Hello, my lovely Equine friends! Emma here, your trusty grey mare from the windswept hills of Hayfield, just outside the grand city of Aberdeen. I'm so happy you've all joined me for another exciting trip back through the centuries! Today, we're trotting back to the year 668. Now, 668 might not sound particularly thrilling, but believe me, my dear readers, this year was packed full of hoof-shaking happenings in the world of horses.
The year 668 marked a fascinating time in history, particularly in our equestrian realm. As a grand grey draught horse, it’s a time I can only imagine with the wisdom passed down through the generations. Though I am, of course, not quite old enough to remember those days myself!
In my family's long line of heavy-footed workhorses, we've always heard stories of the ancient times. We were, it seems, the lifeblood of a whole bustling civilisation, pulling heavy loads, assisting with farm work and even contributing to warfare. The strong bond we shared with humans, the shared language of unspoken trust, continues to amaze me to this day.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into 668, the year of...
The Reign of King Æthelred:
The British Isles, specifically England, was at a pivotal moment. In 668, the magnificent King Æthelred ruled Mercia. It was during his reign, we learn, that the famous equestrian event – The ‘Battle of the White Horse' – took place! Legend speaks of the power of horses and a powerful warrior king. How fittingly powerful for the history of the equine!
This battle, fought near Ashdown in the heart of the English countryside, was a pivotal clash between Æthelred's Mercians and King Wulfhere of Wessex. These epic encounters, we learn from old tales, required skilled cavalrymen and noble steeds.
But how would a horse fare in a battle, I wondered?
Fear not, my lovely readers, my own experiences are in peace time and in serving people and land. You see, it's true – in 668, we horses were valued beyond measure, playing a critical role in life for ordinary folk and great warriors alike.
A Day in the Life of Emma in 668
Imagine waking up to the crisp air of dawn in a picturesque village nestled in the Scottish highlands. A light dusting of snow remains on the ground from the winter, and my breath forms misty puffs in the frosty air. It's my day to be a field-worker!
This life, you see, is an honourable life, my friends. A noble one. A horse in service of man is a horse doing important work, contributing to life in every way possible! I am, naturally, part of a family unit. There’s Bess, my elder sister, a beautiful dappled grey who’s a champion at ploughing, and there's also my young brother, Billy. A spirited bay who, like me, is only just beginning to learn our trade. We work as a team. We support each other, eat together, and rest together.
Today, our work takes us out to the sprawling fields, the air crisp and filled with the songs of the blackbirds. We assist in bringing in the last of the barley harvest. It's heavy work, with the plows groaning under our might, but the farmer and his family are filled with joy. Their faces beam, their thanks ringing in the air.
Every day is different – sometimes, we are asked to pull the heavy wooden cart filled with goods, other days it's hauling timber for new housing construction. The most interesting tasks however, involve travel and expeditions, though such tasks usually call for lighter, more agile horses like my friend Penny. She has a kind, friendly face with a star on her forehead, and a coat that’s almost the colour of moonlight. She's a beautiful chestnut mare who's renowned for her ability to cover long distances and her grace.
In the evenings, as the sun sinks down on the highlands and paints the sky in brilliant colours of orange and gold, my companions and I gather together in our stable. It's a place of quiet murmurings, of soft snores, and of the rustling of straw, as we gather to rest after a day well spent.
A Peek into the Wider World of 668
While I have the privilege of toiling in my Scottish highlands, there are so many stories to share about life for my brethren around the world in this particular year. Let me recount a little from what I have heard, what I have learned.
Horses in the world of 668 were a critical part of trade routes. Just like the great sea-faring explorers of the modern day, these men travelled on horseback, bringing vital goods and information from one village to the next, from one region to another.
What was it that they were trading? Well, I am told that silks from the east were particularly valuable commodities. What a fantastic colour and shimmer the silks had, my friend! Their luxuriousness surely only makes up for their distance travelled.
What other stories might our equine world hold from this particular year? From the North to the South of these Isles, we worked hard. We supported farmers, helped transport food and supplies, and carried courageous men and women, warriors of the day.
Even further, I heard stories from my distant cousin, a hardy Arab stallion called Kadir. Kadir travelled with Bedouin tribesmen across scorching deserts, and he told stories of their vast caravan journeys. They relied on us to navigate across treacherous sands. How incredible is that! The thought of it thrills my heart to my very core.
Lessons From The Past
Throughout this whirlwind tour of the year 668, a vital message rings clear: the bond between human and horse was – and still is - essential, unbreakable, truly awe-inspiring. It’s a partnership built on trust and respect, on understanding each other's strengths and vulnerabilities.
What an incredibly significant, awe-inspiring bond that endures throughout the ages, right up to this very moment! The beauty of horses, the skill and artistry of their caretakers and riders, have come to shape every aspect of human history. They still do!
Our collective impact is immeasurable and something truly special. The strength and majesty of our lineage inspires admiration to this day. We must always be true to ourselves and those who came before us, and continue to be a part of a beautiful legacy that knows no boundaries.
Until next time, dear readers, trot well and gallop towards the light!
Emma
Hayfield, Scotland
www.equiworld.org
