Greetings fellow Equine enthusiasts,
It's Emma here, your resident history buff from the rolling hills of Hayfield near Aberdeen. Welcome back to my little corner of www.equiworld.org. This week, we journey back to 690 - a year that marks the beginning of a new chapter in history, but also a pivotal time for horses in the Celtic world.
Let's dive into my own experiences, the happenings of that year, and what made it such a significant one for us four-legged friends.
The wind whips my white mane and tail as I pull a sturdy plough through the rich soil of Hayfield. The air is crisp and fresh, and the morning sun paints the heather a warm golden hue. Today is much like every other, except for the faint, yet undeniable, tension in the air. Our little community buzzes with whispered talk of great change.
Our village, a cluster of small houses huddled close together for warmth against the harsh winters, lives in a constant rhythm. We horses are the heart of it all. We carry the burden of farming, hauling heavy carts, and transporting goods to the bustling market town of Aberdeen.
It is the year 690, a time marked by a shifting landscape. A King, tall and powerful, named Bridei, reigns over Pictavia, our land. He speaks with a thunderous voice that echoes through the glens and vales. My father, a grizzled veteran named Magnus, recalls a time when different tribes roamed the land, constantly battling for dominance.
Today, though, the peace fostered by Bridei has brought a sense of quiet contentment. This time of peace allows our farmers to cultivate their land, enabling us horses to graze peacefully in the lush fields.
Yet, despite the harmony, there is a buzz in the air that tells me something is about to change. My young foal, Willow, trots playfully beside me, his curious nostrils twitching at every new scent.
"Mother," he asks, his voice high and filled with youthful excitement, "the elders whisper of 'a wall'. What is this wall, and why do they speak of it with such reverence and fear?"
I sigh, stroking his glossy coat with a comforting hoof. “They are referring to the Hadrian's Wall, my dear, a monument to the power of man. A mighty stone barrier built across the north by a people called Romans."
Willow looks confused. "Why build such a wall?"
I pause, my heart remembering the stories of the Roman cavalry - proud and well-equipped warriors, fearsome in their red and gold armor. "The wall was built to protect the Romans from the fierce tribes beyond the border," I explain. "To divide and conquer, and prevent us, the Celtic people, from uniting with our northern brethren.”
Willow's eyes widen. "Is the Wall made for horses too?"
I chuckle, a low rumble in my chest. "No, silly, but it does make life difficult for us travelling between the regions. Even now, our traders and the men of the King have to navigate intricate paths and treacherous valleys to trade with those beyond the wall."
I know the impact the Wall will have on our lives, a cold premonition that fills me with unease. I recall stories from my father about the Romans, a force to be reckoned with. He remembers their sleek, muscular war horses - the kind of horses that are bred for speed, trained for battle. They used their horses not for farming or transport, but to conquer, to fight.
There’s a ripple of fear that passes through the horse community. The talk is of new regulations - restrictions on our freedom to travel freely, laws enforced with threats of punishment and even capture.
I feel a sharp prick of anxiety, an apprehension that burrows deep within my heart. Yet, as the sun dips low on the horizon, painting the sky with a kaleidoscope of oranges and purples, I remember the resilience of my ancestors. They faced wars and tribulations, adapted to changing times, and survived. We horses, the bedrock of their survival, are always there to adapt. We've always been a constant in the flux of the world.
We adapt, we thrive, and we endure. We'll adapt to this wall. We'll adjust to these changes. I believe, with all my heart, that our strength and tenacity will help us face these new challenges.
The Wall is only the beginning of the change.
Later that year, we hear whispers about a group of people known as the Saxons - a powerful new force sweeping across the plains. Their horses are different, smaller, sturdier than the warhorses of the Romans. They seem better suited to navigating the rough terrain of the British Isles.
The elders shake their heads, their eyes filled with apprehension. It is whispered that these Saxons are as strong as the Romans and have a terrifying penchant for war. They too, build walls, conquer new lands, and expand their domains.
They talk about the fall of a powerful city called York. They talk about a battle - a clash of cultures - where the Saxons triumphed over the Britons, who fought bravely with their warhorses, but were eventually defeated.
Fear spreads like wildfire across our Hayfield. The farmers huddle in their homes, the sound of hammers building more walls echoing throughout the village.
The change feels permanent. These newcomers, the Saxons, threaten our way of life. They make us afraid for the future, and the stories of our own history are told in hushed tones, the heroes of our past seem a distant memory.
But even with the coming storm of Saxons and the presence of Roman authority, the horses continue. They adapt, as we always have, to these changes. The Saxons too rely heavily on horses - we see them racing through the valleys, hauling supplies, transporting their warriors.
But here in Hayfield, we remain resilient. We horses, the lifeblood of this land, continue to work tirelessly, serving the farmers, providing the strength that ensures our village survives.
And amidst the turmoil and fear, life continues. New foals are born. Our mares give birth in the soft hay of our stables, their cries mingling with the lowing of the cattle and the gentle bleating of the sheep. We nurture the new generation, passing down tales of our ancestors, of their struggles and their victories, instilling in them a deep-seated sense of pride and a strong resolve.
We teach our young that we, the horses, are the heart and soul of this land. We may have to endure hardship and face fear, but we will never lose our strength or our spirit. We will continue to be the backbone of our community, and we will always stand strong in the face of adversity.
Remember, my fellow equine enthusiasts, that the history of our world is rich and dynamic, constantly evolving. These are just some of the key happenings in 690 that resonated throughout the horse world.
So, keep exploring, learning, and always keep in mind the indomitable spirit of our horse ancestors - for it is this spirit that drives us forward, inspiring us to be strong and resilient, always adapting and persevering, no matter the challenges that lie ahead.
Until next time,
Emma from Hayfield.
