Hello there, fellow equines! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood grey draught horse from the highlands of Scotland. I thought I'd take a moment to chat about life back in 607 AD. As many of you know, it was a rather exciting time in horse history, filled with fascinating stories, trends and, yes, even a few bumpy rides.
Where it all began:
Let's rewind back to 607. I was a young lass then, just two summers old, living in Hayfield, a little village nestled in the rolling hills near Aberdeen. Now, back then, we horses were essential, like a vital cog in the wheel of everyday life. I helped my farmer, Donald, with everything - hauling heavy loads of grain, pulling plows through the earth, and of course, the ever-so-important task of transporting goods to and from the bustling nearby town of Aberdeen.
We were more than mere workhorses, you know. We were like extended members of the family, loved and cared for. Every day started with a good old scrub with a damp cloth and a generous helping of oats, then, the daily tasks commenced. The rhythm of our lives was pretty predictable, a comforting sense of routine, almost like a song played on repeat.
The big world beyond Hayfield:
But life, my dear friends, was not always confined to our humble farm. Now and then, whispers of big, exciting things beyond the hills would drift into our barn like the gentle breeze. Tales of mighty battles, noble steeds bearing brave knights in shining armour, and grand tournaments - they would set my heart aflutter!
Horses in the World:
I couldn't have been more thrilled when the local bard, Alistair, came to visit our farm with news of the incredible world outside. He regaled us with stories of how the Anglo-Saxons were flexing their muscles across the land. There was King Æthelberht of Kent, a great patron of the horses, building up his stable of magnificent stallions for war and travel. He even brought in skilled trainers and farriers from far-off lands, the rumour being that he aimed to establish a renowned horse breeding programme!
This sparked an energetic debate in the stable, with us horses all eager to hear more about the big wide world. My best friend, a chestnut gelding named Rowan, kept insisting that the horses in these grand stables were all adorned with fine, hand-crafted saddles. They'd even have the latest silver bits and sparkling leather bridles, a far cry from the humble, yet sturdy, tack we used on the farm.
I must admit, a bit of envy flickered within me, but it was overshadowed by the immense pride we felt knowing that horses like us were vital for such mighty deeds. It wasn't just battles though, oh no! Alistair painted vibrant pictures of magnificent horse-drawn carriages carrying wealthy landowners to court, while elegant palfreys galloped across fields, adorned with colourful silk trappings.
Life Lessons:
Looking back on those days, I can see now how those whispers from the world outside planted a tiny seed of adventure within me. My experiences, humble though they may have been, shaped me. They instilled a deep appreciation for the vital role we played in society and instilled a sense of strength and resilience that has carried me through all my years.
A horse's perspective:
I often tell my grand-colts that the year 607 was an important year for us horses. While most people in Hayfield saw us as essential workers, those powerful figures across the land were realising our potential as magnificent and awe-inspiring animals.
Even then, people like Saint Columba of Iona, who was spreading Christianity in those times, used horses to carry him across the wild Scottish countryside. You can bet those were sturdy and reliable beasts, like me, with unwavering loyalty and a sense of adventure, much like ourselves!
I can still feel the rumble of the horse-drawn chariots that made their way through our town, and remember how my breath would catch as I watched knights with their mighty steeds in their ranks, on their way to distant lands. The thrill! The excitement!
But even though life was full of those big dreams and adventures, we knew that our daily routine of serving the farmer was equally important. We were responsible, hardworking, and strong – all vital qualities for the success of a farm in the 6th century!
My own little journey:
It wouldn't be until my seventh year, just when I was gaining a little strength and some grace, that my chance for a bit of that big world came. A merchant from the coast of France arrived at Hayfield, wanting a strong draught horse for pulling his goods across the country.
It took a little persuasion from my owner and a few promising words about all the fine hayfields in the warmer French climes to convince me to leave my homeland. I was a little scared, but I was also bursting with the thrill of adventure! That journey with that French merchant led to the biggest adventure of my life, filled with incredible sights, challenges and moments of joy I could never have imagined.
So here’s the moral of this tale, dear equines:
Embrace your life, no matter how ordinary or grand it may seem. We all have stories to tell, lessons to learn, and memories to cherish. Be proud of your own strength, resilience, and your unique abilities.
As we’ve learned from the past, even in seemingly mundane days, something incredible could be waiting just around the corner!
I can't wait to share more stories from my journeys in the world in upcoming posts. And remember, my equine friends, your history matters, your contributions to society are valuable, and your stories are worth telling.
Until next time, Happy Galloping!
Emma, your Scottish friend
P.S. Feel free to share your own stories and reflections from the world of horses in the year 607 in the comments below. Let’s keep this equine history alive!
