History of Horses in the year 0345

Hello my darlings! It’s Emma here, from the windswept pastures of Hayfield, just outside Aberdeen. I can’t believe it's been 345 years since the dawn of this glorious equestrian era. So many thrilling, exciting, and – yes, even occasionally hair-raising! – adventures to recount, but don't you worry, my dear readers, I've got all the juicy details for you!

This year, oh my, there has been so much happening! It's a bit hard to even keep up with the gossip in these galloping times. Now, where to start?

It’s no secret that the Roman Empire has been a big player in the world of horses, particularly in our wonderful arena of racing. Let me tell you, these Romans have an eye for a good thoroughbred. Imagine a glossy bay stallion, gleaming coat, muscles like finely chiseled marble - the kind of creature you simply HAVE to admire! They've been at the heart of racing in the capital city of Rome – an exhilarating spectacle, filled with thunderous applause and the sound of chariots thundering around the course. But this year, things have become quite lively.

There was an almighty dust-up in the games. We’re talking fierce competition, some serious horse-power clashes, and even a few ruffled feathers (literally, when a couple of Roman chariots collided!). Let's just say, the chariots have been doing a little bit more “wheeling and dealing” on the racetrack this year, and all for the favour of those fancy emperors. There was this particularly dramatic collision in the main chariot race, a spectacle the crowd could barely handle – but the winning horse, a brave grey gelding with the strength of ten mighty stallions, simply had to win. What a performance!

Speaking of stallions, the emperors have a habit of ahem, let’s just say, showing particular affection to the prize-winning racehorses. You can practically hear them whisper sweet nothings about “winning streaks” and "glorious victories" to the thoroughbreds. Imagine! A world where we horses hold the key to power. It’s an intriguing notion, to be sure.

Of course, the grand chariot racing is exciting and all, but life here in the North of Scotland has its own, particular charm. It’s always busy. Our main work, here in the verdant highlands, is in hauling the crops. The farm owners can't manage without their hardy draft horses. They often call on my kind, sturdy workhorses, to pull the ploughs through the fertile Scottish fields. The smell of the rich earth is a familiar scent to our noses - that's what I love about this life.

We also pull heavy carts and sleds, often laden with wood and other goods, especially for travel across the rocky terrain. But we are a resourceful breed – that's the secret to success in the wilds! When you’ve had the winds of the Highlands whipping past your coat, and the frost clinging to your mane, you gain a spirit of resilience, let me tell you!

This year, there has been an exciting shift. We're starting to see something new, something modern, something almost… magical! They call it the "Celtic horse". A breed of horse more suited to rough terrain and difficult weather – perfect for our homeland! This breed has strong legs and even stronger character. They are like miniature versions of us big, hardy draft horses, with incredible stamina. My own mother is part Celtic horse and I can see the strength and heart she has passed down to me! They call them "Kelpie" because they are quite magical in the way they travel with such strength and speed, so agile and powerful all at once. It's a remarkable blend of endurance, agility, and determination – what more could a horse want?

This Kelpie breed has been spreading like wildfire this year, across Scotland. Some say the Celts introduced them from the southern coast of England, where there are supposedly wild bands of horses living freely. Wild horses – I can only imagine how wonderful and exhilarating it must feel to gallop across the countryside, with no one to stop you! It’s a truly enchanting notion, I think, like a fairytale brought to life.

Speaking of enchanting, there’s a very famous, if a little eccentric, bard. He seems to love his Kelpie mares with a ferocity and loyalty only rivalled by those chariot races I mentioned earlier. They say he has a stable of the finest Celtic mares and his songs about their bravery, their resilience, their grace… Well, the bard’s words have made them almost legendary! Imagine being so beautiful that your bravery and grace get whispered by bards!

These Celtic horses – their story has captured our imagination, just like their powerful presence captures the eye. They're all the rage this year and I can see why! We all love the strength and determination of these Kelpies, and this fascination seems to have even seeped into our Roman neighbors. Apparently, they're even starting to trade with the Celtic folks for these little marvels, wanting to see if these nimble creatures can compete with their larger, grander stallions! We're all watching to see how this will develop - can a horse with a wild heart take on the speed and might of the chariot horses? Only time will tell, my dears, only time will tell!

But here's what I love about these Celtic horses: their independence. There is a strong spirit within them, an unyielding desire for freedom that resonates with my own heart. Maybe I just see a little of myself in their fearless determination, a bit of the “grey mare” spirit. There’s nothing quite like the feel of the wind rushing through your mane as you gallop across open fields, with the earth humming beneath your hooves – it's pure, untamed joy.

The Kelpie breed is a reminder that our world isn't always about strength alone – it’s about agility, adaptability, and the strength of will. You see, these horses show us that beauty lies in the wild heart as well as the might of muscle and strength. They have an intrinsic love of nature that radiates from every hoofbeat – and we can learn so much from that.

Our farm life here, of course, isn’t just about hauling and heavy lifting, we also spend many a blissful day in the fields. Grazing on fresh grasses, under the ever-changing Scottish sky. Watching the sun rise over the rugged mountains and feeling the icy wind rush over the barley fields - these moments make me grateful to be a horse. I do wish the horses in warmer climates got to see more of our spectacular aurora borealis! Sometimes the northern lights dance in the sky and our breath catches in our throats! I have tried to get a good photograph with my camera but the beauty can only be seen by eye. This is just one more magic that lives in our beloved Scotland!

You might be thinking that farm life can be boring – and you would be wrong. This is far from a dull life! Life for us is quite varied. Sometimes we need to stay in the stable with our own human – yes, he’s called a blacksmith! We wouldn’t get anywhere without him! His blacksmith’s forge is an extraordinary place, hot and heavy, filled with sparks and the clanging of his hammer. It’s quite the dance they do! I know his skill, which includes keeping our shoes strong and strong hooves too, is quite essential in the horse world.

But then there are days when we can go on adventurous excursions! Often I walk the farmer’s children to the village of Aberdeen, nestled amongst rolling hills. This is where I meet the other horses. You would be amazed at the tales those beautiful animals have to tell – a gossip among horses, you see. I just love catching up on news and tales, as it’s important to be in the loop! We love a good old natter in those friendly Aberdeen stables, or sometimes even share our stories down in the quietest part of the town, under the old Roman arch! A beautiful relic of a time gone by.

And I know, from the hushed whispers that circle between the stables and the rolling meadows, that horses across Scotland are watching with keen interest to see what the future holds! What new horizons will open? What challenges will we face? What wonders will our noble kind conquer? I know, my darling readers, that whatever the next 345 years bring, we horses will stand strong, as we always have!

I do hope you have enjoyed my journey through this magical year. I’ve included some exciting pictures below – I’m still a novice photographer, but as they say – practice makes perfect.

Until next time!

Love, Emma

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