"Hello, my fellow equines! It's Emma here, from Hayfield near Aberdeen. Welcome to my 794th post on Equiworld! It's a bit chilly up here in the north of Scotland, but I'm feeling particularly sprightly today, so let's dive into some horse history."
The year is 794, and there's a nip in the air, even for a seasoned draught horse like myself. This time last year, we saw the start of the terrible Viking raids. They were terrifying, those fierce warriors with their horned helmets and axes, swooping in from the sea like the Norse god of thunder himself. Thankfully, our local king, known as 'Constantine', he rallied our human companions, the Picts, and fought them back. Now, we feel a little safer, and the fear has faded somewhat, replaced by a quiet hope for a peaceful year.
You might think, "Emma, surely you wouldn't be able to know about things like Vikings, kings and politics?" Well, believe me, dear reader, the world of horses is much bigger than you might think. We hear it all, every story whispered in the stables, every conversation about battles won and lost. As you know, our connection to humans is deeply intimate. We share their burdens, their joy, their sorrows, their lives. And through these connections, we witness history, too.
Speaking of human companionship, this year I had the honour of helping a kind young woman named Eilif to farm. She’s only 15, but she has a strong, steady hand and a kind heart, like a gentle breeze. Eilif was born and raised on a small farm, and she has learned everything about raising crops and tending sheep from her father. My work is vital to the family, helping pull the plough through the fertile fields, transport hay from the meadows, and haul sacks of grain to the mill. We work together like a pair of hands. Even though she's smaller than me, her determination gives her strength beyond measure.
The year 794 saw some interesting developments for the world of horses. We hear whispers from travellers that in some far-off lands, they use horses for more than just working the land. People ride them for recreation, and they say they can even gallop across great distances. They talk about riding boots and saddles with ornate designs, things that are only imagined in our neck of the woods. The tales, told by travelling merchants, often embellish the stories. They spin them larger than life, but one thing remains clear - horses have an increasingly important role in human societies far and wide.
* Closer to home, the horse world in Scotland is busy with preparation for the "Horse Show". This annual event brings together the best and the brightest of our equine community - from sturdy workhorses like myself to swift steeds trained for racing and the elegant, refined creatures bred for luxury and carriage travel. The festival is a highlight of the year for humans and horses alike, a chance for us to display our skills and bond with one another over shared passions and challenges.*
* As for me, I have a few things up my sleeve for this year’s Horse Show. Eilif has been patiently working with me to teach me tricks like kneeling and bowing, all to demonstrate my intelligence and graceful nature. This will certainly be a feat for a grey draught horse, but I have a feeling this show is going to be a grand occasion! We can't forget to add in a few exciting, festive dances around the fire - a beloved pastime for both humans and horses after a hard day's work.*
While the future holds uncertainty for our world, both human and equine, one thing remains true: the strength and resilience of the horse has helped to shape the world as we know it. And, even as a mere horse from a small corner of Scotland, I am proud to be a part of this incredible legacy. So, stay tuned for next week's post where I’ll talk about what we do with the harvest after the hard work and how we use the precious grains and seeds to make a warm and comforting drink - maybe even learn about an equine dance from a travelling trader! Until then, may your hooves be swift and your spirits be high!"
Yours sincerely, Emma
