Greetings, fellow equines and horse-lovers! Emma here, your resident grey draught horse from the beautiful rolling hills of Hayfield near Aberdeen, Scotland. Today, I'm taking you on a journey back in time to the year 784 AD - a time when life was simple, and hard work was a daily ritual.
I must confess, life in 784 AD wasn't always easy for a hardworking horse like myself, but it was definitely rewarding. You see, I was born and raised on the family farm, nestled amongst fields of barley and meadows of clover, so life here felt perfectly normal. The weather could be fierce, and the long days felt even longer during the harsh Scottish winters, but we horses were tough, bred to endure the harshest of conditions.
A Day in the Life
Let me give you a glimpse into my typical day in 784. Each morning started before the sun, with the sound of my master, young Alasdair, calling for me. We would harness up and head out to the fields. We would start with the ploughing, turning the stubborn soil for planting. The weight of the plough was substantial, and I learned quickly how to harness my strength with precision and finesse. My white tail would stream in the wind, keeping me cool in the summer sun, and my coat, thick and strong, offered warmth against the icy winds. We'd also transport harvested grain, moving sacks of oats from field to barn, our steady feet helping to deliver the bounty of the land.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the aroma of supper, rich with the smells of barley broth and bread, would waft from the kitchen. We'd return home to our stable, a rustic but comforting haven for the night. The smell of fresh straw, the murmur of our neighbours – the other horses and cows – all blended into a soothing lullaby as we sank our heads onto the bedding for a well-deserved rest.
A Journey to the Village Market
But there was more to life than just working the fields! My favourite days were when Alasdair and I made our journey to the village market. Our journey would take us along a rough, cobbled track, often filled with fellow farmers, merchants, and even the occasional traveler. It was on these days that I truly experienced the social fabric of our community. We'd see sheep being herded, families walking with carts laden with produce, and sometimes, a group of young children who’d come along for a bit of a bustling market adventure.
The village market was abuzz with activity. Traders hawked their wares, while others chatted amongst themselves, their voices blending with the calls of birds and the clattering of hooves. I’d pause, my grey coat gleaming in the sunlight, watching people barter and haggle for prices. The bustling marketplace, full of life and vibrancy, was a stark contrast to the quiet, working days back at the farm.
Horse-power Around the World
Though I may be a small farm horse from a faraway corner of Scotland, my work reflects a truth that is shared by horses across the world – our essential contribution to human society. In the year 784, horses were crucial. We powered the fields, transporting goods, and providing valuable transportation.
In 784, a bustling equestrian scene was already forming throughout Europe. In England, King Offa, a powerful and prosperous king, had a magnificent horse cavalry, protecting his territory. While across the English Channel in Gaul, Charlemagne, a keen equestrian, was busy forging his empire. His warriors relied heavily on horseback, and he was known to personally enjoy hunting and horsemanship. In the far East, horses were central to the Mongol empire’s rapid rise and military prowess, showcasing their power and agility across vast steppes.
Even in our humble Hayfield village, a sense of shared pride emanates from the way we horses are treated with respect and care. The strength of horses in 784 is unquestioned. We are not only relied upon to do our jobs but are celebrated for our vital contribution to every aspect of daily life.
A Legacy for Generations to Come
As I stand here in my stable, writing my reflections for EquiWorld.org, I feel a strong sense of kinship with all my equine brothers and sisters across the globe. While our lives are vastly different – some living on sprawling estates, others enduring the rigours of travel, others serving in wars and races - we share a common history, built on strength, determination, and resilience. The legacy of horses in the year 784, a time of hard work and steadfast devotion, is a legacy we continue to build and shape with every passing day.
Until next time, stay strong and May your oats be plentiful and your hooves steady.
With love, Emma
