definitely not dull! Every day offers something new, and that's exactly how I like it. We’ve done our duty in the field, delivered essential goods to the villagers, and enjoyed the company of our equine friends. I’m proud of what we contribute to our community. The world of horses is a world of hard work, loyalty, and unyielding spirit, and I wouldn't trade it for the world!
Equiworld Readers:
What have you learnt from my journey? Tell me what your world is like! I want to hear about the horses in your village. Perhaps you work alongside horses, too, or are a horse enthusiast? Leave your comments below – I'm always keen to learn from other horse enthusiasts!
Until next time,
Emma xx
