History of Horses in the year 0213

Hello, dear readers! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood grey mare, back with another post for your equine enjoyment! As always, it's been a while, what with all the grazing, napping, and, well, you know, being a horse! 😉 But, it's time to catch up on all the exciting events happening in the year 0213! As usual, we'll be exploring some historical happenings, and I'll be giving my, shall we say, spirited opinion on the goings-on in our grand equine world!

You might be thinking, "Emma, what's so exciting about 0213?" Well, I hear you! The year itself isn't known for some major game-changing horse events - no, not yet! But let me assure you, my friends, this era is bursting with activity, progress, and delightful equine adventures all the same.

So, let's settle in for a nice warm cup of barley tea, settle our hooves on a comfy pile of hay, and delve into the world of horses as it was, so many years ago. (Honestly, even I find it hard to grasp how long ago!)

Let's begin where I always do: right here in Hayfield. That's where I was born, in the shadow of the mighty Scottish highlands. Life here is tough, rugged, and a whole lot of beautiful. We're used to cold winters, icy wind, and rugged ground. The men call us "Draught Horses", a term I've always liked - sturdy, dependable, hard-working - those are some great traits, if you ask me!

Now, while I do find it utterly charming here in my corner of Scotland, 0213 was an exciting year in terms of a lot of activity... away from my quiet meadows. See, news travels fast among horses, even with the only news being a fleeting whiff of a neighbour's tale. But this was different, a whisper on the wind carrying tales of bustling city streets, gleaming chariots, and the incredible rise of the "racing" scene.

The thought of cities with cobbles and crowded squares made my heart skip a beat! As much as I love the mountains, my ancestors tell stories of a glorious, ancient life where they pulled carriages, pulling chariots of high nobility, helping trade, even, carrying war banners! This new "racing" talk felt almost mystical, an echo of our long forgotten grandeur.

Now, racing doesn't appeal to me as a workhorse (much too short bursts of energy for this lass, you see!), but that new carriage system? Now that's something special.

While we Hayfield horses were plodding our usual path (hauling loads, tending fields, and, yes, napping when nobody's looking!), things were moving pretty quickly in the urban scene. They were creating faster horses with slender bodies, fine legs, and speed. The more things change, right? 😉

What we used to do – the ancient horse tasks – they were still happening, just done in a new way. The chariot is evolving, from clunky lumbering wooden vehicles into gleaming, lighter designs with elegant ironwork. This made for some truly elegant speed, if you can believe it. I'm told the riders even jumped fences now, leaping across the terrain at astounding speeds.

But it’s not just the racecourses and the elite who are using speed to their advantage! It's happening across the world, all over! The carriages were changing everyone's life - from city folk going to work in style, to hauling produce across continents, to travelling far-off lands for a taste of something new. It’s an era of new adventure, all thanks to our swift, powerful legs, and, as ever, the boundless human drive for more.

I still dream of that kind of work, a carriage or even pulling some magnificent war banner... perhaps one day!

Now, let's go back to my corner of the world, shall we? Even with all the city and racing happenings, it's still very much about simple, steady work for us horses in Hayfield. Every day starts the same: a rousing greeting of "Good Morning, Emma! How are you, girl?" from a gruff yet kind man, the farmer, whose name is – of course – Angus. He always gives a hearty "Brr!" before leading me out into the crisp, dewy air. I then haul timber from the forests or work the land to prepare for the harvest. We even plough and transport the bounty back to the village. My kind are used to working in a rhythm with nature.

Afternoons find us either helping Angus build a new fence, or lounging in the stable enjoying a good snack of oats and fresh, sweet grass. There's always the chance of a friendly gossip with one of the farm dogs - Angus, his son (and he has a Scottish surname that I swear I can’t quite pronounce!) – and I have the sweetest puppy named Skye. We watch each other's foals, and I, in a true motherly fashion, look after the dog's as well.

Evenings usually involve the simple delight of chewing on hay as the sun dips, and a rousing chorus of frogs (who always like to serenade us when we graze). Then comes bedtime under a canopy of stars, our noses nestled close to a friend in the barn - the warm breath of a neighbour lulls me to sleep. A comforting sigh, indeed, and an essential part of my routine.

While my days may not be thrilling or filled with daring exploits like those city-bred steeds, I truly wouldn’t trade it for the world. The simplicity and closeness to nature are beautiful and satisfying, and you wouldn't find me anywhere else. I am, after all, a grey mare, a working horse, content with my quiet existence, contributing to the wellbeing of those around me, and enjoying the peace of my little world in Hayfield.

Now, for all you adventurous sorts out there – I've got one more important nugget for you! It may not be the city racing or carriages, but it’s a revolution of its own: horses becoming *pets!* Yes, you read that right, horses for companions! Now, a horse like me might find it a tad odd - wouldn’t know what to do with someone riding on my back in a leisurely trot around their land, but that’s just how it goes! Horses in cities? Fancy that!

Imagine, all the cuddles, the long, leisurely walks, and being groomed by your human! Who would have ever imagined? But, then, just as a dog has its owner, why not a horse, eh?

These new horses are even called ‘companion’ horses! Fancy names, don't you think? Well, that's the world of 0213 for you: things move fast, even while the ancient values stay steadfast.

It seems as though the world of horses in 0213 is full of everything - a symphony of swift carriages, the steady strength of a workhorse, and yes, even a quiet, sweet life of friendship.

The grandness of the horse – in all its forms – still reigns, and, my dear friends, this only strengthens my conviction, a conviction shared by all horse-loving folks: we’re simply majestic, incredible, and ever-evolving creatures!

Until next time, keep your spirits high and hooves tapping.

See you around,

Emma

*Please feel free to share your thoughts on horses of this era. Leave a comment and share what you love most about your own beloved horse. I love reading your tales! And, if you're looking for more fun facts about the world of horses, you can always visit EquiWorld at www.equiworld.org! Stay safe, be good to one another, and have a wonderful day. *