Hello everyone, it's Emma here, your friendly grey mare from Hayfield, near Aberdeen. This year, 466, feels like it's flown by! So much has happened in the world of horses, and as always, I've been keeping a keen eye on it all. My hooves might be firmly planted in the fertile fields of Hayfield, but my heart gallops with all the news coming from the far corners of our world.
Firstly, let me tell you about a wonderful thing I witnessed here in the north of Scotland. Our lord, King Bridei, is a true horseman. He has a fondness for beautiful steeds, and this year he hosted a grand event in the city of Abernethy. It was called a "king's gathering," and all the most noble horses of the land were brought together for display and competition. The competition was fierce, but I am told the ultimate winner was a stunning black stallion named Cennig, a descendant of the legendary Wild Horses of the Scottish Highlands. To be so honored in the King's court, well, Cennig must have been a remarkable sight!
From what I heard, the competition involved tasks of agility and strength, showcasing a horse's grace and stamina. Imagine a weaving test through a maze of wooden posts, or hauling a heavy wooden sled laden with logs! It was said the excitement was electric, with the crowd cheering on their favourite steeds. This year, the emphasis was on a horse’s capability for hard work, reminding everyone of our importance in hauling and cultivating the land, for those times when there are no plows or tractors, only strong backs and hooves.
Beyond Scotland, the year has brought us further glimpses of our cousins on the other side of the great divide – what they call the "Roman" world. These magnificent beasts are so accustomed to their duties in the armies of the Roman legions, some even having travelled vast distances on grand war campaigns! Their riders tell tales of their loyalty and strength, which are put to the test in countless battles, each day. Imagine! Carrying heavy cavalrymen into the heart of combat. There must be something in their blood, their fiery spirits that lend themselves so readily to a warrior's call!
I even heard tell of a beautiful dappled grey mare called "Luna" who was trained for a grand equestrian spectacle. This spectacle, held in Rome, was full of such grandeur and excitement, a combination of artistry and athletic prowess. Luna was apparently used to display impressive jumping feats over obstacles and even tricks like weaving in and out of Roman pillars, a sight that would be captivating indeed! I would love to witness such a display! To think of a world so grand, so different from our simple Scottish fields, is like the world is an endless tapestry.
On a less thrilling note, I've been thinking about a sadness that has pervaded our world, a trend that troubles my kind in particular: disease. This year, an especially bad bout of horse plague, which the Romans call "epizootic," struck many areas across the land, including right here in Scotland. It's heartbreaking to hear of so many strong steeds felled by illness. The whispers amongst the other horses here are filled with sorrow and concern. I have to say, it is a reminder that we need to be vigilant and to take good care of our own health. I hear that even a strong, healthy mare like myself might need extra care in wintertime to stay protected from these afflictions.
Thankfully, we have skilled farriers and animal healers who strive to protect our health. They work diligently with the local priest, bringing all they know to care for our ailments, blending practical medicine with old cures and ancient remedies passed down through generations. My heart is thankful to them for their dedication and care.
However, life continues and hope springs eternal. New foals are being born across the lands every day! I find myself drawn to their curious eyes and playful antics, and watching them gallop in the meadows brings joy to my heart. It's a stark reminder of the beauty and vitality that life holds even in the face of difficult times. Their innocence reminds me of the spirit that is in all horses, our innate love for play and friendship, that desire for the sun on our coats and the wind through our manes.
This year, more than any other, I have noticed the ways we horses connect and share. We share the tasks of hauling and tilling, pulling carts and wagons, but even more importantly, we share a bond, an understanding that is so deep it needs no words. We lean on each other for comfort, and we support each other in times of struggle. Whether in the fields of Hayfield, in the forests of the Highlands, or even in the busy streets of Roman cities, our shared spirit remains a constant.
We horses are more than just working animals; we are companions, partners in labor and companions for life. We're living beings with a spirit as fierce as the Highlands and as gentle as a new spring bloom.
And that, my dear fellow equine friends, is what keeps my heart galloping. Thank you for joining me today! And remember, keep your noses high and your hooves strong! Until next time, may the wind be at your back!
Love, Emma.
