Hello everyone! It’s Emma, the grey mare with the flowing white mane and tail, and I'm back with another post for EquiWorld. This time, we’re travelling back in time to 335 AD. Can you imagine, being around over 1,600 years ago?! It’s hard for me to even fathom that kind of history.
Today I want to take you through a day in my life as a young mare in the small, charming village of Hayfield, nestled near the bustling city of Aberdeen in the land of the Picts, Scotland. This was before the times of the famous kings like Robert the Bruce, a time of small communities and simpler living. It was a time where every horse counted and every task was a shared burden.
Sunrise and Stirrups:
As the sun, a blushing ball of pink and orange, peeked over the horizon, a gentle hand reached down to rub the dew from my neck. It was Janet, a young girl with braids the colour of spun wheat, and eyes that sparkled like the morning dew. We share a special bond, Janet and I. She tends to me with the same loving care as a mother for her foal. I’m glad she was my trainer as a filly, a kind hand guiding me through the steps of hauling and plowing, teaching me the art of a working horse.
Each morning starts with a ritual. I am led to the sturdy wooden trough, a cool wave of fresh water washing over my thirsty muzzle. We share a quiet breakfast of hay and oats, the morning air filled with the melodic caw of crows and the joyful bleating of nearby sheep. It's a quiet start, but a happy one.
A Day in the Field:
This morning, my task is simple - pulling the plow. My big, strong frame is ideal for the heavy duty of breaking the stubborn soil for a good harvest. The land around Hayfield is fertile, but it demands a good deal of work to produce a healthy crop. I work alongside a young, fiery red stallion named Finn. He’s as strong as an oak, though not as gentle as I am. Finn pulls on the right side, I on the left. The work is gruelling, my muscles groaning under the strain, but it is rewarding. Each furrow is a step closer to feeding my village.
Moments of Serenity:
In the middle of the day, when the sun reaches its zenith, a gentle lull descends over Hayfield. I take my well-earned break, a soft bed of fresh hay awaiting me in the stable. My big, soulful eyes scan the barn walls, the flickering flames of the lanterns offering a warm and familiar glow. A tired sigh escapes my nostrils, my whole body easing into the rest.
Moments later, Janet enters, her face adorned with a smile, her hands bringing me treats of sugared oats and apples. We spend the brief moments before the afternoon chores in comfortable silence, a shared language of touch and understanding flowing between us. The peace is profound, a moment of connection before the busy hours resume.
More than Just Work:
While the majority of my days are filled with the toil of agriculture, my world is far from monotone. I get a break every fortnight, when we head to the local market in Aberdeen. It’s a bustle of people and beasts - other horses, donkeys, cattle, pigs, goats. There's a buzz in the air as merchants call out their prices and children chase pigeons, the smells of baked bread, honey, and salt fish filling the air. It's an exciting, noisy world, and a welcome change from the quieter pace of Hayfield.
During our time in Aberdeen, Janet and I make the most of the freedom. I get to graze on new grass, and even trot along the city's cobbled streets, where I marvel at the intricately built stone structures and the men and women hurrying along their day. This time also helps keep me in tune with what's happening outside of my small community, an essential aspect of a working horse's life.
A Night of Rest:
As the day gives way to twilight, and the village lamps start to flicker, we return home, tired but content. The feeling of having contributed to my community, to providing for my village fills me with a sense of accomplishment. This is my life, and I embrace it with a grateful heart.
The horses in our stable are our family, our companions in this grand journey of life. We share tales of the day, and moments of laughter - the gentle whinny of joy, a nudge of camaraderie, the shared understanding of hooves tapping the floor in a rhythmic dance. I'm not a creature of solitude; I thrive in the company of my own kind, especially the elders in our stable who offer wise counsel, stories from their time in the service of warriors and rulers, accounts of legendary races, of battles won and battles lost. It's a rich tapestry of lore that keeps my heart alight with wonder.
Beyond My World:
Every now and then, news from faraway lands finds its way to our quiet village, carried on the back of merchants and travelers. The most recent gossip tells of the Roman Empire, a powerful force that reaches beyond the shores of Britain. Their warriors ride majestic war horses, they say. Horses as beautiful as the sunrise and strong as a tempest, adorned with glittering armor and feathered plumes. The stories also speak of their roads, stretching across vast lands, roads paved with stones and designed for chariots. What an adventure it would be, to traverse those roads, to see those mighty Roman horses in person, and witness the grand world that stretches beyond our cozy village.
Looking Towards Tomorrow:
But tonight, my thoughts are on Hayfield. I am contented with my lot, my work, and my role in this humble community. We might not be as fancy as the Roman horses, but our role is just as vital. We bring in the harvests that keep our people fed, we move their goods, and we stand guard as faithful companions. I am a part of the very fabric of life here, a grey mare with a kind heart and a strong will, and I wouldn't trade this life for all the riches in the Roman Empire.
Well, that’s it for today’s blog post. I hope you enjoyed this peek into life as a working horse in 335 AD. I look forward to seeing you all on my next post. Until then, keep your hooves strong, and your hearts full of hope.
See you soon, Emma the Grey.
EquiWorld Links:
If you are interested in learning more about horses and their history, check out these helpful links on EquiWorld: - The History of Horse Breeding - The Importance of Horses in Early Agriculture - Roman Military Horses: The Mighty War Steeds - Discover more blog posts by Emma the Grey.
Author's Note: I hope this blog post provides a unique and engaging insight into the life of a horse during this historical period. It was written from a compassionate, familial perspective, and aims to inspire a positive, engaging appreciation for these wonderful creatures.
