Posted by Emma (grey draught mare, age 20), www.equiworld.org
Hello, fellow equines!
Welcome back to my little corner of Equiworld. It's Emma here, writing from Hayfield, a bustling village near Aberdeen, Scotland. The crisp, clear air bites at my nostrils this morning as I nibble on some of the finest meadow grasses the Highlands has to offer. Ah, the sweet taste of freedom and sunshine! I've had an exciting, eventful few weeks, and as always, I'm eager to share all my latest discoveries with you.
A Day in the Life
It's been a busy year so far! I've spent many a morning helping my master, Allan, tend to the farm. It’s a tough but fulfilling life! Allan has been so kind to me - he’s always got an extra handful of oats for me, and never fails to make sure my stall is comfortably bedded down with the best straw in the village. There's a real bond between us, a connection you just don’t find in any other relationship. I’m blessed to have him in my life.
This morning I helped him with the cart. The sturdy wooden wheels made that distinctive "clack, clack" sound on the cobblestones, and I pulled the load with ease. You’d think all that strength came naturally, wouldn't you? It does to some degree, I admit, but I wouldn't be nearly as strong without all that careful grooming, regular training and the extra oats Allan makes sure I have, so important to maintaining a healthy appetite for hard work! We trundled along the dirt path through the fields, heading to market in Aberdeen. There was such a rush, such an abundance of things to see, the sight of a busy marketplace, and the smell of fresh bread from the bakeries – pure joy. A cart pulled by a magnificent shire horse grazed just alongside me, its chestnut coat shining in the morning sun. What a fellow! The horsemen chatted happily and exchanged tales of journey and adventure. It was all quite exhilarating. Then back to the fields, a well deserved rest before I could feel my own powerful hooves tapping on the stable floor, ready for another busy day.
Whispers of History
Ah, but there’s so much more going on in the world than just hauling farm goods! There is a stirring in the air these days. My master’s friend, Father Angus, speaks often about a king in Constantinople - they say his empire is vast, and his reigns far and wide, extending even to the shores of Britain, a far distance, truly! His men have even reached as far as Ireland and some say the North Sea islands - though of course the most exciting tales revolve around those that are still mysterious to us, a world still to be discovered by us equines and the courageous humans that guide us. We horses are always the ones that bear witness to history in the making! Just as we were essential to building great cities, like Rome, that flourished centuries ago, so too are we present in the great battles that rage, that leave a deep imprint on this changing world.
Father Angus speaks of another king - a Roman emperor they call Justinian. They say he's building up Rome again, though the great empire it once was lies broken and shattered into pieces, a pale imitation of its glorious former self. And so, history marches on! This age of powerful kingdoms, a time where beliefs shift and change, brings both uncertainty and excitement, I can’t help but feel it. It's almost as if this very air we breathe is filled with whispers of change.
A Bit of Gossip
And talking about change, you know who I heard is coming to stay here? Queen Guinevere, wife of King Arthur - I swear it! Apparently, she and the King have gone on a quest, their search bringing them north, close to my beloved Hayfield. There is a magical feeling that hangs over these tales, a mythical quality. King Arthur! Who wouldn't be drawn to stories of the greatest warrior of all time? My dear friend Fiona (yes, the little bay mare who's just a bit of a gossip) swears the King is real, not just a legendary tale whispered around the fires by bards.
I think we horses can sense such things. I'm reminded of the old stories - the tales of mythological creatures like the unicorn! Now that would be an encounter to tell your great-great-grandchildren about. I have a feeling Fiona may be making things up, and those of you who know Fiona as well as I do know just how prone she is to exaggeration! But still, who can say with certainty whether those stories about magic and enchanted lands are mere fantasy or something real that is hidden from us common steeds?
Looking Forward
That reminds me: my dear friend Willow just gave birth to a beautiful filly named Hope. You wouldn't believe how tiny and soft she is - those big, brown eyes and long, wobbly legs just melt your heart. Such innocent hopefulness - as the name suggests, a sign of the joy that the future holds. Hope has to grow up fast to join us, learn about this complex world of ours. She needs the love and protection of her herd as much as she needs our gentle instruction, the strong bond between mares and foals, for we equines must keep learning, must embrace new ideas in a world that changes faster than the seasons.
This brings me to the great debate of modern versus ancient, which I know a lot of you are talking about. Many older horses tell stories of life in simpler times when the great Roman roads ruled the lands, and the sound of war-chariots rumbled across rolling meadows. Today, we move between smaller communities, carrying our masters through the woods and along trails, connecting one village to another. What I find remarkable is how quickly we horses, and mankind, have adapted to such great transformation!
From Humble Beginnings to Noble Calling
Even though our world is in transition, even though the great Roman Empire is fading into legend, our role, the essential contribution of horses to humanity, has never been more important! As always, we are indispensable companions to humans throughout the vast spectrum of their lives - working on the farm, pulling ploughs, helping them to travel and bringing us close to the world beyond our stable and paddock.
I'm reminded of a phrase my old groom used to tell me – ‘We are the stewards of the land.’ He always spoke proudly, about the nobility of the horse. He'd say that it wasn’t about the riches of the world, but about being the essential links to the hearts of human souls. This responsibility is more than hauling loads, more than delivering messages: It’s about holding in our hooves a love for nature, for the wild lands and gentle winds that sweep across the meadows on our backs!
Let's Remember
Now, remember you can find more posts about me, my fellow equines and everything from horse care and history, to those rare, beautiful, mythological tales you can find on www.equiworld.org, the website for us horses everywhere! Let me know what you are thinking in the comments below - I love to hear from other equines all across the land. And I'll be posting my next update very soon, so don’t forget to check in.
Until next time, fellow equines. Keep on grazing!
Emma
