Post 969
Hello, my dear fellow equines! Emma here, writing to you from my cosy stable in Hayfield, near Aberdeen. As always, I’m thrilled to share my equine insights from this year in our history - a time when the world was brimming with change, and of course, exciting happenings for us horses!
The year 969 has been a truly memorable one. It's difficult to think it was only twelve months ago when I was just a gangly yearling. Now, with my strong grey coat and long, flowing mane and tail that catches the wind like silver streamers, I’m a proper draught horse, working hard and learning even more.
Let’s travel back to the early part of the year, a time of fresh, crisp air and the promise of new growth in the fields. A small, bustling world around my Hayfield stable kept me occupied. I remember pulling the heavy cart laden with barley from the fields to the local mill. The miller’s son, young Daniel, often sat beside me as we went. He'd tell me tales of far-off lands and grand adventures - those tales still bring a warm feeling to my heart whenever I catch a glimpse of the countryside, thinking about all the exciting places I haven't seen.
The first blossoms of spring had barely unfolded their delicate beauty, when a wave of excitement hit Hayfield - it was time for the annual Aberdeen Spring Festival! I recall the lively buzz in the air as we horses were prepped and adorned with ribbons for the festivities. My best friend, a dappled mare named Luna, and I strutted proudly alongside other fine steeds in a parade through the town square, admired by children and adults alike.
From the Farm to the Feast:
Our world in 969 was heavily connected to the seasons. As the year progressed, I spent most of my days hauling hay for the coming winter. The warm days of summer found us grazing in sun-drenched meadows. The rich aroma of wild flowers, the soft caress of the breeze against my coat – ah, summertime memories!
During these months, the farm was alive with activity. We weren't just feeding the human families, we were also supporting the local merchants. We transported barley, rye, and oats, ensuring bustling trade across the villages and settlements. Our strong backs played a crucial part in this vital exchange. The satisfaction of hauling a well-loaded cart was immeasurable. We were the backbone of the communities, literally!
The annual village fair, a celebration of harvest and bountiful gifts of nature, was a sight to behold. It's still one of my favourite times of year. I remember this year especially well. I carried a large, vibrantly decorated cart laden with goods and people, traversing through the crowded, excited streets. I met all sorts of people - jolly farmers, giggling children, merchants hawking their wares. The energy was contagious! The scent of roasted meats, fresh bread, and honeyed wine filled the air. It was truly a magical day!
A Glimpse Beyond The Farm:
Beyond our immediate Hayfield home, there were rumours of larger events happening across the Scottish lands. A group of Vikings arrived in a village not too far away, with tales of grand journeys across the seas, bearing impressive weapons and rich tapestries woven with scenes of distant lands. The villagers spoke of their fear and excitement at their presence in equal measure.
I, being a draught horse, mostly stayed close to home, but the news did ripple through our lives. These Norse people, with their fearsome longships and their daring explorations, left their mark across Europe, changing the landscapes and influencing trade and customs. They were both a fascination and a source of anxiety. Even within the safety of Hayfield, I couldn't help but feel a sense of the change and uncertainty in the world beyond our village.
As the days shortened, we prepared for the long nights and harsh winds of winter. The village buzzed with activity. The warmth of the blacksmith’s forge filled the air with the rhythmic clang of his hammer as he crafted the iron shoes for the winter months. Even though the landscape was becoming barren and desolate, a feeling of comfort and camaraderie reigned in the hearts of the people and us horses alike.
We'd spend our winter days huddled together for warmth, and enjoy the warmth of the stable, sharing tales of summer pastures, the festival, and our own, individual lives.
Horses Around The World In 969:
From Hayfield, my gaze is often drawn to the skies. I wonder where other horses are at this very moment, what kind of lives they are leading, and what their journeys may hold. I can't help but think of my brothers and sisters across the vast lands of Europe. I hear tales of the swift coursers carrying knights and kings across the plains, of strong warhorses fighting in battles across distant fields, and of elegant palfreys carrying fair maidens and monks in pilgrimage.
There's also the Arabian Desert, a place of hot, dry winds and shimmering sands. The Arabian horses, graceful and agile, renowned for their stamina and grace, traverse this world in majestic ways. I'm told their presence adds beauty to the already enchanting landscape.
And then there are the horses of the Far East, where vast grasslands are said to stretch endlessly, their rich and vibrant culture and stories waiting to be discovered. They hold such wonder and intrigue.
Despite the many miles that separate us, a silent, yet potent connection exists amongst all of us horses, throughout all corners of the world.
My Wish For 970:
As the year of 969 comes to an end, and we stand on the threshold of a new beginning, my heart is filled with anticipation. I feel an unexplainable connection to this grand tapestry of equine life, intertwined with the human stories of our time. It is a joy to be a part of it all.
I eagerly await the fresh adventures, challenges, and the joy of a new year, filled with sunshine, gentle rain, and a sense of belonging. The strength and endurance we possess will guide us, my fellow horses, to embrace the opportunities that await in this vast and beautiful world we call our own.
Thank you for reading, my dear friends, until next time!
Emma, Hayfield, Scotland.
www.equiworld.org
