Blog Post # 483
By Emma, Hayfield, Scotland
* www.equiworld.org*
The wind whips through my long, white mane as I stand on the hill overlooking Hayfield, my coat glistening grey in the crisp Scottish air. A peaceful scene, you might think, but in the year 0483, it's all about the coming season. The barley fields are starting to turn a lovely golden brown, and my nostrils twitch, filled with the scent of freshly cut hay, and promise of good harvests.
This time of year, my kind, draught horses, are a vital part of the community here. You might think life as a draught horse isn’t very glamorous, and to be honest, some days are all about hauling plows through the muddy earth. But for a horse like me, it’s in my blood, my purpose, and brings me a sense of deep satisfaction. It’s a noble thing, feeding those who live here. And let's not forget the camaraderie of the stable - we have each other for company, all sharing a bond, understanding, and knowing what each other’s tails are trying to say! And just the other day, I had my nostrils buried in a delicious pile of barley chaff, just before our morning run out onto the hills with the farmer's sheepdog. The little creature's quite a charmer!
For horses like us, life revolves around the seasons, the fields, and the rhythm of the earth. There are a couple of things we don't seem to have too many of yet, at least here in Scotland, and those are horseshoes and stirrups. Our work doesn't seem to need them, at least for now. Some stories from far-away lands tell of horses who work more directly with people, but I find that a bit hard to imagine. Can you imagine being stuck to something so large and…loud! But the horses, we hear, do well with the added weight and stability, for sure!
Speaking of far-away lands, the most amazing thing is starting to filter through about a new kingdom that has been established - the kingdom of the Angles. They came across the sea, it's said, and defeated the Britons, and set up camp on the shores. I haven't actually seen these new people or their horses, but from what I’ve heard, there’s an exciting new world out there, even though the horses seem much smaller and lighter, which I’ve always thought makes them less practical for pulling. They've also been making a lot of noise about new religious beliefs – apparently some people have given up on the old Gods and are starting to worship one God. That is one big, strong God they're describing. I still feel most comfortable bowing my head towards the elements, giving thanks for the sun, the rain, and the earth’s bounty.
Now, about our lives as draught horses… let me tell you, it’s not all toil and heavy lifting!
On special occasions, like when a new calf is born in the local village, the farmer might load us up with our fine carriages. It's not often we’re lucky enough to enjoy the fine furnishings. But if the local priest is visiting for the annual harvest celebration, we get to parade around, adorned with bells and plumes, the whole community joining in the celebrations! The feeling of pulling the cart full of people, everyone smiling, feeling joyful, it really makes me swell with pride. It’s an amazing experience to see so many people who come together, share a delicious spread, sing their folk songs and tell stories about the good life we lead here, even with our less fancy lifestyles. It reminds me just how connected we are to each other. It’s a strong, ancient bond we all share.
Just last year, one of our neighbours went to work for a nobleman, a man with vast acres and land across many regions. Apparently, he even owns several farms like the ones here in Hayfield, where they have lots of draught horses. A friend of mine told me he even met another one of his own kind working for the nobleman in a field just a few miles away! Now that’s a bit of adventure, wouldn't you say? It all just makes me yearn to learn about the world outside our valley. Maybe some day, if I am lucky enough to outlive the hardship of my life here and my aches and pains from a life of pulling and dragging. Maybe one day I could even take a little adventure too, and meet a beautiful mare, who knows? Just dreaming…
There are so many wonders of the world, from the majestic forests of our Highland forests to the rolling waves of the ocean and, who knows what the world holds just over the hills. I believe that one day the horses of the world might all join hands and pull in a grand celebration for all the people, not just one small valley, but a global celebration of unity, peace and hope for the future!
Well, I’m going to sign off now for tonight, it's getting dark and I hear a lovely symphony of snoring horses all settling down for the night, so peaceful. Maybe it's time for a dream about a world of horses connected through a web of friendships and adventures!
Until next time!
Yours,
Emma
