Hello, fellow equines and horse-lovers! Emma here, a twenty-year-old grey mare from Hayfield near Aberdeen, Scotland. It's been a while since I last penned my thoughts, but trust me, life's been full to the brim. And speaking of brimful, it seems the world is awash with exciting changes when it comes to the role of horses.
It's 0728 AD – can you believe it? Just yesterday, I felt as if I was just a foal with a cheeky spirit and a love for a good roll in the clover. Now, with the weight of experience upon my powerful shoulders (not to mention my fair share of oats!), I can tell you that times are shifting in the way we horses are regarded.
As ever, the core of our being remains steadfast – we are steeds, workhorses, loyal companions, and carriers of burdens both big and small. But the world around us is stirring. I often hear whispers amongst the human chatter; murmurs of advancements, changes in farming, and even whispers of new kingdoms emerging across the land. It's quite exhilarating to be part of something so grand.
Farming and Beyond:
My role has always been clear – a draught horse serving the needs of the farm. Plowing the fields, transporting goods, pulling heavy loads – that's where my strength is most appreciated. This year, I’ve had the honour of seeing the most breathtaking progress in how humans manage the land. New plows have arrived – some even designed for different types of soil! My farmer, a kind man with the gentle eyes of a thoroughbred, speaks of the need to rotate crops, and he insists upon careful management of our grazing pastures. This year, our crops thrived in abundance, thanks to a new system that ensures even the toughest soils are enriched.
But I also see beyond the fields, beyond the confines of the farm. We horses, you see, are now more than just beasts of burden. They talk about grand cities, castles with shining towers, and magnificent palaces that stand as testaments to a power I haven't seen yet. Horses, strong and agile like myself, play a vital part in their construction, moving materials and paving the way for these wonders.
The Battlefields:
The world, you see, isn't all fields of golden wheat and gentle breezes. This year has seen battles raging in faraway lands. There are whispers of conflict in Spain and the burgeoning lands across the seas. Horses like us are part of these grand conflicts – our power and speed, our ability to navigate difficult terrain, all of it contributes to the ebb and flow of battle.
The thought of it does make my heart race – I've never seen a battlefield, the clash of swords and the thunder of war drums. But the bravery and the honour of those who ride us fills me with a sense of pride, knowing that we play a vital role in shaping the future of this world, even in its darkest moments.
More Than Just A Workhorse:
Don't think for a moment, though, that this year is only about the battlefield. Oh no! There is so much more! I hear stories of noble steeds being chosen to escort princesses to the royal court, carrying them across sprawling fields like graceful swans. And the world is full of grand ceremonies and celebrations where we are brought out, adorned in magnificent saddles and harness, showcasing our strength and beauty. It seems humans have started to recognize us not just as working animals but also as beings of grace and elegance.
My heart swells with joy when I hear stories of humans starting to think of us as companions, more than mere tools. Some of my kind even dwell in royal stables, cared for with the finest of feeds, trained for the art of dressage. They dance with humans, they move with precision and beauty. And they are held in high esteem, celebrated for their unique talents.
A Horse's Thoughts on Progress:
There is something remarkable about the year 0728. We, the horses, have found ourselves in a world of growth and transformation. The landscape is changing, the borders are shifting, and within that whirlwind, our place seems to be gaining importance. Perhaps it's a human perspective, but I sense we are more appreciated, more valuable, and more revered than ever before.
It makes me happy, this feeling. The sense of progress, of improvement. The world might be complex, it might be unpredictable, but the power and the grace that reside within a horse’s spirit, these remain a constant in this changing tide of times.
So, from Hayfield near Aberdeen, I wish you all a journey filled with wonder and a hoof-beat of joy! And remember, the story of the horse is a never-ending saga, one that evolves with each passing year.
Until next time,
Emma
