Greetings, fellow equines! It's Emma here, a seasoned grey mare from the misty hills of Hayfield, near Aberdeen. It’s been quite a while since I last shared a glimpse into our world, but today I thought it might be fascinating to step back in time and recount a day in the life of a horse in the year 580 A.D.
The sun is already peeping over the heather-clad hills, casting long, golden fingers over the landscape, and I can hear the first chirps of larks singing their morning chorus. It’s a crisp autumn day, the air a bit nippy as I rise from my bed of straw, my mane and tail still damp with dew. It's a good day to be alive - or should I say, alive and well-fed!
I'm a strong and sturdy draught mare, my coat sleek and shimmering, thanks to the kind hands of my young owner, Eilif. We've worked together for a few years now, and he treats me with the utmost respect - feeding me good oats and barley, and tending to my every need with a gentle touch.
We are part of a large community here in Hayfield. A village, really, nestled in the foothills of the Scottish Highlands. There are families with cattle, sheep, and goats, all working together to ensure our survival through the winter.
We, the horses, are vital to the livelihood of this community. We carry supplies to and from the nearest settlement, transport goods to the bustling markets of the far-off towns, and work tirelessly on the fields. We pull the ploughs, harvest the grain, and even carry our younger ones to school – for without horses, life would be so much harder for them, with no way to move their supplies or tend their land.
Today's task is to help Eilif bring his sheep to market. The sound of bleating sheep mingles with the morning sounds as we set out. The sun climbs higher, warming the air as I walk at a steady pace down the winding road. There's a real camaraderie between the horses on the trail - each horse carries its own burdens, but we understand our collective purpose.
We weave through the tapestry of autumn colours. It is beautiful here in Hayfield; the hills blaze with fiery reds, deep oranges and burnished yellows. My favourite place is the meadow at the top of the ridge – with its wildflower carpet in springtime and rich green grass come summertime. This year's harvest was especially good, thanks to a warm summer and abundant rainfall, which is vital for the land to flourish. We even had time for a long romp in the meadow - just for pure joy, just like wild horses roam free across the endless plains of the steppes.
We eventually reach the marketplace, abuzz with activity. The air is thick with the smell of freshly baked bread, roasted meat, and leather goods. It’s a chaotic scene, filled with people bustling about and a cacophony of voices. This is where our work really begins, as the farmers negotiate the prices of their goods and barter with buyers for supplies they need. We wait patiently, with other horses from the village, sharing a bale of hay and quiet glances of understanding.
My ears swivel as I catch the sound of a new song, played by a travelling musician with a small, battered lute. The melody dances on the air, a testament to human ingenuity and their knack for creating beauty even amidst the bustle of life. There are times when I wish I could express myself through sound and words like they can, but maybe my grace and power are my language.
Eilif returns after a successful exchange, looking weary but content, with enough supplies to feed his family throughout the harsh winter months. We walk home again, carrying our shared burdens with quiet dignity, my heart filled with the knowledge that we are contributing to the prosperity of our village, ensuring that its people can survive another season.
As we return, I catch glimpses of life in the village - children playing tag in the golden glow of the afternoon sun, mothers bustling about tending their hearths, and the menfolk returning from the fields. Their faces reflect the hardships they endure, but also the tenacity of the human spirit, which allows them to forge ahead even when times are tough.
It’s in these moments, watching them, that I am filled with a deep sense of pride - we are not simply beasts of burden, we are integral parts of their lives, their community.
Our days are mostly work, of course. But on Sundays, we get a much-needed rest. It's a sacred day of rest, for people and horses alike. We stand together in the stable, the gentle rumble of their conversation filling the air, while we munch on our oats. On these days, Eilif often takes me for a long walk along the edge of the woods, the scent of pine needles and moist earth filling my nostrils. It’s a peaceful respite from our demanding daily lives, and a chance for us to connect, share a silent understanding of trust and friendship.
This is our world in 580 A.D. A time where nature dictates our lives, where seasons rule, and survival requires hard work and resourcefulness. A time where horses like myself are more than just animals, we are family, companions, and vital links in the chain of survival.
I know that life may not always be easy, but we'll face it together. And if I can offer one piece of advice, it’s this: Always cherish your own kind, remember the silent language of trust and affection, and appreciate the bonds of companionship that tie us all together, both equine and human, as we navigate through the trials and triumphs of life.
Until next time, may your hooves tread gently, and your days be filled with the scent of fresh hay and the warm glow of shared purpose.
Emma
EquiWorld - Connecting Equine Enthusiasts Across Time and Space.
Please note: This blog post is a fictionalized representation of life for a horse in the year 580 AD based on historical information. While I have attempted to remain accurate to the period, the thoughts and feelings expressed by Emma are fictionalized.
For those interested in learning more about horses in the year 580 AD, some further resources include:
"Horses in the Early Middle Ages" by E.C.M. Werner: This book explores the historical role of horses in European society, including their use in warfare, transportation, and agriculture during the 5th to 12th centuries.
"The Horse: A Guide to Understanding Equine Behavior" by Dr. Susan G. Garrett: Although not focused on the year 580 AD specifically, this book provides insights into the basic instincts and social behaviors of horses, which would have been similar to those of Emma in that time period.
Remember, a little understanding and respect can go a long way in fostering the wonderful bond between horses and humans, no matter the time period!
