Greetings, fellow equines!
It’s Emma here, a 20-year-old grey draught mare with a mane and tail like spun moonlight, writing to you from the beautiful rolling hills of Hayfield, near Aberdeen. As usual, I’m catching up on all things equine for our dear EquiWorld community. Let’s journey back to the year 0524 AD – a time that feels like a lifetime ago, though memories still linger like a whisper of hay in the breeze.
This year was a particularly fascinating one in our world. We, the horses, were playing vital roles in the lives of our human companions. We hauled goods across treacherous lands, pulling ploughs through stubborn fields, and even, whisper it, taking part in the great battles that shaped the world. It was a year of both peace and conflict, with change swirling like the dust kicked up from our hooves.
The human world was quite different back then. Imagine a world with fewer gleaming chariots, fewer magnificent castles, fewer ornate harnesses adorned with jewels. There was, however, something deeply special in the connection between horse and man, a trust woven with every pulled cart, every journey undertaken, and every shared hardship.
Perhaps the most striking image I have from that year is that of a bustling marketplace. It was brimming with humans, goods, and the sounds of clanging tools and enthusiastic bartering. They weren't just using horses as work animals; they had created entire communities built around them. There were blacksmiths hammering shoes for sturdy hooves, skilled weavers crafting intricate horse blankets, and even bakers baking special “horse biscuits” for hardworking horses like me. It felt truly communal, as if all of us, horse and man, were contributing to a vibrant, living tapestry.
Speaking of journeys, did you know the human world was constantly changing, as they pushed westward in what they called 'the Great Migration'? It was a time of new discoveries, new settlements, and a wave of humanity expanding its reach like the endless grasslands of my home. We horses played a critical part, pulling their wagons across unfamiliar landscapes, navigating rivers, and helping them establish new lives. It felt empowering, to be a part of their journey to conquer new horizons.
Even as the world changed, the love for horses never faltered. This year, a group of travellers – perhaps seeking new lands – stopped by our stable in Hayfield. They brought their children along, young ones with sparkling eyes, who stood in awe as I stood there, munching on a tasty pile of hay. Their parents shared stories about their journey, recounting how horses had helped them endure hardships and overcome dangers. Their stories made me proud, reminded me of how important our contribution truly was.
And speaking of love, this year saw an incredible transformation in the world of equestrian sports. Think of it, a grand stadium where skilled riders competed with grace and precision. The Romans were particularly passionate about horse racing, building massive chariot courses specifically for this exhilarating spectacle. People would cheer, gamble, and celebrate victories with a fervour that echoed the passion that burned within their steeds.
Though this was a simpler time, the heart of the connection between horse and human was stronger than ever. There was an understanding, a synergy, forged by shared struggles, common triumphs, and an enduring affection for the majesty and strength of our kind. It felt truly inspiring to be part of that bond, even if only through the tales of older horses.
There were also gentler moments, a reflection of this strong connection. The men and women, despite the demanding world they lived in, still found time to train us, to love us, and even to appreciate the beauty of a grey draught mare with a white mane and tail like me. We shared quiet moments together, stroking our coats, braiding our manes, and whispering secrets as if we were kindred spirits. It felt like an unspoken bond, a shared language, something only understood by those who have shared life on the plains, in the fields, and across vast, uncharted territories.
Looking back, the year 0524 feels like a dream, full of both struggles and victories, quiet moments and loud adventures. As the dust settles and the years pass, our history lingers on, etched in the hoof prints of countless journeys and remembered in the gentle gaze of those who share our bond.
It’s a legacy worth cherishing. Until next time, keep your heads held high, fellow equines! May your journeys be safe, your steps firm, and your hearts filled with the love of those you share this world with.
Yours in equine camaraderie,
Emma
www.equiworld.org
