From my stable in Hayfield, near Aberdeen, Scotland, Emma here, and welcome to another year of "Equine History" on Equiworld!
As always, I'm pulling out the old parchments, listening to the gossip of the barn, and piecing together the year 516. It was a curious one, full of changes that made life interesting for a grey draught mare like myself!
The World Beyond Hayfield:
The news from the south was certainly interesting. You see, those big powerful men in the Roman Empire are changing the way they rule! They have a new Emperor now, Justinian. His advisors call him a shrewd ruler with great ideas. From what I've heard, this new emperor wants to "revive" the old Roman laws and customs, including laws concerning our kind!
The old Romans had these wonderful places called hippodromes – amazing arenas filled with sand where people raced chariots with horses! It's said the Emperor Justinian was a great supporter of these games and wants to build even bigger arenas than before. This is good news for us horses. It means more work, and I love being busy and doing my bit!
This same Emperor also apparently cares for our comfort! The whispers from the traders say that Justinian’s advisor has proposed to stop using us as the main form of transport in their army. They’re saying he wants to improve our wellbeing. It's good to see someone looking out for the welfare of horses! It also means that there is now more focus on our skills in farming and moving heavy goods, which is work I always excel at!
A Year of Work in Hayfield:
Back in my little corner of the world in Hayfield, life for me remained pretty much as always. My job is primarily in the fields and around the village, hauling heavy wagons and pulling ploughs.
I love feeling the wind through my mane and tail as I run across the fields, even with a heavy load behind me. This is especially fun during the harvest. Seeing all those beautiful golden stalks of grain billowing in the wind reminds me of my golden coat!
Life in Hayfield is quiet but fulfilling. The villagers are good to me and always care for my wellbeing, making sure I get plenty of rest and delicious oats! My fellow horses here, Angus, Daisy, and Monty, are my closest friends. We share all the daily gossip and swap stories about our latest adventures in the fields and at the markets.
I remember vividly that spring of 516. We worked hard that year on the land. It was a good season. The earth yielded bountiful crops and our strong shoulders helped bring the produce to market. We were praised for our hard work, receiving a good pat and an extra handful of oats. You just can't beat a treat for a good day's work!
Then, of course, came winter with its frosty breath and snowy nights. The farm became much quieter and we spent most days in the warmth of the stables, enjoying each other's company. I found a particular fondness for warm hay. It reminds me of the soft golden rays of the sun – just the thing to keep you cosy on a long winter's night.
What Makes Me Smile:
Despite being a work horse, my greatest joy is spending time with the children in the village. The smallest one, Thomas, has learned to ride me. It brings a smile to my face every time he climbs on my back. I can feel his tiny arms wrapped around my neck and sense his excitement as I carry him along the country paths.
And then there’s my best friend, Maggie, a chestnut filly who is just learning about the world. She often comes and watches me as I work, her head full of curious questions. Maggie is a whirlwind of energy, always jumping around, eager to play and try new things. Sometimes I let her hop on my back for a little ride, carefully showing her the best routes through the fields and around the farm.
The Future Looks Bright:
As we look towards 517, I'm filled with optimism for the future. With these new changes and new leadership, maybe there will be even greater things to come for horses all across the world. I can't wait to hear the whispers and share more history with you here on Equiworld!
So, until next time, don’t forget to polish your hooves and keep those tails high! Emma
**From Hayfield, Scotland.
Please share your own horse history stories with us! Leave a comment below!**
