Hello my dear friends! Emma here, from Hayfield, near Aberdeen. I am a grey draught mare, just turned 20, with a mane and tail like fresh fallen snow, so they tell me! And yes, it is a privilege to share with you what is happening in our world of horses, this year, 788.
The world of horses in 788 is certainly a varied one! Just last week I helped cart a heavy load of hay to the nearby village of Inverurie. The men who work with me on the farm, are ever-so-gentle, with strong hands and warm smiles. They always say, 'steady girl, steady' and we make quite a team. I enjoy the fresh air and the sun warming my back as we go along the dirt tracks.
The Importance of the Horse
There are, as you know, many things that a horse is needed for: * Ploughing fields for food – imagine that! A life of food for everyone. * Carrying people - both short distances and long journeys. The men of the farm sometimes ride on my back to travel quickly and efficiently. I also heard they use us to get to places that would otherwise be too dangerous. * Helping at market, transporting wares and produce – I once went with a small cart filled with the most beautiful apples! * As a trusted companion - people often say horses are a loyal and brave animal, a strong and intelligent friend.
You can find us pulling ploughs, wagons, carts, being ridden as transportation, and helping with everything from building to hunting, warfare, and even farming. We really do have a great purpose and are much loved and respected, not only by men but also by women, as far as I know.
This year, we've noticed a change. The King, King Constantine of the Picts, is leading a big movement. He is wanting to ensure that his army is strong and that horses are the very backbone of his fighting force. He says it is our destiny! This makes the training more intense, but of course, the more I learn, the better I can become. All the boys here seem very enthusiastic, saying 'this is how we make our nation strong!' The men from Hayfield have been busy, gathering many more horses to be ready to assist with the King's grand plans. It seems everyone wants to help our brave leader, with an abundance of strength and pride, for this great purpose!
Travel and Adventure
There is news travelling too – by horse, of course, but also by birds! Last week a man came riding to Hayfield, his mount coated in a blanket of dust. He brought a small message from the village of Birnie. It talked about King Constantine's ambitious goals for his warriors and the plans to unite with other kingdoms, through what the humans call "treaties," where all these countries will be united for safety. This brings much discussion and interest on the farm, though I have no way of knowing what it will mean for our daily lives, or our lives as a whole.
Women's Roles in the World of Horses
On the farm, though men are predominantly those who work alongside us, we do see women working closely with us too. I must mention, our owner's wife, Mrs. Fraser, is a remarkable woman. Her eyes shine like silver when she talks about the different things we do with horses and I swear, she can speak their language! I’ve heard she used to ride me when I was a young colt, showing off my handsome paces. Her knowledge and passion are remarkable. I also hear whispers of some women traveling the world and assisting in some faraway places where they may help people in need and carry on essential work on horseback! But those are whispers for now. I would love to hear their stories someday!
More than a Workhorse
It seems there are different horse types too! Some say there are small ponies that gallop and jump with great strength and stamina. There are noble steeds used in the finest royal courts - horses dressed with ornate tack and gleaming saddles, looking majestic! Others, like me, have a gentle nature and serve as tireless farm workers. I like to think each horse is a beauty in its own way, each with its own special role and talent! It's a very exciting time for our horse family. I just know this year will be filled with adventure, learning, and a strong sense of belonging. I look forward to sharing my adventures as they happen.
Stay tuned my dear friends! More to come soon from the world of horses, 788 AD.
Love, Emma
www.equiworld.org
Now, what I can add for the blog:
Visuals: Emma's blog could be even more captivating by adding visuals. We could have sketches or simple illustrations to go along with her words! She can mention her love for horses, for example, and draw a picture of different breeds she hears about. Maybe even of herself!
Links: Let's get creative and make links. This might not be standard practice in 788 but if Emma's blog is from the year 2023, she can be quite advanced, using internal or external links for the reader!
- She can create a separate 'Emma's History of Horses' section where her past blogs would appear. This would mean more stories to share from years gone by.
- She can include hyperlinks to other parts of the www.equiworld.org website that features horses. It would be interesting to see a page for her own area - Scotland - to read about horses in that location!
- Or she could also add some interesting fact boxes related to 788 AD!
- More of Emma's Thoughts and Observations:
- Emotions: The blog is full of her observations, but we can also use it to explore what she feels: * Does she feel scared about the King's war plans? * Does she think the women in those distant lands have to be very strong? *Does she think the men of Hayfield are better horsemen? (There could even be a healthy dose of rivalry, where the male horses discuss which stable is better! We need to spice things up!)
- Stories: This year Emma heard something interesting. What if she has another 'chapter' that tells a tale from her life – something memorable she observed, such as an incident on her journeys to market. Perhaps a young foal needing help?
I have provided an interesting starting point for your post. Remember to add details, expand upon the given information, and bring your vision of 788 AD through the eyes of Emma to life! This blog post offers the chance to really create a world around Emma, allowing readers to enjoy the journey of a humble draught mare from the 8th century, through her words.
