Welcome back, fellow equestrians! It’s Emma here, your trusty grey mare from the rolling hills of Hayfield, near Aberdeen. Today, we're delving into the fascinating world of horses in the year 674 AD – a time that's certainly packed with interesting developments, both in my homeland of Scotland and beyond!
Now, I know what you might be thinking: “Emma, why 674 AD? That’s way back in history!” And you’d be right. But don't let that stop us, darling! History is full of wonderful surprises, and I'm thrilled to be sharing this particular slice of it with you.
Life in Hayfield: A Day in the Life of a Draught Mare
As a sturdy draught mare, my life in Hayfield is full of hard work and simple pleasures. I start my days bright and early, often pulling the plough through our farmer's fields, or carrying sacks of grain to the mill. This year, we've had a particularly good barley harvest, so there's been no shortage of work for me and my fellow draught horses!
While my days may seem mundane, they’re far from dull. Each journey is an opportunity to greet other horses, exchange news about the best grazing patches, or share tips on how to outsmart those pesky flies that like to bother us on summer days! We horses have our own society, a vibrant tapestry of relationships woven together through our shared experiences.
The Big News from Across the Sea
But Hayfield is not just a world of farm life. We get glimpses of wider happenings through the men and women who come and go, their stories filling our quiet nights. This year, the biggest news has come from across the sea in what they call 'Frankland' (as we horses are rather less familiar with geographical details, sometimes we do struggle with these 'human' names!).
The men have been talking about this new ruler, King Childeric II, a Merovingian monarch who took his throne in Paris. Now, I won't lie, we horses aren't big on politics! We are creatures of instinct and routine, but these humans seem rather fascinated with their intricate power struggles.
Horses in Frankland: From War to Work
Anyway, the stories about King Childeric’s rise to power often focus on horses. We are told that he rides into battle, leading his armies with great strength and bravery. This sort of warrior's spirit fills our human friends with a certain pride, and it inspires dreams of glorious feats on the battlefield.
But, in all honesty, war is not my cup of tea. I much prefer peaceful coexistence, like our relationship with the village sheepdogs! There's no reason for us to clash with each other, even if the humans seem so quick to draw their swords and shields.
However, we do learn that King Childeric, like so many others, uses horses not just for war but for transport, pulling wagons laden with supplies and even goods for trading.
A Year of Innovation: The Rise of the Saddle
Something else exciting to come out of Frankland is a recent innovation, mentioned by the travellers who arrive in Hayfield - the saddle. Now, saddles are not a common sight in these parts of Scotland, where most of us are harnessed for work rather than riding. The men tell tales of skilled horsemen who sit upon these saddles, riding at impressive speeds and controlling their mounts with grace and confidence. It’s all very exciting and reminds me of a certain horsewoman who used to be a regular visitor here… but I mustn’t give away too many details yet!
Equine News from the South
Speaking of interesting happenings, news travels from the south, from a land they call 'Wessex'. Word is, their king, King Æthelberht, is known for his love of horses and his skilled horse trainers. There's talk of tournaments and races, with noblemen vying for prestige and favour.
Imagine, dear reader, the thrill of galloping across fields, testing your speed and skill! It sounds wonderful, almost as exciting as the days when we’d race along the rugged cliffs overlooking the sea with the wind whipping through our manes! Those are memories I'll hold close, always reminding me of the wild and free spirit we horses hold within.
Horses and Faith: A Sacred Bond
Though our lives might be far removed from these exciting events in distant lands, I'm not entirely separated from the wider world. It's worth noting that across the Christian world, particularly in the north, horses hold a sacred place. They are viewed as symbols of strength and devotion, sometimes associated with important figures within the church.
While I personally don’t worry myself with such religious matters, I do sense that humans feel a special bond with their horses. They talk about how these animals have brought them luck, safety, and even helped them connect with the divine. There’s no doubt that they value us more than we might sometimes think.
Horses: Friends, Partners, and Symbols of Our Times
We are the horses of 674 AD. We pull the plough, carrying the weight of human needs and aspirations. We race across fields, demonstrating our strength and agility. And we remain steadfast companions, reminding humans of the simple joys of life and the strength that comes from shared purpose.
So, the next time you see a horse in your local fields, take a moment to imagine its story. Think about the vast journey these magnificent animals have undertaken, carrying civilizations on their backs, contributing to history, and reflecting the complexities of our human world.
Until next time, fellow horse lovers! Keep those hooves tapping and those reins strong! I’ll see you again soon with another fascinating piece of equine history.
Emma
PS. Please visit www.equiworld.org to learn more about horses and share your own stories with the equestrian community. Every voice is valuable, and every experience helps to enrich our collective knowledge of these fascinating creatures.
