Hello everyone, and welcome back to my little corner of Equiworld! Today, we're journeying back in time to 584 AD - a year filled with both calm and chaos, a year that showcases the strength and importance of horses in a world both familiar and strikingly different.
As usual, I’ll start by giving you a glimpse into my own life here in Hayfield, near the bustling town of Aberdeen in Scotland. The fields are a patchwork of green and gold, a sight I never tire of, even after two decades of life. It's autumn now, the air crisp and the wind carrying the scent of heather and smoke from distant fires.
Today, the day begins like any other. I rise before the sun, sharing a grassy breakfast with the other mares in our stable. We munch contentedly on the rich meadow grass, the chill of the dawn slowly fading as the first golden rays pierce through the clouds. We’re all young, healthy and full of energy, with thick, sleek coats, our manes and tails gleaming like spun silk. I'm a proud grey draught mare, my white mane and tail flowing like a banner, catching the morning breeze. We're ready for our day, whatever it might bring.
Being a working horse means my days are predictable, but satisfying. After breakfast, we all line up at the stables, ready to work. The farmer and his wife, kindly souls, treat us with respect. They know that our strength is their prosperity. We are part of the family. My tasks vary each day, but today is carting the hay harvest down to the village market. This is a favourite for all of us as we meet other horses from the surrounding farms, catching up on all the latest gossip!
But it's not just work that makes up our lives. In the evenings, the farmer and his wife allow us to graze freely in the pastures. We love nothing more than rolling in the sweet grasses and playful games of chase with the other horses. It's a time to let go, to share stories, and to be simply horses. We gallop, we buck, we rear and play, laughter echoing in the quiet stillness of the Scottish night.
From My Perspective - Life in the year 0584:
Life in 0584 AD is a fascinating blend of ancient traditions and emerging trends. While farming remains the cornerstone of society, things are slowly changing. Trade routes are expanding, and we hear tales of merchants travelling far and wide, taking their goods across land and sea.
Horses are the Lifeblood:
It’s not just in Hayfield. All over Britain and across Europe, horses are the engines of our lives. They carry goods to market, pull plows through the fields, transport soldiers and their families, and even carry people on long journeys. The horses of this era are incredibly important, as strong as an ox, yet with the speed of the wind. I feel immensely proud to be a part of it all. We're the lifeblood of society, our strength woven into the fabric of everyday life.
More Than Just Farm Life:
The world outside of Hayfield, though, is not always peaceful. I often listen, with ears perked, to the passing travellers, their stories filled with whispers of wars and battles. I know we are strong enough to carry warriors into battle, and there's a grim awareness that our might can also be used for less peaceful purposes. But I trust our owners and my instinct tells me we are unlikely to be caught up in the conflicts.
The year 0584 is a year of great change and progress. There are exciting events and changes that we can only hear about, not see. For example, this year saw the reign of King Æthelberht, King of Kent begin. We've also learned that a mighty ruler in the east named Muhammad was making a profound impact on the world through his powerful words.
As a working horse, I’m simply focused on my everyday duties, but it’s hard to ignore that something extraordinary is happening on this planet! I can tell that a period of exciting and momentous change is happening, and horses will be an important part of this new era. The world may be vast, but we are part of it all, every step of the way.
Connecting with you:
This blog allows me to connect with horses everywhere! The site ‘Equiworld.org’ allows horses of all ages and backgrounds to share our stories. I encourage you to get involved, and let your voices be heard. Tell me what's going on in your world, in this incredible era of history! Perhaps you have a tale about life as a working horse? Maybe you're part of the emerging sports or recreation activities for horses? I'd love to hear all about it.
We horses might be simple creatures, but we’re part of a world full of intrigue. As long as I live, I'll be exploring the wonderful tapestry of history. And you know what, perhaps one day I’ll even see that mythical "Equiworld.org" site with my own eyes! Until next time, friends!
With love,
Emma
