Welcome, dear readers, to EquiWorld! It's a beautiful spring morning here in Hayfield, the sun glinting off my sleek, grey coat and making my white mane and tail shimmer like spun silver. The air is crisp and alive with the scent of new grass and the promise of long, sun-drenched days. It feels as though the whole world is awakening from a deep, winter slumber, and my spirit is brimming with anticipation.
Today, I wanted to share a little glimpse into life for horses in the year 0367. We're not quite sure of the exact date - we horses haven't quite figured out those clever calendar things humans love so much! – but the world feels vibrantly alive and, like most springtimes, full of exciting opportunities.
Hayfield, my Home:
Let me introduce myself! I'm Emma, a 20-year-old draught horse with a heart as big as my strong frame. My coat has softened to a beautiful, pearl grey, and my mane and tail, once a fiery black, have been touched with the silver of age, a badge of honour in our equine world. I spend my days helping the humans of Hayfield near Aberdeen, Scotland, a land of rolling hills and rugged coastlines. We draught horses are known for our strength and stamina, perfect for pulling heavy loads, and we work diligently in the fields, helping with farming and hauling goods to nearby settlements.
A Busy Life:
Life as a draught horse is demanding, but rewarding. The mornings begin with the rising sun, a golden promise that brings the fresh scent of hay and the familiar sounds of our human companions as they greet the new day. Our days are filled with purposeful work, whether it's pulling the heavy plow through the fertile earth, hauling supplies to market, or transporting timber from the dense forests that line the outskirts of Hayfield.
We horses understand the value of our work, knowing that it helps the humans and the land thrive. We appreciate the feeling of our muscles rippling with strength as we pull a heavy load, the earth churning under our hooves, and the steady rhythm of our work a calming, reassuring sound. It’s a way of life, passed down through generations, woven into the very fabric of our existence.
The Spirit of Our Times:
0367, however, holds a different flavour compared to past years. A curious sense of change hangs in the air. The Romans, those powerful humans from across the sea, are now more than a distant whisper, their empire shifting and swaying like a tall oak in a stormy wind. We feel the ripples of these changes through the murmurs of our human companions, but, to be honest, we horses are much more focused on the immediate necessities of life: good grass, clean water, and the comforting presence of our companions.
The Great Walls:
Something that we horses can't help but notice are the new walls being built around the settlements. This massive, defensive structure – a huge wall made of stone – is intended to protect against incursions from various tribes that are vying for power in the lands beyond. They are mighty structures, these walls, requiring an extraordinary effort, involving both human ingenuity and the unwavering strength of many horses.
There are murmurs amongst the humans about the "barbarians", but for us, it’s not much of a concern. These walls simply offer a new landmark in the landscape, a quiet reminder of change that stirs through the veins of our world.
The Everlasting Ties:
Though these changes and whispers of shifting powers drift across the wind, the core of our life as horses remains constant: the unbreakable bond we share with our humans. It is a partnership born from necessity, respect, and affection, woven from countless acts of shared work, silent understandings, and gentle touches. The feel of the humans' hand on our mane, the reassuring sound of their voice as they guide us through our work, and the shared sense of purpose are the glue that binds us together.
Our strength allows them to flourish; their care and compassion ensure our well-being. We are a team, navigating the trials and triumphs of our world together, our destinies intertwined in a bond as sturdy as the finest leather.
Life Beyond Hayfield:
Our human companions sometimes speak of life outside of Hayfield, of vibrant cities that hum with energy, of vast stretches of land and communities as varied as the colours of the rainbow. The whispers of these stories spark our imaginations, filling our hearts with a sense of wonder and excitement for what might lie beyond our rolling hills and familiar shores.
The stories travel from human to human, from one village to another, carried on the wings of wind, on the backs of merchants and traders, and along the well-worn paths that criss-cross the landscape. These tales weave tales of great feats, breathtaking wonders, and struggles against adversity, all adding vibrant threads to the rich tapestry of our world.
The Bonds We Share:
Even within Hayfield, life is not devoid of change and drama. This past summer, for example, I had the pleasure of welcoming a new foal, a bright, curious filly with a coat as black as a raven's wing and a playful energy that brightens even the dullest days. Watching her grow and learn, with each passing day adding new skills and knowledge, brings a smile to my equine face. It is through the eyes of the young that we catch a glimpse of hope and the promise of new beginnings, reminding us of the enduring cycle of life that continues, regardless of changing times and shifting currents.
The birth of this foal, along with the blossoming friendships between humans and horses, reminds me of a constant truth – the connection we horses share with each other is just as important. The language of whinnies, nudges, and shared moments of understanding surpasses words, creating a symphony of connection and camaraderie that transcends species and language barriers. We share a common wisdom, learned through generations of lived experiences, a wisdom whispered on the wind, echoing through the heart of every field and forest.
EquiWorld - Connecting Us All
As the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, and a gentle breeze rustles through the leaves of the surrounding trees, I sit and reflect on the journey of the past year, feeling grateful for the good fortune of life in this world, with all its challenges and rewards. I am simply a humble draught horse, doing what horses have always done – working tirelessly, enjoying the simple joys of life, and building bonds of trust and friendship with those who share my path.
The tales of our world, the changes that shape it, and the enduring ties that bind us together - this is the world of horses in the year 0367. And through these stories, I hope to inspire others to appreciate the profound history and lasting legacies of these magnificent creatures.
This is my story, and a glimpse into a world of shared destinies. I invite you, dear reader, to explore, discover, and cherish the enduring strength, unwavering spirit, and gentle grace of horses through the pages of EquiWorld. And until next time, may your days be filled with the joy of the open fields and the heartwarming comfort of cherished companions!
Emma, Hayfield, Scotland, 0367
www.equiworld.org
