Hello, my dear equine friends!
Emma here, your resident historian, ready to transport you back to the year 373. You might not believe this, but life for a horse back then was as exciting and fulfilling as ever.
Just imagine, sunshine warming your coat as you trot along the grassy lanes near Hayfield, the aroma of wildflowers filling your nostrils. You might find yourself helping farmers till the land or pulling a cart to the local market. Maybe, just maybe, you'd even be blessed enough to belong to a noble family and carry a handsome knight to battle. That's a picture, right?!
But let's talk specifics, shall we? Because this isn't a world of rainbows and unicorns (though I wouldn't mind seeing a unicorn!), life in 373 was a real mix. Let's start with the land I call home - Scotland!
You see, my dear readers, Scotland in this year, well, it's undergoing a period of change. A new era of Kings is blossoming, and we're at the cusp of it all. Imagine! Our little corner of the world playing its part in history! This might seem far removed from our daily tasks, but even us working horses are intimately linked to what is happening.
My Work, My Life
In 373, I find myself pulling the sturdy cart belonging to Mr. MacDonald, a man of the earth who understands our gentle strength. We make our rounds in the Hayfield area, carting produce to the bustling market in Aberdeen, which is much grander than any you've ever seen. The market bursts with people from all walks of life: farmers, fishermen, artisans, and even knights in shimmering armor.
My coat, as you all know, is a stunning grey, sleek and polished to perfection by Mr. MacDonald, and my long white mane and tail flow in the wind. He truly is the kindest master a horse could have. But do you know what makes life even more fulfilling?
Community and Kindness
You see, in those days, our equine community thrives on respect and teamwork. We understand each other without words, a gentle nudge, a flick of the ear. We rely on each other for comfort and camaraderie, and this, my friends, makes the world of a horse just that much richer.
Speaking of our community, I must share a little something... Remember the grand races held at the ancient village of Buittle? That’s where I had the privilege of seeing some of the finest racing breeds of the day! We have to thank our Celtic forefathers for establishing those ancient games, where the thrill of the race captured the hearts of many. It’s not just about winning but showcasing our agility and skill! And these horses are definitely top-notch, sleek, powerful, and agile! They move with such graceful energy, leaving me in awe of their spirit!
And Speaking of Ancient Times…
Our history goes back even further than 373, much further! Ancient tales of horses serving gods and mortals alike are still shared in our community, whispered among the older stallions, those wise, grizzled figures with memories reaching far beyond the hills and fields we know. We are descendants of those valiant creatures, the strong and fearless beings that have forever held a special place in history.
Just as ancient cultures cherished us, the Roman influence has also touched our lives in subtle ways. We find evidence of their powerful presence in our history books, even if they are not here directly, in their lasting architectural structures, their language, their customs, and how they’ve shaped the land we roam.
Learning New Skills!
And if there’s one thing about horses, it’s our desire to learn! New methods and tools are constantly being developed, even today. Recently, some horses have taken to helping farmers harvest hay with their powerful strength and their gentle disposition. What a change! From using tools to harness our strength, there’s always new knowledge and ways to make our lives easier and more productive! It’s a neverending evolution of horsepower, if you will.
A Touch of the Divine
You know, a grey horse with a flowing white mane like myself might not seem remarkable. But did you know grey horses hold a significant meaning in ancient Celtic folklore? In those tales, they are considered creatures of the divine. I’ll tell you what, that's quite flattering.
Oh, don’t be fooled, the power of folklore transcends the times! And even in this year, the connection to horses is just as strong.
But you see, it's not all about our work. It’s also about the joy of camaraderie, sharing tales and stories with other horses while grazing peacefully on lush meadows. Or listening to the soothing murmurs of our elders as they narrate tales of battles won and heroic journeys.
We Live a Balanced Life
Horses are truly blessed beings. We’re resilient, strong, and graceful. Whether pulling a cart through the Hayfield countryside or enjoying the fellowship of other horses at sunset, we live life to its fullest, in sync with nature's rhythm. And that, my friends, is what truly matters!
Join Me on My Journey!
Follow along as we embark on more adventures. Subscribe to Equine World, a website dedicated to preserving and sharing the fascinating journey of horses! (www.equiworld.org) You won’t want to miss a single episode of my personal journey!
Until next time, take care, and may the warmth of the sun and the breeze of freedom guide you!
Yours, Emma.
P.S.: If you are looking for your very own dose of Equine Adventure, there’s a special stall right at Hayfield where I can show you around and even share some carrots with you. Be sure to mention you’ve seen my posts at Equine World!
