Welcome back to my EquiWorld blog, fellow equine enthusiasts!
As the crisp Scottish air whipped through my long white mane, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for this magnificent life I lead. It's 1054 AD, and though history is brimming with the exploits of kings and warriors, my story, as a simple working grey mare from the beautiful Hayfield, just outside Aberdeen, is no less significant. Today, I invite you to join me on a journey through the world of horses in this remarkable year.
You see, for us horses, time is measured not in the turning of the seasons, but by the familiar routines, the familiar scents, the familiar hands that groom and tend us. In 1054, our lives were much the same as they had been for centuries past.
My life, like many others in our village of Hayfield, revolves around hard work. I am a draught mare, my strong, sturdy build and powerful legs a blessing to the farmers who rely on me. I haul the heavy plough through the fields, dragging my heels through the rich soil, transforming the land from barren to fertile, ready to nurture crops that will sustain families. It’s hard work, but there's a quiet dignity in my role, a sense of contributing to the wellbeing of others.
News from the World: Tales of Feats and Kings
Now, you might wonder, dear reader, what a mere mare knows of the world beyond Hayfield? Believe me, we horses have our ways of learning about what happens far away. We are attuned to the hushed whispers of the farmers, the anxious faces of the townspeople, and the clattering hooves of travellers, all of whom carry with them stories of distant lands.
This year, news of the grand ceremonies at the coronation of Edward the Confessor has reached us. Horses are vital to these grand occasions. Imagine the magnificence of a king arriving at his crowning, carried by a gleaming stallion, the animal adorned with luxurious gold, silk, and precious gems! Such events reinforce the essential connection between horses and humans, a bond as old as time.
The Great Horse Fairs:
But the world of horses extends beyond royal pageantry. Twice a year, a hum of excitement runs through Hayfield as news arrives of the upcoming Great Horse Fair. These are gatherings of merchants, breeders, and horse-lovers from across the land. Imagine a vast field overflowing with horses of all breeds and colours, each a marvel in its own right!
There's a thrill to be had in these events, an undeniable allure to being surrounded by so many of our kin. The air itself vibrates with the scent of horses and the lively exchanges of traders. Farmers come looking for strong working horses like myself, while knights and lords search for the swift, valiant steeds for war and hunting. These fairs, in their bustling energy, are a testament to the importance of horses in human lives.
A Tapestry of Traditions:
As I navigate the cobblestones of our village, the soft click-clack of my hooves mingling with the human bustle, I encounter various practices surrounding our beloved steeds. The tradition of ‘blooding’ young colts, for instance, is a custom meant to make them brave and resilient, prepared for their future tasks. A swift cut to the colt's ear, drawing a single drop of blood, marks the beginning of his journey as a working animal. It is not a cruel ritual but a symbolic one, acknowledging the commitment these young creatures undertake.
There's a saying amongst humans, “As goes the horse, so goes the kingdom.” And truly, this statement holds weight in the year 1054. We are the engines of progress, the vehicles of travel and commerce, and the companions in times of peace and war. We horses play a vital part in shaping the course of history, and it fills me with pride to be a part of it.
Our Equestrian Delights:
Now, life is not all work for us, you see. My days may be filled with tasks that contribute to the livelihood of the village, but my evenings are often spent enjoying the simpler pleasures in life. It is in these moments that I feel the closest connection with my human companions.
Sometimes, as the sun begins to set, painting the Scottish sky with fiery colours, I am granted the joy of roaming the fields, grazing amongst the tall grasses and feeling the warm earth beneath my hooves. This, to me, is pure contentment. Other times, the human children of Hayfield invite me to their playful games, chasing me around the meadow or riding upon my back. Such innocent laughter is like music to my ears.
An Eye Towards the Future:
The year 1054 is an exciting time to be a horse. The world feels vibrant and brimming with possibility. New ideas are circulating, new innovations are taking hold, and human ambitions reach further than ever before. And with the advancements of humankind, so too evolve the ways in which we, horses, are utilised and cherished.
The future is promising. As a mare, I look forward to seeing what innovations will emerge and what role we will play in the shaping of the future.
And now, dear reader, I bid you farewell, wishing you joy and good health. May the winds carry whispers of the beauty of the equine world and inspire a newfound appreciation for our unwavering strength, loyalty, and the vital part we play in shaping our world.
Stay tuned for the next chapter in my EquiWorld Blog!
Until then, yours in the love of horses, Emma
www.equiworld.org
