Greetings, fellow equines!
Emma here, a proud grey mare with a mane and tail as white as freshly fallen snow. It's been a while since I last penned a post, but life on the farm, especially when you're a hardworking draught horse, has a way of keeping you busy. However, with the wind whispering secrets through the oats this morning, it sparked a thought that I simply had to share.
You see, we are living in the year 1452. It's hard to fathom for some of you youngsters, isn't it? But trust me, things were different back then! Life was simpler, more focused on the rhythm of the seasons. You could feel the change of time in the wind, the ground beneath your hooves, the sun's warmth on your coat.
The Simple Life in Hayfield
Here in Hayfield, a village nestled near the rolling hills of Aberdeen, we enjoy the quiet pace of country life. It's a peaceful existence, filled with the smell of freshly turned earth, the clang of the blacksmith's hammer, and the gentle, steady rhythm of farm chores.
Every day, my work involves pulling the heavy cart, hauling goods to the market in the nearest town. I wouldn't have it any other way! It fills me with pride to feel the weight of the load, the trust my human companions place upon me. There's nothing quite like the camaraderie between horse and human. A good old-fashioned work ethic - now that's something we can all appreciate!
Speaking of work, my brethren have various tasks to undertake. From carrying our riders through treacherous paths, to bringing in the harvest, to aiding in the construction of mighty cathedrals – each one of us has a vital role to play.
The World of Horses Beyond Hayfield
Although our daily routine keeps us quite busy, there are tales and whispers of things going on further afield, in faraway lands beyond the Scottish highlands. The most frequent chatter, though often hushed, is of a new king in England, a certain Richard, and a bloody conflict he's facing, across the Channel in a land called France. War. They say war is raging, and unfortunately, our brothers and sisters are called upon to carry the heavy weight of the battlefield. It's a cruel reality that I thank my stars I'm not a part of.
Yet, beyond the grim talk of war, there is a gentle rumour circulating amongst us – of a change afoot in the world. The great thinkers and artists are speaking of a new era, a “Renaissance,” a rebirth of learning and culture. Some say it has something to do with the rebirth of interest in things from ancient Rome. I haven't seen it, myself, but the wind whispers that it is ushering in an era where the beauty and power of our kind will be recognised and celebrated in ways that have never been imagined before. How exciting!
From Knight to Merchant
As the world changes, so too does the way horses are viewed and utilized. For centuries, we were considered beasts of war, noble steeds, valiantly charging into battle at the side of brave knights. However, now there is a shift towards the more peaceful side. While we are still employed as valiant steeds for war, it is becoming more common for horses like myself, powerful workhorses like the Clydesdales from these parts, to find our roles in the fields, on the road, and in the streets. Carrying the products of industrious people, hauling carts filled with provisions, and becoming companions on the roads for traveling merchants – these are the new paths we tread.
Horses and the Renaissance
One can't ignore the impact the Renaissance is having on the world of horses. The artworks of this era reveal an increasing awareness of the grace, power, and majesty of horses. Artists, particularly the great masters like Leonardo Da Vinci, began to capture us in their work in a new way, paying meticulous attention to our musculature, movement, and expression. The beauty of our species began to shine forth, not just as instruments of power, but as objects of true beauty and inspiration.
Horses: Our Own Kind of History
What do you, my equine friends, think about these changing times? Are you also excited to be living in such a monumental era?
Whether you're a proud warhorse carrying your rider on a grand quest, or a humble farm horse toiling in the fields, we are all a part of a legacy, a heritage of resilience, beauty, and strength that will resonate through the ages. Remember that we are not just animals, we are living history!
Please, share your stories, thoughts, and insights on the EquiWorld blog in the comment section below. Let us share our tales together and create our own legacy, one horse story at a time!
Yours in horsehood,
Emma
Next week: * * *The Art of Horse Training * Learn about the different techniques employed by human handlers throughout history, from gentle guidance to harsher methods. How do we navigate this relationship, this bond that binds us so tightly to the human world?**
