Hello fellow equines, it's Emma here, back with another post for EquiWorld! Today I'm going to take you on a journey through time, back to the year 765 AD. Buckle up, you lovely lot, it's going to be a bit of a ride!
As many of you know, I hail from Hayfield, a charming little village nestled in the foothills of the Cairngorms near Aberdeen, Scotland. The air here is always fresh and invigorating, the skies vast and the landscape a patchwork of heather, wild grasses, and rolling hills. In 765 AD, this corner of the world was very much the same.
You might wonder, what was horse life like back then? Well, for a hardy grey mare like me, life was full of purpose and hard work. My kind, along with the strong and handsome stallions, were the backbone of this community, responsible for hauling, farming, and carrying people. We were truly appreciated and relied upon for all sorts of tasks.
The primary source of sustenance was farming. My family and I spent our days ploughing fields, harvesting crops, and pulling carts loaded with goods. These were long days, often spent in the company of fellow workhorses and the kindly humans who tended to our needs.
I especially loved the spring ploughing. The scent of freshly turned earth and the cries of the skylarks as we worked filled my senses with a sense of peace. My owner, a man called Lachlan, was as strong as an ox, with hands as gentle as the finest silk. He knew our needs and would often talk to us softly as he worked. It was a rare comfort, to be heard by a human in a time when our needs were mostly interpreted through the language of work.
Speaking of needs, our diet back then was quite simple, consisting of oats, barley, and a bit of hay. I admit, there was nothing quite like the taste of oats, freshly harvested and still warm from the sun. A healthy portion each morning would keep my legs strong and my spirit high! A good handful of hay, however, made sure I had plenty of fiber for those long working days.
I must say, in comparison to today’s lifestyle, there were challenges. One particular hurdle for us was the lack of modern veterinary care. Any injury or sickness could be life-threatening, so we had to rely on traditional methods for healing. This usually involved herbs and poultices, sometimes with the assistance of a wise woman or even a local druid! Thankfully, the air of these hills was pure, and the local diet kept us healthy for the most part.
My time in the fields wasn't all hard work though. I also took pleasure in sharing stories and adventures with the other horses, whether at the stable in the evening or out on the open moorland during our free time. The tales were endless! There was Old Maggie, a venerable chestnut mare who could recount adventures of transporting goods all the way down to the busy market at Edinburgh. Or young Angus, a spirited bay with stories of wild races and thrilling escapades with his human companion. These evenings would usually end under a sky ablaze with stars, each one shining like tiny jewels scattered across a velvet blanket.
Although life back in 765 was definitely simple, I cherish those days for the closeness we shared with the community. Our bonds with humans weren't built on entertainment, but on necessity and shared survival. They relied on our strength, and we relied on their wisdom. It was a reciprocal relationship that thrived on trust and mutual respect.
Speaking of humans, it's important to note that in 765, horses played an instrumental role in almost every aspect of their lives. Beyond work, horses were crucial for transportation. They were vital to messengers, delivering news and messages across the countryside. And sometimes, the lucky ones were chosen to accompany the brave warriors who rode into battle.
During that period, the Northumbrian Kingdom, of which Scotland was a part, was a place of fierce battles. I've heard stories of the brave Viking warriors, with their longships and ruthless determination, invading these lands. Horses were often part of the conflict, hauling wagons with supplies or serving as mounted scouts for their masters.
The Vikings, as a culture, also admired horses and treated them well, viewing them as worthy companions. It is believed that Vikings also bred and raised horses for war, as well as for transporting their goods and people. A testament to the bond between horse and warrior, regardless of the times!
These, of course, are stories passed down through the ages. They paint a vivid picture of how much horses were appreciated and valued in those days. I can almost hear the thud of hooves on the ground as the Vikings, riding through the wild countryside, sent a chill through the hearts of my ancestors. Even the quiet meadows we grazed in were not immune to the rumble of war drums!
Of course, these are just a few snippets from my equine experience in 765 AD. There’s so much more I could share. The history of horses is rich, vast, and fascinating, full of challenges and triumphs. But remember, throughout the ages, we have been their companions, their workers, their loyal friends, and they, in turn, have cherished our presence. And, of course, our friendship with the human community continues to this day.
So, until next time, dear equines, let’s appreciate our own wonderful and fulfilling existence. We are not just horses, we are the heart of history, and we have always been integral to the story of humankind. Now, excuse me, a new day has arrived and I have to get back to my stable duties!
Yours,
Emma
