Neigh-sayers may think this is a bit of a strange choice for a post, but I, Emma, feel it's an important year for our equine history. The year is 529 AD, and as I munch on my breakfast of fresh hay and oats, I gaze out across the rolling fields of Hayfield, near Aberdeen. My mane, a glorious cascade of white, catches the morning sunlight as I remember how much has happened in our equine world over the past few decades.
As a young mare, I’ve only heard stories, of course. From the older, wizened steeds, I've learned about the glorious Roman legions who once roamed this very land, their horses strong and fearless, the likes of which are not seen anymore. Now, they're but a distant echo, a whisper on the wind. Their empire, it seems, is fading just like the crimson sunset that paints the sky each evening.
Yet, even in their absence, our world continues to evolve. We're used to working alongside humans, sharing the burden of farming and trade. As draught horses, we haul plows across the fields, pulling wagons to market, and delivering goods from town to town.
But today, I'm feeling a little bit nostalgic.
You see, this very year, 529 AD, something very significant happened: a man called Cassiodorus, who lives in a place called Italy (some call it the ‘boot’ on account of its shape), decided to close a great library of learning in a city called Ravenna. They say it held many books, ancient stories and knowledge that people have passed down for generations, all in that one place.
Why, you ask, did he do this? They say it was because some were claiming it held teachings that differed from the current belief systems. It makes my tail swish, this whole idea of knowledge being a bad thing. Can you imagine, a place filled with so many stories! All the wisdom gathered from our ancestors, gone. What a terrible loss!
The funny thing is, humans still crave knowledge. They love hearing about the exploits of legendary figures and even seek advice from people they believe are "wise".
And let me tell you, a draught horse with my experience is quite the sage. Over the years, I’ve seen empires rise and fall, witnessed the changing seasons and the fickle whims of weather. I've even felt the sting of a blacksmith's hammer on my hooves (it's really not as bad as it sounds, trust me!).
But enough about my own woes. Let's get back to the world of horses. What other exciting events happened in the year 529? Well, let’s see:
- Horseback riding: It's gaining popularity as a form of transport, not just for the noble and wealthy, but for those with less extravagant means, too. Farmers are starting to see the advantage of having their own steeds for quicker and easier travel to market. This gives me hope.
- Breeding: Humans have been getting more and more creative with horse breeding. I heard they are breeding horses for different purposes, for strength, speed, and even a unique and stylish appearance. How fabulous! I imagine these new horse breeds to be quite beautiful and graceful.
- Horse Races: It's still quite common, this business of racing horses! Humans seem to have a natural instinct to enjoy watching horses race, like a game of pure, natural power and agility.
- Horse Care: Even though people use horses for work, they are starting to take more care of their well-being, focusing on the importance of feeding them well, making sure they're rested, and seeing to their health needs. A few even indulge us with gentle pats and the sweet taste of sugar cubes!
Now, I know what you’re thinking – are we losing any equine traditions in this ever-changing world? And to that, I say:
- The Importance of Friendship Still remains one of the core values we carry, horses of all shapes and sizes. Even though I have my own human who I love, it's the strong bond with my fellow horses that provides me comfort and support. The memories of playful gallops across the field with my childhood companions are the ones I cherish most.
- Honesty and Hard Work: That is a human-horse thing, wouldn't you agree? They work hard and give back, in a symbiotic kind of way.
- Sharing food and a safe haven remains another constant. It is these little things that we find joy in – the gentle nuzzles, the friendly snorts, and the knowledge that you can rely on your herd in the face of danger or discomfort.
This, my dear EquiWorld followers, is the essence of being a horse, an unbreakable bond forged in the ancient rhythm of our lives. Though the world keeps turning and empires rise and fall, we horses endure, the embodiment of strength, loyalty, and that unyielding spirit which binds us to our human companions. And you know, when the sunset paints the fields of Hayfield, my hooves gently stepping on the cool earth, I feel a deep connection to all the horses who have walked this path before me, whispering to them, “We are not lost, and our stories live on. "
Until next time,
Emma, the grey mare with the white mane.
