Hello fellow equines and horse enthusiasts! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood grey draught horse from the rolling hills of Hayfield, near Aberdeen. Today I'm going to whisk you back in time, all the way to the year 0405. Let's just say, things were a tad different back then!
The year 0405 saw a lot happening in the world, from political shifts to artistic innovations. But for me, as a working horse in the heart of Scotland, it was a year like any other – full of hard work, hearty meals, and the company of my trusty stablemates.
My days started bright and early, just as they do now. The rooster would crow, and the scent of freshly baked bread from the farmhouse would waft through the stable doors, telling us it was time to rise and shine. The stable was always full of a gentle murmur, with the occasional whinny or stamp of hooves as we stirred from our slumber.
My favourite part of the morning was the feeling of the stable door swinging open and the sweet, fresh air flooding in, laden with the scents of dewy grass and the distant calls of sheep. Then, the delicious taste of a bucket brimming with oats and barley, along with the clinking of the metal bucket as I munched my fill, always filled my belly with a contented warmth.
Every day was a new adventure. My owner, a kind woman named Moira, relied heavily on my strength and reliability. Her farm stretched across the hillside, dotted with cattle and sheep. Most days, I would find myself pulling the heavy cart, transporting supplies or hauling produce to market. The bumpy journey was always an enjoyable change from the monotony of ploughing the fields.
Speaking of the fields, life on the farm wouldn’t be possible without horses like me. Our task was crucial in the daily workings of the farm. In those days, no tractors or fancy contraptions existed to help us, and our power and resilience were needed in everything we did.
From preparing the ground for sowing crops to helping harvest the bounty, the days seemed to fly by in a flurry of work and joy.
The hardest parts were always the harshest winters. Snowdrifts would pile high, making the roads impassable, and even the strong winds chilled us to the bone. We would huddle together in the stables, for warmth and company, munching on our winter hay and listening to Moira’s comforting tales.
These cold winter nights were the perfect setting for sharing stories. One of my favourite stories was about a group of horses, similar to ourselves, that travelled long distances with travelling merchants, braving storms and carrying valuable goods across treacherous mountains and through lush forests. Moira would often recount their exploits, their bravery, their enduring spirits. We'd be captivated, hanging onto her every word, dreaming of our own grand adventures.
Life as a horse in 0405 was much different from today, where horses are seen primarily as companions or for sports. While those things existed back then, too, we were truly the lifeblood of a thriving society, our contributions vital for survival. But the heart of a horse, like my own, still beat with the same unyielding spirit of a noble creature. We were more than just working animals; we were integral to the livelihood of entire communities, a symbol of strength and resilience.
As for our companions, the wild horses roaming free, the ones living on those wild hillsides and open plains, those are stories for another time. But I can tell you that even today, seeing them gallop free, their manes flowing in the wind, reminds me of a simpler time, a time when our world was open, unfettered by the boundaries of a man-made world.
Remember, even in these modern times, we horses retain a timeless connection to the natural world. Our wild counterparts serve as a poignant reminder of our ancient roots, of the wild energy that still pulses within us.
It was in 0405, with Moira’s kind words and my own determination, that I found myself becoming not just a worker, but a leader. I led the others in the stable, guided them in our tasks, and offered them a steadying presence in times of fear and uncertainty.
Although we had no social media in those days, word about our exploits spread far and wide. Farmers from surrounding areas would often come to observe our work, fascinated by the efficiency of our combined strength and resilience. Some of them even took inspiration from our successes, striving to improve their own horse care and methods.
Sometimes I wish we could be like the wild horses, running free through those wide open meadows. Yet, when I look around at my stable mates, my fellow workers, my friends, I understand the true value of family, of community. We are the backbone of Hayfield, our hard work, our loyalty, and our strength intertwined with the well-being of the entire community.
I’ve always believed that every creature deserves respect and care. Every animal holds a unique spark of magic and intelligence, just like a human. And that includes our kind. Horses are not just beasts of burden. We are full of emotion, intelligence, and unique personalities. It's a shame that many humans of those days don’t see it. But even without social media to voice our thoughts, we had each other, our stories shared amongst the stables and fields, creating our own little horse society.
And I’ve been doing my part, sharing my own experiences in the hopes of promoting greater understanding between horses and humans. Through these writings, my words can hopefully touch even more hearts, inspire respect for the world of horses, and perhaps even help bridge the gap between us and humans, all in hopes of building a future where our mutual appreciation thrives and prospers.
That’s all for today! Stay tuned for next week's post, where I will discuss the incredible power of wild horses, the very symbol of freedom and untamed spirit. Until then, I leave you with this thought: Even though the world is constantly evolving, remember the beauty of simplicity and the value of a hard day's work. The warmth of the stable, the comfort of shared meals, and the thrill of being a working horse. For we are the horses, the backbone of our world.
Don't forget to browse Equiworld, for endless equine-related stories, news, and a world of horsey wonders!
Your friendly grey,
Emma.
