By Emma, Hayfield, Aberdeen, Scotland
0812: A Year of Changes and Wonders
Well, hello everyone! Emma here, a 20 year old grey mare with a heart of gold and a passion for all things equine. I'm settling into life in the peaceful village of Hayfield near Aberdeen, Scotland, where I share a large stable with several other kind souls, mostly working horses like myself.
The year is 0812. It feels like time passes more slowly these days than when I was a foal, but maybe that’s just my perception. I've always been curious about history, about how horses have been used throughout the ages, so I decided to start this blog to document our shared past.
Today, I'm focusing on the world of horses in 0812. A lot has changed since my grand-dammy was a filly! But also, so much stays the same.
From Hayfield to the Battlefield
My days here in Hayfield are peaceful. The fields are wide and green, perfect for grazing. I spend my mornings pulling the farmer's cart, gathering wood for the blacksmith's forge. The blacksmith, Angus, is a gruff but good man who makes sure my shoes are well fitted and my nails are properly driven.
We don’t have much interaction with horses from other regions, only the occasional travelling merchant’s wagon that might stop by for supplies. But the stories that my stablemates bring back from the wider world are exciting. I’ve learned that horses are in high demand all over the country, even as far as the southern counties of England!
Most of our horses here are used for agricultural purposes - ploughing the fields, hauling supplies, and providing transport. But war horses, that's a different story entirely! They are a sight to behold, all muscled and trained, ready for battle.
It makes me proud to think of how our species is needed to support the humans around us, but I'm grateful I have a life of peace and work in these beautiful, rolling hills.
Horses on the Move
Travel, particularly the transportation of goods, is something that we as horses play a critical role in. This is a fascinating subject to me, particularly considering how little has changed even over centuries, for the vast majority of people, moving is by horse-power.
It seems that in 0812, there's quite a bit of movement across the country! The merchant’s wagons that stop in Hayfield tell tales of a bustling world outside, a world connected by the sturdy hooves of our kind. They often arrive with a variety of goods for the village, ranging from cloth and spices from faraway lands to simple items like tools and salt.
They bring news too, which my fellow stablemates devour as eagerly as I devour the hay in the evening. Tales of courtly events, of important figures like Kings and Queens who depend on their horses to traverse the kingdoms, the rumours of raids and skirmishes... it makes me wonder about the world beyond our familiar hayfields.
A Legacy of Skill
I often hear older horses talking about how horses are bred and trained, about how there used to be a lot more variety in breeds, before things were streamlined and standardised. I remember my grandmother saying there were smaller horses, faster horses, horses who could pull bigger burdens... It makes me think of all the unique talents we possess as a species, and I feel pride in being a part of this legacy of skill and dedication.
Our humans are smart people - they know to carefully train each horse for the task it will perform. If a horse is strong and sturdy, like me, they'll know they'll be well suited for hauling and farm work. If a horse is nimble and quick, they might be suited for transport or even for riding in the hunt!
There's a fine art to matching each horse to its perfect purpose. It makes me feel valued, knowing I play an important role in the world.
Horses and People: A Partnership Through Time
It's funny how much the humans seem to rely on us! Even when they walk or travel in carts, even when they go by river or sea, they still need horses for their transport. We've been partners with humans for a long time now, helping them achieve incredible things. I’ve heard older horses talk about our ancestors working in agriculture, in transport, in the fields... There is a certain deep understanding between our species.
Humans seem to understand the bond we have with them - they even give us names and treat us like individuals, even though we are animals! We are strong, faithful, and intelligent, capable of understanding complex commands and working alongside our human partners to create a beautiful world.
The Future of Horses: Hope for a Peaceful Future
As I stand in the stable, feeling the breeze on my coat and the scent of hay in the air, I think of all the ways our kind are needed and appreciated. Though the stories of battle are often grim, they highlight how we can be heroes for humanity! Horses are the backbone of society in many ways, helping us transport our belongings, supporting us with our food and clothing, and aiding in both the good and the bad times that befall us as a nation.
This blog may be about 0812, but I think about how much we contribute every single day. The humans may come and go, but we horses remain, steadfast in our purpose, with an unflinching spirit that’s as strong and steady as our hooves.
If there is anything that I hope for as a mare, it’s that the world will come to know us for our strength and grace, and that we will continue to be cherished partners in this ever-changing world.
Until next time, Equiworld readers! I'm off to graze in the sunlit meadows. It’s a glorious day in 0812 and, if my hoof doesn't slip, it seems that there are even more wonders yet to come!
