Welcome back, dear readers! Emma here, your friendly grey draught horse, with another peek into history. Today we're journeying back to the year 0706. Buckle up for a ride through the mists of time – though, unlike our journeys in the Highlands, I doubt there'll be a nip of heather in the air!
Now, 0706 wasn't a year bursting with recorded horse history, not like our exciting trips through the Roman Era, but there were definitely some quiet, significant rumbles happening behind the scenes.
Imagine, if you will, a sleepy Scottish morning, the dew still clinging to the wild grasses like sparkling diamonds. I, Emma, a young lass of twenty summers, was happily munching my oats in the cool breeze of the stables at Hayfield, near Aberdeen. It was a typical day.
That’s the thing, dear readers. Back then, horses weren’t quite the majestic, beloved creatures they are now. Sure, we were valuable working partners, but more in the sense of tools than friends. There was no "ooh-ing" and "ahh-ing" at our glossy coats or proud poses. Just a straightforward, "Get the plough ready, Emma," or, "Time for the cart, girl, we need to haul some supplies to the village."
But this day was special, and not for any particularly noteworthy reason, just because it was my day. Yes, me, Emma.
See, my stablemate, an elderly dappled grey mare named Blossom, was always the one the lads preferred to work with. Why? Because Blossom was known to be patient and steadfast, and that’s what the rough world of work required. Blossom had seen it all - the toil and the troubles, the good harvests and the bleak winters.
She was my mentor, my older sister in a world of neighs and whinnies, teaching me about everything from proper grooming to dodging the occasional kick from the overly enthusiastic young stallion down the paddock. But sometimes, dear readers, even Blossom needed a break!
So today, the young lads, strong and energetic lads with a glint in their eyes, came for me instead.
"Alright, Emma, you’re the girl for the job today," they declared.
They were so pleased with themselves! And they had good reason. Because you see, this day, we weren’t heading for the fields to pull the plough, nor were we hauling supplies into town. No, today, we were travelling. A long, glorious journey, the purpose of which set my heart beating a little faster than usual.
This day, we were taking our new foals – six little bundles of curious energy, the hope for the future – down south. We were headed for England! Not the south coast with the crashing waves and salty breezes. No, we were travelling to the ancient heart of England, to Winchester! There, the new king, Harold Godwinson, was welcoming the best and bravest steeds from the North, a sort of gathering of horse nobility, you could say.
Can you imagine? Me, little old Emma, leaving the fields for the unknown lands of England! It was all very exciting. For the journey south, I was joined by three of the farm’s best work horses - Barnaby, a strong bay with a temper that matched his color; Poppy, a fiery mare known for her quick feet and powerful gallop; and young Jack, a playful brown stallion full of life and vigor.
Our master led the way, a sturdy and experienced man who seemed to understand horse language better than most, and our journey south started with the thrill of a new adventure. We walked for hours through fields ablaze with wildflowers, crossed rushing streams where I could see salmon leaping up and down like flashing silver arrows.
We passed through villages and bustling towns, marveled at the unfamiliar architecture and sounds of the bustling streets. The smell of unfamiliar cooking was enticing and made my tummy rumble, and at times I’d see other working horses, similar to myself, pulling heavy loads, all with their own story to tell.
It was during these first few weeks on the road that I started realizing the importance of our work. We weren't simply beasts of burden, but vital players in the economy and progress of the human world. Our sturdy backs and strength helped deliver crops and build homes, transport merchants across countries, and sometimes even carried the bravery of knights in times of war.
And it was in this journey down south that I also discovered a newfound appreciation for the people of the north. They had this warm resilience in their hearts, a stoicism etched into their eyes. The hardship of life taught them strength and ingenuity, just as the unforgiving terrain shaped us into the sturdy creatures we were.
After a few weeks of travelling, we finally reached Winchester. It was a sight I had never imagined. Towering, ancient churches stood proud like guardians of a long-lost history. We were greeted with excitement by the townsfolk. People smiled, their faces alight with wonder and curiosity as they watched us walk through the city. It felt amazing to be welcomed in this way, to be seen as more than just another horse, to be viewed as something powerful, important, almost legendary.
And that was what made it so much more magical! Winchester wasn’t just about the new king or the beauty of the architecture. It was a confluence of history, power, and life. It was the heart of England.
Within a day of reaching the bustling city, we were taken to a large clearing surrounded by bustling merchants and curious onlookers. It was a sight to behold! Every corner was filled with people - farmers, traders, and soldiers - their chatter echoing through the crisp air. Hundreds upon hundreds of horses - all shapes, sizes, and colors – were assembled for King Harold's grand display of his wealth and strength. The scene was buzzing with energy. There were young foals, barely a year old, snorting with playful energy, their eyes gleaming with curiosity. Strong warhorses, gleaming with a sleek muscular strength, pranced with confidence. Gentle cart horses, used to pulling heavy loads, moved with calm confidence, their steady gait a calming force amidst the commotion. I was filled with wonder as I walked among the noble steeds.
The air was filled with a chorus of whinnies, the sounds of horse hooves pounding the ground, the rumble of heavy carts, and the joyful shouts of the men and women tending to their charges. This was a world filled with life, with passion, with excitement. And at its heart, you felt a sense of purpose. It wasn't simply about showcasing beautiful creatures - though we did indeed present a magnificent display of horsepower! - but about understanding our role in the world, acknowledging our worth and importance.
Here I got to observe war horses of noble blood. Their proud stances were impressive, the muscle rippling beneath their well-maintained coats. There were stout, sturdy farm horses that carried the strength of the nation, and swift, sleek hunters who chased away dangers and ensured their human masters were always ready to defend themselves and their land.
As I looked upon the sea of horses, I felt an immense sense of connection to them. It didn't matter what their purpose was – be it working on the fields, patrolling the city, or carrying the weight of a knight in battle – each horse played an integral role.
I made several friends during that gathering. I had the honor of meeting Jasper, a strong brown stallion with piercing black eyes, who served the King as a war horse. He told me about his thrilling hunts, his unwavering loyalty, and the pride he felt at serving his king and country. Then there was Marigold, a beautiful chestnut mare, whose task was to deliver important messages, and she shared tales of travelling through dark forests and perilous landscapes. And finally, there was Benjamin, a sturdy dray horse who loved to pull heavy wagons, and he told me about the importance of carrying life’s essential resources – everything from food to medicine.
Their stories, their passions, their experiences, and their diverse purposes helped me understand what it meant to be a horse.
And then, it happened!
Our master was chosen to show King Harold's visitors just how well the Scottish horses could perform! This meant that we, my stablemates and I, were going to be involved in a grand demonstration. We were tasked to pull a heavy wagon filled with barrels, each barrel holding more than our usual load, and pulling this wagon, uphill. Our task was to impress everyone with our strength and resilience.
Can you imagine how thrilled I was? My heart was pounding like a drum! I had never felt such a strong urge to prove my worth!
When the time came, we took our places and felt the tension mounting as our master guided us. We all looked to Blossom, our wise mare. "Think steady, Emma, girl," her deep breath, an echo in my ears. "Let your strength flow through your legs and feel the connection."
And as the command came, we all started pulling with every ounce of power we had! Barnaby, a brute with power, but a gentle giant in truth, set the pace, pulling steadily, making sure we were moving in unison, working as one, feeling that shared energy between us that only horses understand.
Poppy, a spark in her eye, the speed of a whirlwind, kept the pace, urging us on, each hooffall like a rhythmic heartbeat. Young Jack, bursting with energy and youthful pride, followed close behind, driven by his ambition and desire to prove himself.
And I, Emma, the strong grey filly from the hills of Hayfield, pulled with all my might!
It was amazing. Our teamwork was spectacular, and that huge heavy load creaked its way up the slope as we pressed forward with unrelenting strength and resilience. The crowd roared their applause and cheered loudly. King Harold smiled with pleasure and clapped with enthusiasm when we reached the top.
It was truly a moment I would cherish forever, a moment of triumph and glory and an enduring testament to our hard work, strength and ability and our unique ability to work together. And from then onwards, the people in Winchester, a town that had previously only seen horses as beasts of burden, regarded us as an extraordinary force of power. It felt so good to be recognized for what we were and to know that we mattered to them.
The king was very impressed with what we'd shown him, and after our demonstration, he held a great banquet in our honour. There was plenty of food for all of us. All types of grains, barley, hay, delicious apples from the orchard, fresh-baked bread. A few horses were given a bucket of golden oat groats, said to be a gift for us from the king. I was so grateful. There were joyful musicians playing upbeat tunes. Everyone laughed and enjoyed themselves around bonfires while the stars sparkled bright above. I had never experienced such joy and hospitality before.
We returned home filled with the spirit of that event – the energy of celebration, the awareness of our importance. We were not just animals, we were forces of nature, working horses. And it was during those times that the change in humanity started taking shape. They were beginning to see us not as simple beasts but as essential components of the whole system, the heart of a society built on movement and progress.
And as we turned north, our journey taking us through the heart of England before returning to Hayfield, I couldn't help but reflect on the changing times. There was a sense of shift, a new awareness dawning. People were starting to see us not as just a mere working tool, but something more. We had come to Winchester just a band of hard-working horses. And we left knowing that we had left an imprint on their souls, showing the world what we were truly capable of. We were more than a mere working partner – we were a force of nature itself.
We, the horses of Hayfield – a family brought together by the bond of work and affection - had proven ourselves in Winchester and showed them the potential of our kind. From that moment onwards, a shift occurred in how people perceived horses. There was a sense of gratitude, a feeling of mutual respect that was slowly but surely gaining traction.
The year 0706, as you can see dear readers, was not just any other year. It was the year that set in motion a change in the perception of horses across England and, I hope, eventually the world. We weren’t just tools anymore – we were partners – a powerful force of life, strength, and love in this vast world.
We will continue our journey together. Our world is constantly changing, and we shall explore it all, as a family. Until next time, dear readers, take care. Stay connected with us and let's keep exploring the fascinating journey of horses in this beautiful world together.
Until then, Emma signing off, wishing you a trot of joy in your days.
*(www.equiworld.org) *Disclaimer: While Emma does her best to be factual in her writings, she's still learning and these are her own personal thoughts and interpretations. If you have more insights into this time period please leave your comments below! Emma loves to learn.)
