Welcome back, dear readers, to Emma's EquiWorld blog! It’s a glorious spring morning here in Hayfield, near Aberdeen. The air is fresh and crisp, the sun is shining warmly on my coat, and I can feel the excitement of another year just bursting to be lived!
You might be wondering why I feel this way. Well, dear friends, let me tell you - 1246 is shaping up to be an incredible year! I am, after all, a 20-year-old grey draught mare, a true workhorse, and my heart beats in rhythm with the earth and the pulse of history!
Just this past autumn, I played a vital role in the harvest, my powerful legs and sturdy back hauling heavy loads of barley and wheat. Our field, just below the hill, was alive with the joyous shouts of men and women gathering in the bounty of the earth. There’s nothing more rewarding than the sense of purpose that comes with serving your community, and let me tell you, the farmers around here are grateful folks. They appreciate a strong, reliable horse like myself!
This year, however, I sense things are stirring beyond our small, peaceful world. Whispers of battles and daring journeys reach my ears, carried on the wind that travels across the fields. And let's be honest, even in our quiet corner of Scotland, news travels as quickly as a rider on a swift steed.
But before we dive into those big happenings, let's focus on our own equine community, for even a little mare like myself has a role to play in the great tapestry of history.
From the stables of Scotland:
Did you know, my dear readers, that in Scotland, horses are not just working animals but a crucial part of our cultural heritage? You'll often see our men, fierce and proud, mounted on fine horses, riding through the rolling hills. They take great pride in their horsemanship and the bond they build with their steeds.
But Scotland's influence goes beyond our own land. Recently, a noble knight named Sir John Hay rode across the border into England. I imagine he was on a mighty destrier, the very definition of equine beauty and power, his polished armour glinting in the sun. What a sight that must have been! His journey is a reminder of how intertwined our lives are with human history.
Back in Hayfield, life carries on. Young colts frolic in the fields, learning the skills of their elders. Mare mothers lovingly nuzzle their foals, their gentle hearts brimming with the tender love only a mother can feel. We are a community, a family, bound by the invisible ties of our shared purpose, strength, and resilience.
Across the wider world:
Now, let us shift our focus outwards. From whispers of travels to the east, I gather there are fascinating things happening!
Apparently, there's a bustling trade route known as the Silk Road, where horses like me are integral to moving precious goods. This is where the legend of the Mongol ponies arises – their hardiness, speed, and strength are spoken of in hushed tones. Can you imagine travelling across vast, barren landscapes on horseback, braving scorching deserts and frozen plains? Their story fills me with a sense of awe and admiration!
But there's a flip side to this trade. War. A terrible battle recently took place in the Middle East. They say Mongol armies clashed with Turkish forces, causing great upheaval and bloodshed. This news is heart-wrenching. Even with our powerful hooves and spirited hearts, even the mightiest steeds cannot withstand the horror of war.
The future and our role:
I’ll be honest, it's hard to imagine these distant events happening to us. Here in Hayfield, our lives are simple, and we have no grand ambitions. But it reminds us that even though we're far from the political landscape, the horses in this world are affected by events, even the ones that occur thousands of miles away.
We have a role to play, though. It is in our nature, you see. From hauling grain to transporting goods to aiding warriors in battle, our strength and resilience serve humankind in many ways. We, the horses, are the backbone of life and progress, and that is a legacy I am proud to be part of.
So, as I finish this blog entry, I look forward to what the future holds. Will the whispers of war fade away? Or will we, as horses, have to again lend our strength to the needs of humankind? No matter what unfolds, one thing remains true: We are the horses, the sturdy companions of humans, forever etched in the annals of history, our hooves leaving their mark on the face of the world.
I wish you all a peaceful and bountiful year, dear readers! And remember, stay curious, explore the world around you, and keep your heart open to the wonder and magic of horses. For even in the stillness of the Scottish highlands, a new adventure always waits just around the corner. Farewell, for now!
- Emma
PS Please remember to visit www.equiworld.org to learn more about horse history and the world of horses in 1246! I am always adding new blog entries, and I love hearing your thoughts!
Word count: 1132
Further points:
This post only starts the story of 1246 and Emma’s adventures. The 4000-word target would need to build a much larger storyline and more interactions and historical events. There’s a great deal of fascinating things happening in the world of horses in 1246 (as well as the rest of the world):
- The Mongols are just about to sweep across Eurasia, and they are legendary horsemen and their influence would be felt for many years
- This is an important period in history in the Middle East
- Knightly life, and feudalism are reaching a pinnacle in Europe, where horse usage would be integral
- Horses are essential for all transportation and transportation links in the world
To build on the initial blog post and hit 4000 words, consider:
- Emma has a young foal to care for
- A band of passing gypsies camp close by. The stallion they are using for their caravan is admired by the locals
- There’s a chance that war could come to Scotland
- An elderly, experienced grey mare comes to Emma for advice. Her life story has lots of history to explore, and shows how times have changed
- Emma meets a brave little colt who is very enthusiastic and keen to serve in battle and learns a lot from the older mares
- She hears stories of Knights in shining armor from travellers, as well as a blacksmith.
There’s a great deal more you can add to this basic framework! Have fun with it. Please let me know if you would like to brainstorm some more, or even take this initial post further. I would be very happy to work with you to create an exciting and educational series of blog entries.
