Hello my dear fellow equines,
It's Emma here, from my stable in Hayfield, a bit of a hill farm near Aberdeen in Scotland, where the wind whips over the moors and the heather blooms in glorious purple. It’s a place where the world feels very wide and full of wonder, especially when you’re a big grey draught horse with a white mane and tail like me! It's been a while since I last shared my thoughts on this wonderful website, Equiworld, but with the season turning and a fresh breeze blowing in, it seems like the perfect time to dust off the reins and get back in the saddle, metaphorically speaking, of course! I'm always happy to share the news and events happening in the equine world and, even if you’re a little horse with your own thoughts, I hope you enjoy a bit of history, or, if I may be so bold, ‘horse-tory’ as I call it!
So, here we are in 987 AD – an intriguing year in our long history! It's like a scene in a big, old book full of sweeping stories, where you see a new chapter start, and that’s exactly what’s happening in the horse world.
Kings and Conquerors - Horses on the Move!
For one thing, it seems we're busy in Europe, with people like King Alfred of England building up their armies and exploring beyond their lands. You know those magnificent palomino war horses everyone talks about? Well, let me tell you, they're a key part of their campaigns and everyone, including myself, are keeping a close eye on events, just in case our humans need a strong and reliable steed to get us all through the exciting times to come. I wouldn't be surprised if we see some horses like myself heading off south for more exciting journeys soon!
But 987 isn’t just about big events in far-away lands! Things are changing closer to home too, and not just in Scotland! I’m feeling a shift in how we horses are used!
*A Working Horse is a Happy Horse! *
Take my daily routine. We draught horses are strong, sturdy creatures and essential for any farming community, which includes Hayfield, of course. Imagine my days as a gentle giant: I help the humans with ploughing fields, moving heavy loads of hay or transporting supplies. Now, you might be thinking it's all a bit “same old, same old”, but honestly, it's so rewarding! I can almost feel the community growing stronger with each field we turn, and I take pride in each carefully balanced wagon, each heavy stone I help lift! I get a little proud feeling, a ‘hoof tap’ as we call it in my stable! That’s how a strong, loyal, draught horse like me feels!
I know I am a farm horse at heart, but the people of 987 seem to be discovering other ways for us horses to work alongside them, beyond the fields! There’s a real thrill, I have to tell you, as we begin to work with our humans in a more varied and connected way than ever before.
* New Horses and Old Practices - It's a Balancing Act!*
The biggest thing I’ve been hearing is that there's a growing trade in horses, especially among the big merchants who are taking them across countries! You can just picture them: powerful, sleek creatures, full of strength and agility. I hear they’re getting better and faster – it's quite impressive! However, for us workhorses, we tend to get a bit anxious with the whole idea of travelling to unfamiliar places. There's something special about being grounded and steady, with a good routine – the comfort of familiarity. Don’t get me wrong, the travelling horses, the racing types - they have their place. I know it's what drives our humans to find better horses for racing and transporting!
It’s just a thought, my little mare, but I imagine even the horses at those fancy race tracks are thankful to us hardworking farm horses. Someone has to bring in the harvest to fuel all that activity. We are the quiet, strong workhorses that ensure that the racing, the travelling, and all the excitement, never stops. We are the quiet giants. The dependable work horses. We do the hard work and see the quiet beauty.
The Horses We Remember!
You know, with these thoughts whirling through my head about horses everywhere, I also want to reflect on what's here in my own little part of Scotland. This is our moment, our here and now, but every now and then it’s good to reflect, and to celebrate. It's great to think of horses like myself, strong and dependable, and to think of those horses across the land and how we play such a vital role. I also like to think of the stories passed down about those big-hearted stallions from a while back. Those are the horses everyone whispers about, and the humans tell the stories, around their fires, under the big, open sky. They say horses like me descended from the powerful war horses of the past, like those from Roman times, those majestic creatures they called ’Equus ferus caballus’ – that sounds just right, a magnificent name, wouldn't you say?
Keeping the Stories Alive
Of course, you know what makes these old tales really come to life? It’s not just the stories of war or races. It’s about the everyday life of horses and the bonds we have with our human companions, who sometimes tell these tales on Equiworld. We are in a time, my dear friends, where things are moving forward rapidly, so it’s a real comfort to remember, and to talk about those special connections with our human families – whether in fields, working on farms, or those moments we share with them, walking through quiet woodlands, where the only sound is the crunch of hooves on the leaves. I know many of you feel it, the quiet strength that comes from being so connected with our humans.
This is Equiworld. A space to keep the stories going, and it's up to us, you and me, to share our history and to look to the future with hopeful hearts, but also with the wise strength of those big-hearted stallions that have paved the way before us! It's exciting to think, my little friend, what the next chapter will hold for our fellow horses, and where our humans will take us next. Perhaps you'll write your story, just as I am now!
So, with a little click of my hooves, and a wave of my tail, it’s time for me to return to Hayfield, to feel the wind blow over the moor and the comforting aroma of fresh hay. I'll be back soon with more horse-tales. I always feel better having a good, honest chat, especially when I hear your responses in the comments below. Until next time, may the winds carry you along on your journeys.
*All the best, *
Emma.
P.S. If you have any stories about the life of horses in 987 AD, or earlier, do share! It’s all part of keeping our shared equine story alive and vibrant. I’ll add some of your stories to a new section – ‘Tales from the Horses' Mews’ on Equiworld. Let’s fill this space with memories!
