Neigh-sayers and Neigh-say-nots!
Hello fellow equestrians and horse lovers, it’s Emma here, a 20-year-old Grey Draught mare with a mane and tail as white as the snow on the Cairngorms. I live in Hayfield near Aberdeen, Scotland, a little corner of the world I’m very proud to call home. Now, you might be wondering why I'm writing about the year 0152. It seems like a distant memory, a forgotten age, right? Well, not so much! I find it endlessly fascinating to look back and see how our equine ancestors were used and appreciated. In today's blog, we're going on a trip through time, focusing on the incredible lives of horses in this era.
Life on the Farm, a Typical Day for a Work Horse:
Every morning, the roosters would crow before the sun even thought of peeking over the hills. That was my cue to wake up, along with the rest of the farm. Back then, life was about practical things. Horses were the heart and soul of agriculture and daily life. Every single horse had a job, every day. My day would start with the hearty task of hauling heavy cartloads of hay for the sheep and cattle. It was quite a job, but a good workout for a strong mare like myself. And speaking of sheep, I must tell you, the little lambs were just the cutest things. Such bouncing little fluffballs, with so much energy to spare. Sometimes I wished I could play with them instead of hauling feed!
The Strength of Our Breeds:
In 0152, Britain was home to a variety of robust horses. While I am a proud Draught mare, other strong breeds like the Shire and Clydesdale were equally common, all bred for power and endurance. They were the workhorses of their era, pulling heavy carts, plowing fields, and hauling materials for construction. It was incredible to watch the Clydesdales hauling huge timber for building castles! I have to admit, I felt a bit envious of them; such large and powerful horses, they could carry so much weight!
War and Peace: Horses on the Battlefield:
Unfortunately, it wasn't all peaceful and idyllic. There was war happening across Europe during 0152, a fact I remember all too well as my human's father had just returned from the battlefield with tales of valiant battles and harrowing escapes. These tales were woven with stories of courage and comradeship, tales of how horses were a crucial part of the battle strategy, charging onto the battlefield, carrying men and weaponry, their hooves thunderous as they raced towards the enemy. Even though war was a sorrowful part of human history, I could only admire the loyalty and courage of these horses.
The Importance of Respect and Care:
Even though horses were used for a variety of tasks, they were also highly respected, regarded as valuable assets, deserving of excellent care and nourishment. My human family took great pride in taking care of me and my fellow farm horses. They ensured we had good, fresh food, water, a comfy stable, and daily grooming. Every day felt like a gift - the scent of freshly cut hay, the sound of the blacksmith hammering shoes, and the warmth of a shared meal at night. There was something magical about those quiet moments in the stables, the gentle brushing, and the quiet understanding between humans and horses. It reminded us all of our bond.
Riding for Pleasure and Travel:
Horses were not just for work, they were also a pleasure to ride. There was a young lord, Thomas, who lived nearby and who would often visit our farm. He would be on his magnificent chestnut mare, and his smile was so contagious as he talked about riding over the heather-clad hills. He loved riding for the joy of it, for the freedom, for the feeling of wind through his hair and the connection with his animal companion. They would race through fields, galloping at full speed, the sun on their faces. Thomas often would visit me to chat about our experiences with the animals. He said the greatest pleasure was seeing his mare gallop through the hills, her mane a shining auburn in the light, a beautiful sight to behold.
A Shared Love and Responsibility:
For the human families and the horses, it was an intermingled existence. You would find families living on the land where the horses worked and rested. It was not just a master-servant relationship but a bond of dependence, reliance, and most of all, love. You could see the trust between horses and humans every day - from the shared meals and the gentle touch of a human hand to the unspoken language of affection. They understood each other. The trust and reliance between them, even in the midst of hard work and the hardships of the day, gave them a common thread.
The End of the Blog for Now:
So, as my tale ends for now, remember, every horse deserves love, care, and understanding. Even though things have changed a lot in the years since 0152, we still share the same respect and connection with our animal companions. Remember this history. And always remember, dear reader, horses are a source of joy, strength, and companionship. Let us take a moment to reflect on their significant role in the world, both in the past and present. See you all again in my next post. Neigh for now!
Emma the Grey Draught
