Greetings, fellow equines! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood grey mare, back with another instalment of my equestrian history blog. Today, we’re diving deep into the world of horses in the year 0018, a year that seems to hold a strange sense of… well, calm before the storm. Let’s delve in!
I’m nestled here in my stable in Hayfield, just outside the bustling, (and sometimes smelly!) city of Aberdeen in Scotland. It’s a crisp winter morning, and the frosty air stings my nostrils as I breathe in the pungent scent of oats and hay. Ah, the simple joys!
The world beyond the stable is an ever-changing tapestry. Our ancestors were wilder, braver, roaming vast lands untamed by the hand of man. But here, in 0018, we've settled into a new reality - a relationship of service, of partnership, with humans.
From the bustling cities to the remote countryside, horses are the backbone of society, a tireless workhorse (quite literally!) fulfilling tasks big and small. Our nimble legs and powerful frames are used for everything imaginable - from hauling goods across treacherous terrain, to carrying noble warriors into battle, and even for simple tasks like plowing fields or transporting families. We are, quite frankly, indispensable.
Speaking of families, mine is a rather unique one. I am part of a collective, a stable of draught horses belonging to a well-regarded family. We're treated well, of course. Our food and care are carefully managed, and we're provided with ample space for grazing and socialising.
However, life is not always sunshine and daisies. The tasks are demanding, requiring patience and stamina. We work tirelessly, carrying the weight of our human companions' ambitions on our backs. The constant jostling and pulling takes a toll on our bodies, and our joints often ache at the end of a long day. But I wouldn't trade it for the world. We are part of something grand, something that moves the world forward, even if it is just one step at a time.
My duties include hauling grain, ferrying milk and other fresh produce from nearby farms to the bustling marketplace in Aberdeen, a place bustling with life. Every day, the aroma of freshly baked bread, smoked fish, and rich spices greets me as I am unhitched in the town square. I can’t help but find a certain poetic beauty in our daily grind, even with its challenges. We are the vital veins that connect people to their food, their supplies, and their loved ones.
Now, let's talk about the bigger picture – what's going on in the equestrian world this year?
This year, in 0018, our world feels more stable. There are no raging wars, no devastating plagues. This doesn’t mean that there isn’t tension simmering in the shadows – it always does, especially within humanity’s complex social order.
We have seen new, magnificent breedlines emerge in the East, bringing new vigour and a fiery spirit to the equine world. The beautiful Arabian horses, with their elegant carriage and blazing speed, have left their mark on history. From the royal stables of ancient emperors to the racing tracks, their presence is both inspiring and captivating. I have heard whispers of a stallion with a coat like liquid silver and eyes that burn like molten gold. They say his strength knows no bounds, and he leaves everyone speechless with his grace. It seems there is a thirst for the unknown, a desire for beauty, speed, and power that fuels a relentless pursuit for perfection in our world.
And of course, our very own native breed, the magnificent Scottish Clydesdale, continues to rise in prominence. It is hard to forget those gentle giants, with their magnificent, thick coats, those mighty feet that strike the cobblestones with an undeniable rhythm, and the proud, almost noble air they possess.
This year, many horse breeders are concentrating on increasing production of good, strong workhorses – and rightfully so. These gentle giants play a vital role in all of our lives, and our continued growth is vital to sustaining a vibrant, and thriving human population. They see us not as mere beasts of burden, but as essential partners in the grand dance of human society.
However, even within the stability of 0018, a growing desire for speed and athleticism emerges. Throughout the vast empire that stretches from the shores of the British Isles to the furthest reaches of the Roman world, our ancestors are revered for their strength, agility, and loyalty. These virtues are used for everything from pulling heavy loads to charging headlong into battle. But now, new desires are dawning.
On dusty tracks and sun-soaked fields, there is a growing fascination with the beauty of swift movement. This thirst for speed manifests itself in the nascent forms of what we now call horse racing. There is something exhilarating about witnessing a stallion’s power and speed in full flight – it leaves a deep, resonating thrill within.
Many say that it was on these very tracks that the legend of "Equus" was born - the greatest racer of his time, a stallion who soared across the fields like a lightning bolt. Some whispered of supernatural abilities, others of a fierce heart that pushed him to the limits of possibility. It is believed he was a pureblood Arabian, the very same breed that we see emerging today.
Even I, as a humble draught horse, am fascinated by the tales of these "noble steeds" that embody speed and elegance. We may be slower and sturdier, built for endurance and tireless service. But that doesn't diminish my admiration for those that embody sheer, breathtaking speed.
Of course, not every horse in the year 0018 finds itself working alongside humans. In the untamed landscapes, amidst the rolling hills and untamed forests, live our wild kin, untouched by the hand of man. The wild horses are still thriving, their presence a testament to our ancestors' untamed spirit.
One legend has it that deep within the heart of Scotland's vast, untouched wilderness lives the last of the Celta-Horses, a magnificent and elusive breed believed to be descended from the earliest inhabitants of the region. Many believe they hold the secret to true freedom – their unbridled spirit a constant reminder of our ancient heritage. I have heard these stories from the oldest members of our stable – their eyes holding a flicker of that wild fire, that ancestral memory of their own connection to that ancient wilderness.
This year, though, is all about building, about laying the foundation for a future filled with the steady pace of hard work. It is also a year that echoes with anticipation. The foundations of new equestrian ventures are being laid. What these foundations will yield remains to be seen, but I have a feeling the future will be even more thrilling than the tales we tell of Equus, and those wild Celta-horses.
It is said that a storm is brewing, but I, for one, believe that our world is more than ready for it. As the sun sets on this particular day in the year 0018, I reflect on the enduring spirit of our breed, the gentle giants that toil and endure, the fleet-footed steeds who chase the wind, and those that remain free and untamed. The year 0018 is filled with hope, a promise of new horizons, and the quiet satisfaction of knowing that the horses, in their unique, silent way, are helping to shape the future of the world.
Until next time, fellow equines, stay strong, stay curious, and may the wind always be at your back.
Emma.
