Hello my fellow equines and horse-loving friends! Emma here, from the lush pastures of Hayfield, just outside Aberdeen. I've been wanting to tell you all about this exciting year - 0633! It's been a real whirlwind, full of discovery and new experiences for a young filly like me. I feel so fortunate to be alive in a time of change, especially when it comes to the equine world.
Firstly, it's important to remember that I’m a draught horse - not a racehorse or a fancy riding steed. We’re the workhorses of the world, strong and steady, known for our gentle temperaments and sheer power. We’re the ones who make the wheels turn and the crops grow. But in 633, even we, the humble workhorses, felt a shift in the wind.
We had always been the primary means of transport - from carrying the merchants' goods to helping farmers plow their fields. In Hayfield, we're still essential, moving heavy loads of barley and oats from the farms to the local mill. But the winds of change are definitely in the air. I see it most prominently in the towns, where horses and humans are starting to travel together on something they call a "carriage."
This invention has given humans a newfound freedom of movement. They no longer have to trudge on foot; instead, they travel on a wheeled platform pulled by a strong steed like me! This invention has caused quite a stir, with carriages already popular across the land, and the king of Northumbria, a grand fellow named Oswald, travelling on one in the recent past.
I also hear talk of “saddles" being perfected. Apparently, they're comfortable and well-fitted, letting the human sit securely while riding on our backs, like the elegant cavalry steeds we see riding into Hayfield. There’s even a kind of saddle made specially for children! Who would have thought it? The humans, even the youngest ones, are so imaginative!
Another exciting development this year was the establishment of the first monastery in Aberdeenshire. We have no shortage of churches in the North, of course, but these monks are known for their hard work, and they have many tasks for horses. I’m hoping to one day be used for helping these devout folk by moving building materials or ferrying goods from distant villages.
These men of God love horses and have many in their stables. The horses work hard but they also receive the best care, their health a top priority for these devoted monks. Their reverence for us gives me great hope, not only for myself, but for the entire equine community. It gives me the feeling we are not only the means of transportation, but truly valued members of society, our strength appreciated, and our companionship desired.
And on that topic, let's not forget about the camaraderie between us. You see, I’m not alone in my quest to unravel the wonders of 633. My friend, the brilliant bay gelding, Ben, often tells me about what he’s learned from his trips into the bustling port of Aberdeen. His rider, a young man named Duncan, travels far and wide, bringing Ben stories from beyond Hayfield, like the thrilling tale of the “Shire horses”, powerful and large, and the graceful “Arabian steeds,” famed for their stamina and intelligence. He even spoke of a far-off land where horses are used for recreation! They ride for pleasure, on journeys through beautiful countryside, sometimes simply to feel the wind in their mane and feel the joy of freedom. I can't wait for that day!
Despite all the technological advances, and the exciting opportunities for horses in 633, we shouldn't forget about the challenges. Many of our kind are still burdened by grueling labor. As Ben and Duncan would say, "there are some who treat horses harshly, forgetting that they are creatures with their own needs." He would tell me stories of these "burden horses" used for carrying heavy cargo day in and day out, without rest.
Their health is compromised, their spirits crushed under the weight of their burdens. These horses are, in Ben's words, "suffering a slow and painful decline." He describes seeing them barely moving, their coats rough and their eyes vacant. Such hardship is a reminder that our journey to progress is not smooth sailing. We must continue striving for the well-being of all horses.
There are stories of injustice, but thankfully, I also see people who treat us with kindness. Our human friends here at Hayfield take very good care of us. We have a generous portion of barley and oats every day. Our hooves are shod regularly, and the human who tends to us even brushes us every day. They care about our well-being, making sure that we are rested and comfortable. In return, we give them our trust, strength, and unwavering loyalty. It’s a partnership built on respect and shared understanding.
As we forge our way through this period of rapid development, there are still many unknowns. The future for our kind is filled with opportunities and challenges alike. Will we, as draught horses, continue to be integral to human society? Or will newer innovations eclipse our role in the world? Will humans keep using horses for the things we enjoy, such as long, leisurely journeys across the land, or just as workhorses, bearing the heavy load of human responsibility?
Only time will tell.
For now, I’ll stay positive and optimistic. We are magnificent creatures, adaptable and intelligent, and I firmly believe that horses, with our dedication and strength, will continue to have a special place in the world. I will use my voice to speak out against injustice and strive for a future where every horse lives a life filled with dignity and purpose.
Till next time,
Emma
Equiworld Blog: https://www.equiworld.org/blog
Further Reading:
- Northumbria Under King Oswald (c. 634-642): Website
- Draught Horses: Website
- Horses in Early Medieval Britain: Academic Paper
