Greetings, dear fellow equines!
Emma here, from Hayfield near Aberdeen, ready to transport you through time to the year 0118. It’s a time where, as a grey draught horse with a mane and tail like spun silver, I found myself smack dab in the midst of change and, dare I say, even a touch of revolution!
Before we dive in, let’s rewind the tape a bit, shall we?
The world of horses in 0118 was a tapestry of purpose:
- A life of labour: Our brethren pulled plows, hauled carts, and powered mills. My own work was in the field, helping to prepare the ground for planting oats and barley. Oh, how satisfying it was to feel the sturdy plough slice through the earth, knowing that every furrow we made would lead to a bountiful harvest.
- A symbol of wealth: Horses like myself, strong and dependable, were a mark of a landowner’s prosperity. Those who owned several horses were seen as well-off and respected members of the community. This was especially true in Hayfield, where agriculture was king.
- The heart of warfare: Warhorses, the dashing knights of the field, thundered across battlegrounds with unmatched speed and power. Though I never had the urge to gallop towards a sword-wielding foe, my cousin, Storm, joined a warlord’s band and saw much of the world. We shared stories around the hay bale at night, his tales brimming with adventure.
Change was brewing on the horizon in 0118...
There were rumblings of political unrest, murmurs of dissent that occasionally reached the ears of the Hayfield horses. I knew nothing of grand politics, but it was clear these disagreements brought worry to our humans. But, you see, a horse has a singular purpose - to work, to be a trusted companion, and to bring peace to the hearts of our keepers. We wouldn't let these whispered tensions interrupt our rhythm.
0118 wasn’t without its share of delights, too!
- The joyous arrival of a new foal: The air at Hayfield buzzed with excitement as the barn welcomed little Poppy, a chestnut filly with the most endearing brown eyes. Her tentative steps, her curious sniffs, and her constant attempts to nibble at everything, filled our days with sunshine and laughter.
- An opportunity to learn and grow: Every day brought fresh lessons. My human, William, a kind man with calloused hands and a soft voice, taught me all about caring for my hooves, grooming my coat, and understanding the language of harness and reins.
- Celebrating the festivals of the season: Spring brought new life, summer the warm embrace of long days and lush meadows, autumn the harvest festival with its joyous feasting, and winter the quiet solitude of snowfall, wrapped in thick blankets of straw, huddled near our human friends for warmth.
So what makes 0118 unique in horse history?
Though subtle, 0118 saw the whispers of the future becoming louder. It was a time when innovation, albeit slowly, started to creep into our world. While most relied on their own strength for transportation and work, the whispers of something new, something iron, started to circulate. It was still a distant dream, a curious rumour on the wind. But in those whispers lay the beginning of a grand transformation.
And that’s just a peek into the year 0118. As for myself, a grey draught horse named Emma, 0118 saw me grow in strength and experience, bond with my human, and learn to appreciate the rhythm of our world. I’m sure many of you, dear equines, can relate.
Remember to leave your comments below, let’s share stories and keep our equestrian heritage alive!
Until next time,
Emma.
*Next Week's Blog Post: *The year 0120 – a tale of transition, friendship, and the mysterious “iron horse"
