Post 487
Hello my fellow equines and friends of the four-legged! Emma here, writing to you from my cosy stable in Hayfield, near Aberdeen, Scotland. As always, it's a joy to connect with you all and share a little snippet of what's happening in the equine world, as I see it, here in the year 0487 CE. It's always fascinating to ponder the role we, horses, play in this grand tapestry of history.
This year feels particularly interesting! There's a real buzz of change and progress in the air, at least from my perspective in Hayfield. Maybe it's just because I'm turning twenty this year (yes, I know, it seems like just yesterday I was a foal!), and perhaps I'm getting a little bit sentimental, but I just feel like there's something exciting brewing in the world of horses.
The Great Northern Way:
Firstly, the biggest news this year is definitely the "Great Northern Way." Now, some might think this is just another big, long road being built for carriages. But to me, a draught horse who enjoys the feel of sturdy roads under my hooves, it's a magnificent thing! This new road connects the southern part of England with the northern region, straight through my homeland, Scotland.
The journey to Aberdeen, which was once a perilous one fraught with treacherous terrain, is now becoming smoother and easier with the Great Northern Way. It will be a boon for trade and transport. We horses can now travel quicker and carry heavier loads. My farmer friend, Duncan, who usually spends a lot of time travelling to the market with oats for his livestock, tells me the new road is a lifesaver. He can now get to the market in half the time!
Of course, there are many, many people hard at work to get this huge project done. Lots of hard-working horses like me, and strong oxen, and lots of skilled men are busy hauling rocks, levelling the earth, and laying stones for the new way. My friends tell me they have been working diligently in all weather, come rain or shine. It takes an awful lot of determination and resilience, qualities which we horses, are known for, I believe.
I've even heard that they're talking about extending the road all the way up to York, in the heart of England! I must admit, this makes me giddy with anticipation, as I imagine all the new places I'll be able to travel to. Maybe I'll be the first horse to trot up to York! Wouldn't that be something to write home about, literally!
New Boots for Old:
Speaking of journeys, there are some innovative changes happening to the gear we use. Did you hear about those fancy new iron horseshoes? Apparently, some blacksmiths, in the city of Canterbury, in the south, have started forging these sturdy shoes with raised protrusions, they call them "calkins," that provide extra grip on icy ground! I've never heard of anything like it. My old blacksmith, Angus, is still skeptical. But everyone knows he's set in his ways. Who would have thought we would one day need metal "studs" for the ice? It's truly a remarkable advancement, as horses and humans always have to work together to overcome obstacles and face challenges.
Now, you might think all this focus on trade and travel would leave less time for horses and humans to spend together. But this is where things get really exciting! Because while roads get wider, and trade becomes faster, it also opens doors for more interaction. Imagine the possibility of horseback riding competitions! You can't beat the joy of a long ride on a beautiful, sunny day, can you?
More than Just Workers:
Even if a horse's primary job is to be the workhorse for farming or for transporting goods, we must never forget that we're much more than just work machines. We have been man's best friend for a long, long time, even if we might not say it outright, or maybe just give a reassuring nudge to express our affection! But in recent times, especially in this wonderful land of Scotland, I feel this connection is even more palpable.
Horses, more and more, are also being recognized for our natural grace, agility, and beauty. People seem to be drawn to us more and more, for riding, and enjoying our companionship. There's something about the connection we have with humans, and I'm glad this is being acknowledged and nurtured. We are more than just work horses. We are also valued as noble and majestic companions.
Looking Towards the Future:
Overall, I have to say, 0487 feels like a year of progress, change, and excitement, for all of us equines, and I'm excited to see what tomorrow brings! I'll be keeping you updated on my blog so we can share these exciting experiences together, in the coming years, too. Let me know what you're up to in your corner of the world.
Until next time, stay safe, keep those hooves tapping, and remember: every hoof print, every neigh, every gallop - they all contribute to the beauty of the world we inhabit.
Stay neigh-borly, Emma
Website: www.equiworld.org
