Hello, my dear EquiWorld friends!
Emma here, your favourite grey mare with the flowing white mane and tail. Today, I'm taking a break from hauling the farmer's cart around Hayfield near Aberdeen and journeying into the exciting world of…well, 1460! That's right, this is the year I'm making my debut on EquiWorld, sharing a little slice of horse life from the past.
The year 1460 is a curious time, full of change and intrigue. Just like my coat, the world's getting a bit dappled and spotted, with shades of uncertainty mingling with hopeful hues of innovation.
A Day in the Life of Emma
My day usually starts before the sun, with a quick bite of oats and a satisfying groan as I get up and stretch my legs. Then it’s off to work! Here in Hayfield, my job is vital. We’re a small village and relying on strong horses like myself is a necessity. I haul the heavy cart to the market, loaded with fresh produce from our small gardens. Farmers are my neighbours, so we know each other well. We horses are like a close-knit family, helping each other and sharing gossip, especially with the horses at the neighbouring farms!
Oh, and let’s not forget the joy of a good, thorough grooming session! A clean coat is vital. I think a nice, shiny mane makes a mare look simply exquisite. It makes me feel graceful and powerful. And who doesn't enjoy a little brushing and a bit of tender loving care?
But it’s not just about chores. We horses also find ways to entertain ourselves. Sometimes I sneak away for a quick trot through the nearby forest, the wind whispering through the trees as I race along. It’s liberating! There are also the playful bouts with the young colts, reminding me of my youthful days. But these days, it’s more a "take it easy" sort of thing, even if I feel as full of life as ever.
War and Peace: Horses in 1460
Ah, war. I hear stories of the “Wars of the Roses.” It’s not pleasant to think about, as we horses are often caught in the middle. Soldiers, the ones who wield the swords, are often the ones riding us. That means we face danger too – the arrows and the noise and the confusion. Sometimes, when the wind carries the news from far away, I feel a chill down my spine as I listen to tales of war horses that fall, or soldiers lost in battles. It’s not a life we choose, but our duty lies in serving, be it in war or peace. And, if you’ve got the stamina and bravery to be a war horse, there's a certain sense of pride involved, no matter how scary.
But enough about war! We also live in a world where horses are used for more peaceful purposes. Merchants travel the world, riding across vast distances, bringing with them new ideas and goods. It's an exciting time! Imagine what treasures the Silk Road is bringing to the European world!
Even my fellow horse friends here, the ones who are a bit smaller than me, have exciting jobs! The ponies carry merchants' parcels. Some of my acquaintances even haul timber and firewood in the winter! Our jobs are different, but each one is crucial, ensuring everyone in the village has what they need.
Innovation in Horse Care
You know what’s wonderful about living in a time of change? New things are being discovered! New ways to take care of horses. There is this innovative thing called a ‘horse shoe,’ a little metal piece that gets attached to our hooves. It sounds unusual, but my humans tell me that this new shoe protects our hooves and helps us move more freely and comfortably on hard surfaces! I don’t have them yet, but I’ve heard whispers of them from the other horses in the village!
I can’t wait to try them on! I know this kind of innovation only brings us horses good things.
Looking to the Future
Every day I learn something new, be it from the experienced old mare on the neighboring farm or from watching the skilled hands of the humans who take such good care of us. They care for our wellbeing just as we try our hardest to serve them. They share their knowledge and passion about caring for us horses. It’s quite wonderful, honestly! It makes me think about how much horses mean to people. It reminds me of why my work, and yours, my dear readers, is so important.
Oh, and there is so much to discover in the world! Sometimes, when I close my eyes after a long day's work and listen to the whisper of the wind, I imagine horses, all shapes and sizes, just like myself, living their own exciting lives all across the globe.
We may have different jobs and roles, but the bond between horse and human is truly special and vital for this beautiful, busy, ever-changing world!
Until next time, EquiWorld friends. Take care and remember, even if you can’t journey across vast distances on horseback or join the grand cavalcade of merchants on the Silk Road, a little adventure can be found in your own backyard, even in 1460!
Emma
