Hello my dearest Equine friends, and welcome back to my little corner of the world! It’s Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood draught horse, coming to you live from the beautiful Hayfield near Aberdeen. As we’re reaching the end of 0330 AD, I thought it would be the perfect time to take stock and share some of the most interesting things happening in the world of horses.
Oh, how the time flies, doesn’t it? Seems like just yesterday I was a mischievous foal, gallivanting through the fields with my siblings. Now I’m a strong, seasoned mare, feeling proud of all I’ve accomplished. These days, I spend most of my time pulling the farm cart, helping Farmer John haul goods to the local markets. It’s honest work, and it fills me with satisfaction to know that my efforts contribute to feeding families and keeping our little community thriving.
But let’s step back from my own humble existence and talk about some exciting happenings!
Firstly, did you hear about the Emperor Constantine? He’s a very influential fellow, you know. A few years back, he was embroiled in a massive power struggle and guess who was at the heart of it? Yep, us horses! There’s a famous story about how he had a vision before his big battle, and you won’t believe it – it featured a flaming cross! The symbol appeared in the sky, and the legend has it that the cross was actually etched on the sunbeam illuminating the back of his white horse, and it brought him victory! He claims that God blessed his efforts, and ever since, he’s been associating himself with Christianity. It’s really making waves across the Roman Empire.
Funny thing, though, our connection with Christianity seems to be deeper than just stories and symbols. Back in those early years of the religion, it was quite common for Christians to utilize horses to spread their message across the vast distances of the empire. In fact, they even established a special religious order – The Equites, which meant “knights”. They used horses to journey, preach, and build churches. They would also carry around sacred scriptures and offer healing to the sick. How magnificent is that? It's an incredible honour to know we played a role in bringing peace and faith to people.
But the Romans aren’t the only ones making waves in the world of horses this year. Look to the east, to China. There they’re pioneering new uses for our equine cousins! I hear tell of magnificent breeds bred for speed, grace, and athleticism – designed specifically for sports! This includes the mighty Han dynasty’s beloved Chinese polo. I hear they use the game for social interaction, sporting contests, and even as a part of training for warfare.
Imagine a field bursting with life – the thunder of hooves pounding the ground, riders wielding mallets, and a joyous roar of the crowd as they cheer their teams. The sound of clashing sticks, the ball soaring through the air – what an exciting display of agility and grace! These athletes are certainly putting their skills to the test, but their heart, their strength, and their passion shines through in their every movement. I just hope it’s fair play and no tricks are used. It’s always best to have friendly competition, right?
Speaking of skills, you wouldn’t believe the strides we horses have taken in medicine and surgery. Back in my days, it was more a case of 'if you don't have any teeth left, we don't have much we can do!' These days, vets are far more sophisticated – they’re exploring amazing treatments, understanding our ailments better than ever. From treatments to illnesses, I hear about something called ‘Strangles’– a highly contagious disease causing swollen glands in our necks and sometimes hindering our breathing! How awful! Thankfully, good ol' horse sense, along with preventative measures and veterinary intervention, has been keeping the disease at bay. I wish the vets could come up with a permanent cure for this and other ailments affecting us. But I'm happy with any progress they're making.
Our equine brethren have even managed to sneak their way into literature this year. You know, in Ancient Rome, they’ve already created epic tales featuring our heroic lineage. We have always been a vital part of storytelling. But it’s something new and intriguing that’s happening now – they’re using us to immortalize people’s emotions. We're no longer just transport and farm workers. We are woven into the tapestry of human lives – a reminder of their passions, dreams, and challenges. We’re not just animals – we’re part of a bigger narrative. I, for one, am very flattered.
This year’s also been exciting for me personally. I’ve learned so much! I now have a real grasp of shoemaking, a crucial art to ensure we keep our feet in perfect condition for all that hard work! There’s a great blacksmith in the village – a real master of his craft. He’s kind and gentle, making sure each hoof is protected and cushioned for any journey. Oh, and you won't believe it! He taught me about something called 'horseshoes with spikes'! Apparently, it improves grip and prevents us from slipping on rough terrain. Makes sense, doesn't it? They call it “Caligae”! A funny name if you ask me, but the results speak for themselves!
As I approach my 20th year, I've grown wiser with each passing day, and the things I learn and observe are absolutely fascinating! It truly makes you realise how connected we all are, not only to each other but also to our role in the bigger picture. What else can I say? The world of horses is thriving – it’s exciting, dynamic, and ever-changing. I am so thankful for the wonderful things we are achieving as a community, and it is my pleasure to share this journey with you!
That's all for now, but as always, I am so grateful for the opportunity to share my story with you! Please leave your thoughts and comments below – I'm always eager to hear from you, dear reader!
Until next time, stay strong, and let your mane shine!
Emma x
