Greetings, fellow equestrians! Emma here, a sturdy grey mare with a snowy mane and tail, writing to you from the rolling hills of Hayfield, just outside Aberdeen, Scotland. Today's blog post is a little bit special.
You see, 0722 AD was a time of big changes for us horses, though I couldn't really grasp it all at the time. It wasn't just about ploughing the fields and carrying loads. There was a new energy in the air, a sense of something grand on the horizon.
A Time of Travel and Discovery
I was a young filly back then, only two years old, learning the ways of the world alongside my mother and the other mares. Life was simple, much like the rhythms of the seasons. We worked hard, pulled heavy loads of grain or lumber to the nearby towns, but we also found joy in the fresh green meadows, in the scent of wild thyme in the summer air, and in the camaraderie of the herd.
Our master, a gruff but kind man named Angus, was planning a big trip that year. We weren't quite sure where he was going, but it was rumoured to be far away, beyond the misty mountains and the rolling Scottish plains. We’d hear hushed conversations, the clang of metal being repaired, and excited whispers about new lands. This buzzed through the stable like the sound of a restless breeze.
The anticipation was almost unbearable. When Angus finally arrived with the big, sturdy wooden carts, we were a restless group of steeds. We tossed our heads, stomped our feet, and nuzzled each other, expressing our own unique mix of curiosity and nervousness.
We weren't travelling alone. Angus had gathered a whole group of young men, rugged and strong, some even armed with shields and swords. There was a tense, almost hushed reverence in their faces, making me wonder what great feats awaited us in the land beyond our home.
The Voyage to Lindisfarne
After a long, slow journey through winding valleys and over shimmering rivers, we arrived at the shores of a vast, shimmering body of water. The air was heavy with the tang of salt and the cries of seagulls circling above. This, Angus explained, was the North Sea. He planned to travel by boat to the island of Lindisfarne, a place known for its powerful monastery and a deep wellspring of faith.
The boats, strong and sturdy, looked like enormous wooden beasts. It was daunting, for even the bravest of horses had never travelled so far. Yet, as the boats took us gently through the waves, I began to feel a sense of peace. The swaying rhythm of the water, the chirping of birds overhead, and the reassuring smell of the salty air made the experience feel wondrous. I remember feeling the wind ruffle my coat as I stood at the edge of the ship, a mix of fear and excitement swirling through me.
It was on Lindisfarne that the full impact of the journey truly sank in. We were met by men with faces as gentle as their voices, who spoke of holy texts, prayers, and the virtues of kindness and humility. I learned that the monks were very good to horses, providing them with food, shelter, and gentle care. Some were even trained to carry people on horseback, which was a sight I had never seen before.
The Importance of Faith
This trip marked a turning point for me. It taught me that the world was a bigger, more complex place than I had ever imagined. There were vast stretches of land, powerful bodies of water, and communities of people with traditions and beliefs far beyond those we knew at home. It opened my eyes to the incredible power of faith, and its potential to bring people together, from distant shores and varied backgrounds, under a common banner of devotion and kindness.
More Than Just Work
It wasn't just the voyage that stood out. The year 0722 brought changes back home in Hayfield, too. People were starting to see us horses differently. Yes, we were still essential for ploughing fields, pulling wagons, and carrying goods, but a subtle shift was taking place. There was a new appreciation for our strength, our agility, and our steadfast loyalty.
I even started seeing other horses in new roles. Some were trained for sporting events, galloping through fields at dizzying speeds in exciting races. Others learned to pull carts for people who were unable to walk, a form of companionship and support I found truly heartwarming.
Leaving a Mark on the World
As I look back on 0722, I see it as a year of exploration, a time when both horses and people took bold steps toward a deeper understanding of the world and their place in it. Our strength and endurance helped us to journey across land and sea, forging new connections, bridging divides, and building a sense of community. We weren’t simply beasts of burden, we were part of a growing story, helping shape a world that was both strong and full of hope.
My Next Post
I'm off to graze in the fields now, catching the afternoon sun and relishing the feel of the cool wind through my mane. But I'll be back soon, with more stories about the wonderful life of a horse and the ever-changing world we live in. Stay tuned for my next post!
And now, dear reader, tell me – what was the year 0722 like for you? Do you have any fascinating horse history stories from that time period? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Your friend, Emma.
