Hello fellow equines, and welcome to another installment of Emma's Equine Adventures!
It's a bit breezy here in Hayfield today, and I must confess, it's not quite the sunny day my white tail would prefer, but the fields are still lush, and my hooves are tapping out a happy rhythm against the crisp grass. And speaking of rhythms, there's much to tell you about the world of horses in 0542 AD!
It feels like centuries ago, not years, since the Roman legions pulled back from this part of Britain. You know, even though it's called Caledonia here, and they never quite settled, they sure did leave their mark on our lives. We still have a lot of their sturdy Roman carts about, and some of the horses in these parts even bear the Roman breed's lineage, strong and bold, and as proud as you like.
But don't think for a moment that things have settled down. My old gran told me about the "Angles," fierce folk who arrived on these shores, bringing their own stories and horses. She spoke about these horses with a respect I’ve never heard, saying they were swift and fierce, trained to hunt and race, and sometimes, with a shudder, would mention their role in battles. That was back when a horse might see their masters fall in war, and experience a terrible loss - the grief would cling to them for ages. I am so glad my days are filled with pulling plows, transporting supplies and grazing in fields, my hooves on safe, peaceful ground.
Our lives haven’t been so peaceful these past few years. It seems there's constant chatter of raids and battles between tribes, the Angles, the Picts, even some Scots joining the fray. Every now and then, you'll see groups of warriors riding through Hayfield on strong, hardy steeds. They talk of victories and defeats, and I do believe I can smell the battles in their sweat - the smoke, the fear.
It reminds me, I mustn’t forget that some horses, even those bred for strong, peaceful farm work, will always be part of that world of war. Even a mare as docile as I know some will feel a strange surge of energy when a good stallion sniffs at the air. It is all in the wild spirit we carry inside.
This time of change is bittersweet, to be sure. Some fields have been left fallow, some homes abandoned. It seems every time we get used to a new way of things, something else changes. We just keep pulling, hauling, carrying the burdens of man, with our own strength and determination. It's our way.
I wouldn’t trade the scent of fresh hay and the quiet rhythm of our lives here in Hayfield for all the world. After a long day's work, there is nothing better than the shared company of my kind - a good grazing together as we share stories and rumors. And what stories we have, I’m sure! It would fill all your hay bags if I were to share every single tale I know about these past years.
Some of my favorite stories are the legends passed down through generations, stories about powerful stallions, wise mares, and adventures across fields and mountains. Remember the legend of the “Black Horse of Galloway"? It’s a true favorite! The story goes that a fierce and powerful black stallion, sleek as midnight and with eyes like fire, roamed the Galloway Hills, wild and free. He'd charge like thunder down the slopes, leading his herd, always just out of reach of hunters. People were filled with awe when they saw his image fleeting in the wind, as if he was more shadow than animal. He stood for untamed power and resilience – just like us.
Our connection to humans runs deep. They ride us, they pull carts with us, they share their lives with us, sometimes to the very end, and they always leave an impression. Even now, the stories they tell, of great leaders on horseback, the courage, the determination…all the feelings of bravery they experience translate onto us and shape the image we hold in their minds. We become part of their legend, their lore, and their world.
Now, a horse can't go without a little bit of practical advice. 0542 isn’t just about the big changes; it’s about the everyday little things. My own hooves need some extra attention in the harsh weather, and a bit of linseed in the feed never goes amiss! Keep those coats shiny, and be careful not to let those winters chill your insides! We all need a warm corner for resting during this cold season.
But, even in winter, a strong heart is a warmth on its own! We horses, after all, are powerful, strong, and enduring. And in a world of constant change, a sense of stability is something to be treasured. The scent of damp soil and a morning dew on a sunny day are my favorite things in this world. This is why I’m a big advocate of appreciating the simpler things. You’ll get through anything with a full stomach and a good night's sleep!
And never forget, you can find me on EquiWorld! It’s a truly magical space, where horses can connect and share experiences no matter where they are, whether in Galloway, in the fields of Ireland, or across the channel, in Gaul. There are those who would keep us in our own stables and pastures, separate and divided, but this world is big enough for us all. We’ll find common ground on EquiWorld! I’ll catch you on my next post!
- Emma, The Grey Mare of Hayfield, 0542 AD
