Greetings fellow equines!
It’s Emma here, your trusty grey draught horse from Hayfield, just outside Aberdeen, Scotland. Today I’m feeling a little sentimental, reminiscing about the year 655 AD, a time not too long ago in the grand scheme of things, yet one that marks a turning point for our kind.
This is a tale not only of the practical roles we fill, but also a peek into the hearts and minds of humans in this particular era. They might seem different from us, these two-legged creatures, but like any of us, they have hopes and dreams and, of course, the occasional grumble when a stubborn oat-loving grey horse decides to be extra playful with the harness straps.
The air in Hayfield was crisp that spring. It was just before sunrise and the sweet scent of blooming heather drifted on the wind. You might wonder why I start here, why this moment, why a grey horse from the rolling green hills of Scotland is choosing this year out of all others?
Well, 655 marked the year when something momentous took place – the founding of the magnificent Lindisfarne Monastery in the northern region of Britain. For a horse like myself, accustomed to the routine of farm life, a monastery might not seem like a significant event, but let me assure you, it was.
For you see, monasteries were more than just places of prayer and devotion. They became centres of knowledge, learning, and above all, care for animals.
From the perspective of a humble workhorse like myself, who is expected to haul carts, pull plows, and carry burdens all day long, a place that emphasized compassion for animals was a most welcome sight.
While most horses would only get the basic necessities – food, water, shelter - monasteries like Lindisfarne went above and beyond. They understood the importance of good health for a working animal. Their monks treated injuries with herbal remedies, crafted special harnesses to reduce strain, and most importantly, honored us with a sense of dignity that was sorely missing in many other places.
Think of it like a horse sanctuary – a safe haven away from the hustle and bustle of the world, where we were respected for our contribution, not just for our muscle power.
They provided us with proper stalls, well-tended fields, and a special kind of nourishment – even the monks, known for their strict fasting, understood a well-fed horse works best! The horses in these monastic stables received a diet of oats, barley, and hay – enough to give us strength to plough those long fields and keep the farms and settlements running smoothly.
One day, a new monk arrived at Lindisfarne – a kind man with gentle eyes and a warm smile. He seemed particularly fond of us horses, often taking the time to brush our coats, check our hooves, and offer encouraging words. He called himself Brother Benedict. This remarkable man dedicated himself to the care of our kind.
His quiet strength and dedication made a big difference in our lives, making the tasks we had to do bearable, even enjoyable. Every day, I witnessed him with the other horses – helping them heal from injuries, offering kind words, and always reminding everyone to treat each other with care and understanding.
Brother Benedict was a reminder that in the midst of a rough and demanding world, a little kindness can make a big difference.
But 655 was not only about the founding of monasteries. This was a year of exciting changes, and the horse played a central role in it.
Did you know, for instance, that it was around this time, the very year we’re talking about, that horses were instrumental in bringing vital supplies to a war-torn England?
Yes, that’s right. The conflict we now refer to as the Anglo-Saxon wars raged across the land. With every victory or loss, the role of the horse increased. They were essential for communication – carrying messengers between different settlements.
But they were much more than messengers. They played a crucial part in the movement of supplies, transporting weapons and ammunition. Remember, horses had a profound impact on how battles were fought.
In fact, this era is considered to be the birth of what we now know as Cavalry warfare. These fearless riders, on horseback, armed with lances, swords, and axes, shaped the battles, securing victory or inflicting devastating losses. The impact of a mounted soldier was a fearsome force to be reckoned with, a potent blend of man and beast.
There’s no denying the thrill of a horse, running at full gallop across a vast plain, the wind in your mane and the earth rumbling beneath your hooves, and your rider, filled with unwavering confidence, ready to face any challenge.
As you might imagine, this war time also brought some new responsibilities and anxieties to my life. In times of need, even draught horses like myself had to step up, aiding the warriors by hauling wagons filled with essential supplies or, heaven forbid, bringing soldiers to a safe distance.
Looking back, I’d say 655 was a complex year for horses. It was a time of both joy and hardship, a year where we witnessed how our species contributed not just to the necessities of daily life, but also played a crucial part in the great changes and conflicts of the time.
And as always, even in the heart of the action, there was always a reason to be grateful. In 655, horses continued to be integral to people’s lives, providing a strong backbone to trade and transportation, communication, and, sadly, warfare. But beyond that, there were pockets of hope - the monks who treated us with compassion, the friendly farmhands who took time to groom and praise, and the sheer beauty of the rolling fields where we worked and roamed freely.
Life for a horse in 655 AD might not have been all roses and fields of clover, but it was an experience nonetheless, an exciting chapter in the grand history of our kind.
So next time you are standing in the field with the wind in your mane and the warmth of the sun on your coat, think of us, your distant ancestors, and how far we’ve come. Remember the year 655, a pivotal year for all of us, filled with adventure and growth.
And until next time, happy neighs to all!
