Hello, lovely readers! Emma here, your trusty guide to the world of horses through history. As you may already know, I'm a grey draught mare, 20 years young, and I reside in the stunning village of Hayfield near Aberdeen, Scotland. It's a pretty place, especially in spring when the wild heather blooms on the hillsides, turning the landscape a vibrant purple.
Today's blog post takes us back in time to the year 774 AD. Let's take a journey to see what was happening in the world of horses back then!
A Typical Day in Hayfield:
Now, you're probably picturing a world full of wild, untamed horses, right? Think again! Even in 774, horses like me were essential workers. We were farmers' friends, pulling ploughs, carts, and carrying heavy loads. My mornings would begin at the crack of dawn, hauling supplies for the village. You know, a little oats for breakfast, maybe some fresh fish for the baker. Nothing too demanding.
We were also the primary means of travel. Think about it! No cars, no buses, no trains. Just trusty horses to take people where they needed to go, whether it be to the market, the neighbouring villages, or the faraway coast for fishing trips.
The Norse Invasions: A Horse-Backed Threat
Life in Hayfield was mostly peaceful, punctuated by the occasional thunderstorm or an overzealous bull in the pasture. However, the year 774 was a bit different. Whispers began circulating, carried by the wind like fallen leaves, about fierce Vikings arriving on the shores of our island. We weren't overly worried; a strong Scottish warrior wouldn't let some Norsemen steal our homes, but they did bring a feeling of unease to the countryside.
But here’s the thing – those Norse invaders? They absolutely loved their horses! It wasn’t just about transportation; they rode them in battle. Imagine – galloping horses, men wielding axes, fierce battle cries… It's terrifying when you see it firsthand! But it also underlined how much these creatures meant to our world, even in those turbulent times.
Horses in a Royal World:
Now, we wouldn't be doing this right if we didn't talk about the grandest of grand horses: the royal horses. In 774, the King of the Picts reigned in Scotland. These Picts were a proud warrior people, just like those fierce Viking raiders. They prized their horses, their loyalty, their strength, even more so than any Viking.
Royal horses were symbols of power and grace, of lineage and prestige. Imagine, dear readers, their smooth, shiny coats, glistening in the sun, adorned with shimmering bronze decorations, like magnificent jewellery on a noble creature. I daresay, it was quite a sight to see them in their finery, prancing in royal processions. They made every village parade seem a little more regal.
Horses in Everyday Life: Beyond the Big Events
While we had our battles and our royalty, the truth is, most of our lives revolved around ordinary things: caring for our foals, enjoying a warm afternoon in the sun, the gentle camaraderie of the herd. It wasn't just the flashy bits – the races or the king's retinue – it was the simple beauty of it all, the everyday bond between horse and human.
We were the quiet heroes, pulling carts, tending to farms, providing milk and meat for our families. Without horses, the village of Hayfield would be a much different place.
Lessons from the Past:
Fast forward to our present, in this year 774 AD, our equine world is rich, dynamic, and crucial. Looking back, we can see that horses were, and continue to be, vital members of our society, our lives intricately woven with their presence. From grand parades to the simplest farm chores, we shared every adventure together.
In Hayfield, a few years ago, one of the local farmers lost his horse to an unfortunate accident. His son was inconsolable, for he was his first pony. Seeing that bond, the love between them, truly resonated with me. It makes me think about the value of our relationship, both historically and now.
Horses haven't changed much throughout time. We still seek companionship, purpose, and respect. I hope that, by sharing a little bit about our history, I've reminded you that those beautiful creatures you admire at the park or in the fields, are descendants of the horses who helped shape history, shaped cultures, shaped a way of life.
So next time you meet a horse, a little chestnut mare in the park, or a handsome Shire in the fields, take a moment to appreciate the centuries of work and dedication woven into their DNA. You’re looking at a creature who has lived side-by-side with humans for thousands of years. We are, in essence, the horses who wrote the stories, and will continue to write them for many years to come!
Until next time, keep your hooves high and your spirits bright!
Love,
Emma
P.S. Don't forget to visit www.equiworld.org and share your thoughts on horse history! We love to hear from you!
