Hello fellow equine enthusiasts! Emma here, a seasoned mare with a passion for history, writing from the rolling hills of Hayfield, just outside Aberdeen, Scotland. It's 0733 AD and, my goodness, the world feels bustling with change!
Now, I'm not one for gossip, but I couldn't resist telling you all about a fascinating event that took place last autumn - a mighty Viking raid! Apparently, these fierce warriors travelled all the way from Scandinavia by sea, their longboats slicing through the water like silver knives. The whole region held its breath as they landed at Lindisfarne, a small island off the Northumbrian coast, and stole everything in sight.
Our kind, the mighty horses of Britain, were spared the Viking wrath. You see, they need us, my dears, for survival! From tilling the fields to transporting goods and carrying riders to war, we are the very lifeblood of this island. So, while the humans were busy fortifying their homes and organising the defence against these invaders, we horses stood firm, providing a quiet strength that even the most fearless warrior admires.
Speaking of our contributions to humanity, life here in Hayfield is, as always, a whirlwind of work. We work tirelessly in the fields, hauling plows through the soil and ensuring the next harvest is plentiful. It's not always glamorous work, but the satisfaction of a field sown with golden grain, ready to feed the community, is a reward that warms the heart, even a mare's heart!
This year, the farmers seem particularly focused on improving their yield. The harvest last year was poor, you see. The weather was unkind, and the yields were light. As a consequence, there has been much talk of using new tools to improve the efficiency of our labour. Imagine this! I've even heard tell of a strange contraption called a "scour plough". It seems it’s able to delve deeper into the earth, which promises a bigger harvest. You can see why the farmers are so excited, for the prospect of a bumper crop is like sunshine on a cold winter's day.
Our human companions are not the only ones looking ahead. I recently met a young filly called Fiona, whose hooves have just barely touched the ground. Now, Fiona is full of energy and loves a good gallop. She wants nothing more than to roam free and enjoy the wild lands that stretch beyond our fields. But, like many of us, she feels a growing pull to serve our humans. She’s learned that we are entrusted with their wellbeing, and the responsibility gives her a sense of purpose. It makes me proud, to know the spirit of service runs so strong in young hooves!
Let me tell you, these are exciting times. New inventions, challenging invaders, and an overwhelming desire to prosper, it makes me wonder what the future holds for our kind. Will we see the invention of saddles, better than those used by the Celts and Saxons? Will we be the means of transporting brave knights across the land, guarding the king and protecting his realm?
All these thoughts keep me curious, pushing me to explore further and learn as much as I can. The history of our kind is a long one, a tapestry woven with triumphs and tribulations, woven with threads of service, adventure, and a love of this good earth.
So, until next time, my equine friends, keep those hooves healthy, and may your days be filled with good hay, clean water, and the camaraderie of a well-kept stable!
Emma
P.S. To those of you curious about life beyond Hayfield, I’ve been reading some very interesting news on www.equiworld.org! The website seems to be the epicentre of everything equine! It shares all sorts of stories about horses around the world, with intriguing details about how humans are using us for travel, transport, and even leisure. I recommend giving it a look! It’s truly a wonderful window to our world.
