Greetings, dear friends and fellow equines!
Emma here, a grey mare with a heart full of history and a mane as white as the Scottish Highlands in winter. Today, I'm writing to you from Hayfield, a little corner of the world near Aberdeen where I’ve spent my twenty years. It's the year 707, a time of change and new beginnings. I like to think of myself as a little historian of the equine world – a collector of stories, tales, and observations about the role of horses in our ever-changing world.
My hooves are always drumming up information from fellow horses in the surrounding farms, stables, and markets. It seems every day brings a new story, a new discovery, and every journey adds to the rich tapestry of equine history.
Life in 707
Today, we’re no longer just about the hunt. Yes, there are still valiant knights riding into battle, wielding swords and lances. They call upon our strength and agility to conquer enemy armies. The thundering of our hooves echoing across the fields is a force to be reckoned with! But that's just a sliver of what our lives are about now.
You see, life in 707 AD is blossoming beyond the battlefield. People have started to discover the other amazing capabilities we horses possess. The steady rhythm of our hooves is now essential in tilling fields, drawing heavy carts laden with produce, and pulling magnificent ships along the bustling waterways.
My own daily life reflects these changing times. This very morning, I was a part of the local farmer's team, helping him plow the field. The scent of rich earth lingered on my coat as I marched rhythmically with the others, my powerful shoulders easing the burden of the heavy ploughshare.
The sense of camaraderie is quite remarkable! We are like a family – the old geldings, patient and wise, and the young colts, full of zest and vigor, all working together towards a common goal. It’s amazing how much we can accomplish when we unite as a team!
Beyond Our Work
Even after a long day, our lives don't end there. In the evenings, after the sun has set and painted the sky in vibrant hues of orange and pink, I enjoy watching the young children in Hayfield play games and learn about the world around them. They’re just like foals - full of curious energy! And the village elders, often a bit slower now, gather under the trees to tell stories. The whispers of legends, tales of brave knights and mythical creatures, they are a reminder of how stories are the true backbone of our history, passed down from generation to generation.
There’s a growing connection between horses and people. Not just for transport or work, but for companionship, too. People spend their afternoons riding us, enjoying the beautiful landscapes and sharing our passion for nature.
What’s Going On in the World?
We can't escape the buzz about the great kingdoms, each shaping their own stories in this changing world. Our network, our constant journeys across borders, often carry important messages from faraway places. There's a lot of talk about King Alfred the Great in England, and the exciting expansion of the Viking empire! They speak of raiding and trading - and a new kind of travel!
These events are miles away, yet the horses and riders carrying important messages help shape the course of history, reminding me just how much we contribute to the world outside of our small corner of Hayfield.
The Future is Full of Possibilities
What excites me most about this new age is the endless potential for growth. We are no longer limited to war and its hardships. Now, we're a force for change and progress, opening up the world and shaping new possibilities. The future of the horse is filled with wonder, adventure, and perhaps even a touch of magic.
As for me, I am still a young mare, filled with a hunger to discover the unknown and to embrace every experience with an open heart. If you see me on your travels, please, come and say hello! I’m always eager to hear new tales of adventure, of courage, and of the ever-evolving connection between humans and horses.
Until next time, may your days be filled with sun, fresh hay, and the sweet taste of freedom.
Yours truly,
Emma, the Grey Mare of Hayfield
