Neigh-igh, my dear Equiworld friends!
Emma here, your trusty mare from Hayfield, just outside of Aberdeen, and I'm back with another chapter from our journey through horse history! Today we're diving into the fascinating world of horses in the year 0273, a year of strong work, spirited events, and a few quiet moments for us gentle giants to rest our hooves.
You know me, I love my good ol' fashioned draught work. Pullin' the plows across the fields, carrying heavy loads to market, even helping those Roman fellows build their sturdy walls. Back in my day, life was about the sturdy and dependable. So, imagine my delight to see how, even in the distant year 0273, the same holds true!
As a young mare back then, I spent many a day pulling a heavy cart laden with peat down the hill from the moors, warming our little croft with its fiery heat. The scent of peat smoke and the strong scent of damp earth filled my nostrils. This was the work of the ordinary horse - toiling and persevering, a constant companion to our human friends, building communities and sustaining life.
But the year 0273 was no ordinary year! Across the land, we horses were part of some pretty spectacular events. One particularly exciting time involved a grand gathering at the nearby town of Stonehaven. I remember being adorned with fresh flowers, my mane and tail carefully plaited by the strong hands of a young boy named Hamish. It seems a king was making a journey to the north, a rare occurrence that filled everyone with excitement. I, with my sturdy physique and unwavering patience, was chosen to be part of the procession carrying the king's chariot. He had a big, red cloak and a face as bright as the sun, though it was the magnificent white stallion that carried him in the ornate, gold-gilded chariot that really caught my eye.
Our horseshoes made a steady, rhythmical beat upon the cobblestones, and we pulled the heavy, carved wooden chariot carrying the king towards the town centre, a spectacle to behold. I, with the other horses in the parade, were a sea of different colours - chestnut, bay, dappled grey, and a splash of brown, all equally majestic as we navigated through crowds of excited faces. The air was thick with the smell of baked bread and warm ale, a scent that mingled with the rich earth from the moors.
As the grand chariot stopped before the excited crowd, the king descended, surrounded by his regal entourage. Everyone cheered and waved their hands. The king addressed the crowds, and even though I couldn't understand the words, I felt a wave of warmth and camaraderie emanating from him. We were part of something big, a moment that resonated in the hearts of every horse and human. It was then that I understood the true power of our strength and spirit - not just in our ability to toil and work, but in the awe and respect we commanded, a role as vital to their community as theirs was to ours.
But our role went beyond the spectacular. It was also about the simple acts of kindness. There was a small, rickety farmer from a neighbouring village named Angus. He had just lost his mare, Bess, to illness. A heart-wrenching event for any owner, as Angus seemed to be carrying the weight of the world on his stooped shoulders. Seeing him saddened me, and I felt a surge of empathy. That evening, the crofter’s daughter, Elara, and I took turns walking with Angus, gently urging him on and offering a reassuring nuzzle against his shoulder. We shared the weight of his grief, providing silent companionship as he confided his memories of his dear Bess to the wind and the silent expanse of the moors.
The year 0273 also brought new lessons, and an interesting introduction to what is now called a "Roman" invention. This thing they call "the wheel" - oh, such a strange thing! A disc with a metal rim, rolling and turning. These "Romans," they had found a way to attach them to wagons, making movement incredibly easy. While the idea initially struck me as unnatural and perplexing - our horses are strong! We were always capable! - I couldn't help but notice the admiration for the Romans and their innovation throughout the lands. The introduction of this invention, I'm told, has even prompted more use of us horses as our strength is still necessary for hauling and transporting even bigger and heavier goods across long distances.
The use of horses in 0273 wasn’t only about strength and utility. The young colts from the local stable would often gather, gathering momentum, charging with unrestrained joy, hooves pounding upon the earth. It was a show of raw power and a display of youthful energy that made my heart leap in anticipation. This unbridled passion, though somewhat daunting for us old mares, made me remember the time when I was a spirited colt myself!
Life as a horse in 0273 was all about community and connection. We worked hard alongside our human companions, shared the excitement of events, and even learned to comfort each other in moments of loss and grief. And although the arrival of this new "wheel" has many wondering what it will mean for the future, I know that our strength, resilience, and our unique connection with humans will always be an integral part of our world.
So, to my fellow Equiworlders, take a moment today to reflect upon the hard work, resilience, and connection we bring to the world. And until next time, remember that the journey through horse history is an ongoing one - one filled with strength, grace, and unforgettable moments. Until next time!
- Emma, Hayfield, Scotland, 0273
