Welcome back, fellow equines!
It's Emma here, your trusty grey draught horse with the snow-white mane and tail from the rolling green pastures of Hayfield, near Aberdeen. Today, we're taking a journey through time, galloping back to the year 0479 AD. Buckle up, darlings, it's going to be a wild ride!
This year, I’m feeling especially vibrant – the spring grass is succulent, the air is crisp, and my coat is gleaming in the Scottish sunshine. It's a perfect day for a stroll through Hayfield, with the sweet smell of heather and the rhythmic clink of blacksmith's hammer echoing in the air.
Life here in Hayfield is a simple one, a world away from the bustling city streets and raucous races you might find down south. My days are filled with pulling the plough through the rich fields, helping our local farmer, a kind man called Thomas, cultivate his crops. The bond between us horses and the farmers here in Scotland is a strong one. We rely on them for our care and nourishment, and in turn, they depend on us for their livelihoods.
I spend much of my day with my herd - sturdy and strong Clydesdale companions, with their mighty frames and gentle temperaments. There’s Bella, the dappled mare with a kind heart, and young Finley, the cheeky bay foal, whose playful kicks send the others scattering in a flurry of hooves. They say the first few years are the happiest, and I do think they are right. Those carefree days of exploring the fields and grazing endlessly, with only the wind in our manes, were blissful.
News from Across the Border:
It wouldn’t be a proper blog post if I didn't share a bit of gossip. From what we hear, life for horses isn’t so carefree across the border in England. King Aethelred, a new and rather ruthless ruler, has just taken the throne. The Anglo-Saxon lords are always on the lookout for skilled and powerful horses, both for pulling carts and for the battlefield. There’s a rumour going around, relayed by a traveling bard, about some incredible beasts known as 'warhorses'. They’re fast, brave, and incredibly well-trained - more akin to wolves than horses! They’re supposedly favoured by the high-born, and some even say they’re brought from across the sea, from a land of sun and endless deserts. But I’m a gentle draught horse - I’m made for work, not war, thank goodness!
A Day at the Market:
This week, Thomas brought us to the bustling Aberdeenshire market, a grand affair filled with sights, sounds, and the intoxicating aroma of fresh bread and smoked fish. Here, horses are bartered and traded, and we all know our worth, standing proudly for those discerning buyers. This is the first time I've seen so many other breeds - majestic Shires, robust ponies, and even a glimpse of a stunning stallion, a true testament to his breed with flowing mane and an aristocratic gait. He reminded me of those legendary ‘warhorses’ we hear whispers about, a stark contrast to my quiet life in Hayfield.
What the Horses Whisper:
As we grazed in the warm afternoon sun, we gathered to listen to tales from the older mares, their voices as soft and melodious as the tinkling of distant bells. They spoke of a long forgotten era, when horses were worshipped as gods. This seemed inconceivable, but they insisted - we once walked alongside those giants of men, carrying them on their journeys, helping them build empires, and sharing their destinies.
Today, we horses still serve a vital purpose - in farming, in transportation, even in warfare, our roles vary. Yet, we remain an integral part of life, as important as the sheep, the cattle, the farmer, and every single person in our village.
In Conclusion:
0479 was another peaceful year for us in Hayfield, where we continue to carry on the ancient and sacred bond between humans and horses. Our work is challenging but rewarding, our days are simple, our lives are interwoven with nature and humanity. Until next time, fellow equines, I hope you find solace in the rustling of the wind through your mane, and feel the warmth of the sun on your coat, for these are the simple joys we share!
And as always, please share your thoughts on this year’s horse news - what surprised you? Do you know of any legendary warhorses? Have you ever been to a bustling market like Aberdeenshire? Tell us all about it!
With warm whinnies, Emma
