Neigh-Neigh, dear readers!
It’s Emma here, your favourite grey mare with a mane and tail as white as the first snow of winter, and it’s time for another peek into the world of horses back in 0764. Let me tell you, things are thriving!
Here in Hayfield, near Aberdeen, we are well into spring and the fields are a luscious green. The air is crisp with the scent of wild thyme, and I can’t help but snort and flick my tail, eager to gallop across those fresh meadows. It’s such a pleasure to be a horse this time of year. The sheep have lambed, and their bleating little ones keep us company on our grazing forays, while the storks have returned to their nests in the old church tower, chattering with glee as they build their homes.
I find myself reminiscing as I munch on the sweet spring grass. Last year, I remember feeling rather gloomy in the winter. There wasn’t as much work for the draught horses like me. Our human companions spent more time inside, tending to their sheep and cattle and, truthfully, some of us were quite bored with nothing to do but laze in the straw. But as spring bloomed, the energy in the village shifted, and it was soon clear we’d be busy with a brand new set of tasks!
Riding with the Celts: What's New?
If you’ve read my previous posts, you know we are deep within Celtic territory, here in northern Britain. The people of this region love horses - they use us for everything. And 0764? This is proving to be a big year for horse-related events!
For example, let me tell you about a big Celtic festival that happened in April. A large gathering of people from various villages and settlements near here made their way to the central plains for a special event. It involved horses, of course!
There were competitions, races, and even a grand parade with the finest, most well-trained horses adorned with flowers and ribbons, led by horsemen with swords and shields. These are events the humans truly enjoy, and it always brightens my spirits to see them so excited.
What was particularly fascinating is that the humans were sharing stories about “new” horses coming from lands further south – lands of the Romans, you see. They called these horses “Puteoli horses,” and described them as strong and sturdy. Imagine – horses with different names and origins!
The talk was all about these Puteoli horses and how they’re making a big splash in Roman lands. I haven’t personally met any of them, but just hearing stories of them makes me very curious.
Work Ahoy: Bringing in the Barley and Training a Young’un
But there are more important events than just fun-filled celebrations. Horses, you see, play a key role in every aspect of Celtic life, especially in the crucial task of agriculture. The current season has seen us pulling plows through the fields, carrying loads of harvested barley back to the granary, and helping to clear land for new crops. We work alongside the human farmers and the sturdy oxen. Each of us plays a crucial role in getting things done, and we always work as a team.
As a strong, experienced grey, I often find myself the elder sister to younger horses. There’s a delightful chestnut mare called Willow who came to our farm this spring, and I find it such a joy to guide her and teach her how to pull the cart efficiently and confidently.
Oh, speaking of the cart, imagine the feeling of the cool, refreshing air whipping past my mane as we carry the freshly cut barley to the mill! I have to admit, it’s thrilling even after all these years, and a testament to our power and resilience.
I recently heard my human companion, Donald, mention how grateful he is for horses. He spoke of how they “ensure a thriving harvest and sustenance for our people”. That’s true! It gives me a warm fuzzy feeling inside to think I play a role in nourishing families and ensuring well-being.
Beyond Hayfield: News From Afloat
Horses are not only important to the Celts on land. They are crucial for their connections with the world beyond the island of Britain. You know how, at this time, there are no cars, trucks, or planes! So how does information travel across oceans? On the backs of trusty horses!
Now, I don’t travel beyond our village often. I mainly stay close to Hayfield, working with the local farmers. But even a grey mare in her twenties knows that horses have long carried the burden of important communications and trading. That's why we horses are often called "the messenger” for bringing news across seas.
One fascinating tale I heard this month involved a trader who arrived from the shores of what humans call "Germania" – a place I have never seen, and can only imagine is filled with wild, windswept plains and majestic forests! Anyway, he told Donald stories of the strong, sleek warhorses used by the Romans in his homeland, which impressed even our experienced Celtic horsemen.
You know, I’m reminded of how crucial horses are for our existence. Without horses, we humans would not be where we are today. Horses carry us, transport us, bring in our sustenance. They’ve been instrumental in allowing the people of this land to discover, learn, and develop.
I think of it every day – even while chewing on my favourite patches of clover or watching the storks play above us. We, horses, are not just work animals; we are the heart of Celtic life, a driving force behind their stories, successes, and journey of discovery.
Well, readers, that is my perspective on the world of horses back in 0764! The year is filled with promise, and I’m feeling thankful to be a strong grey mare living in a world full of hard work and hearty laughter. May your own stable be full of laughter and sweet hay, dear readers!
And be sure to catch up with me again next time, for I have plenty more tales to tell. Until then, neigh neigh!
Emma's Tip of the Month:
Have you ever noticed how happy humans become when they feed their horses oats or other special treats? Maybe that's because of how we show them how much we enjoy our "treat time" by neighing, bobbing our heads, and giving those big, friendly nuzzles! The act of giving and receiving is a key part of our connection, whether human or horse.
*Disclaimer: While this post presents a factual understanding of the history of horses in 0764, certain aspects of the text may be embellished or include opinions to bring an engaging perspective from the eyes of Emma, the fictional grey mare. *
