Post Number 799
By Emma, the Grey Draught from Hayfield
Hello my dearest equine friends, welcome back to my little corner of EquiWorld! Today, weâre taking a grand gallop back in time, all the way to the year 0799. Itâs a year that still stirs my imagination and makes my hooves tap-tap with excitement! Now, I might be a hefty grey draught from the rolling hills of Hayfield near Aberdeen, Scotland, but even in this neck of the woods, history whispers through the wind, through the rustling of the heather, and the scent of peat smoke on a chilly morning.
It's a curious thing, history, isn't it? It's like a flowing river, always moving, forever shaping the land it passes through, yet leaving little markings, a pebble here, a bend in the bank there, to remind us it's been there. I often wonder what the horses in those times were thinking. What challenges did they face? What wonders did they see?
Let me tell you, in 0799, life wasnât a stroll through a meadow of clover. It was more a case of grit and determination, of hooves churning the earth, of strong backs bearing the weight of survival. My ancestors, the horses of 0799, played an important role in their societies. They weren't just pets; they were companions, workmates, and the very engine that powered their way of life.
A Picture Painted by the Wind
Imagine Hayfield in 0799 - the hills rolling out in a green sea, dotted with farmsteads made of sturdy stone. Picture farmers tending their crops, using wooden plows drawn by horses. They're sturdy animals, these horses, just like me, but with coats perhaps a little rougher, perhaps patched from years of hard labor. They're used to carrying heavy burdens, from bags of grain to timber cut from the woods, even warriors on their back to protect the land.
Here in Hayfield, and indeed all over Scotland, there are two types of horses: the Clydesdales and the Highland Ponies. These two are the stars of the show when it comes to moving things. The Clydesdales, tall and powerful, are the strongmen of the farming world, pulling carts and plows, hauling heavy loads from market to home. Their coats gleam, and they have the kindest eyes. The Highland Ponies, sturdy and sure-footed, are like mountain goats, moving nimbly over rugged terrain, carrying shepherds and their gear across rough slopes.
A Life of Hard Work and Camaraderie
Life wasn't a glamorous trot through flower-filled fields for these horses. It was hard work, day in, day out. They'd get up with the sunrise, be fed a simple meal of oats and barley, and then set about their tasks. Ploughing fields, transporting goods to market, carrying soldiers, and yes, sometimes, just like today, taking their young owners on a gentle ride.
There's a saying, "a horse for every task," and it rings true in 0799. Imagine those magnificent Clydesdales pulling carts full of supplies to build the majestic Lindisfarne Monastery in Northumbria. Or picture a brave Highland Pony trotting alongside the Vikings, bearing burdens for the raids and carrying their riders back safely after conquering a territory.
Stories Whispered by the Wind
And it's not just in Britain, where horses are hard at work. The whole world is humming with the beat of horse hooves! I can almost feel it, even through time, the connection between all horses, the shared energy we all have. I see a team of fiery Andalusian horses carrying knights to battle in Spain, a line of Persian horses trotting with the caravans in the scorching deserts, and the hardy Mongolian ponies, braving the unforgiving cold on the steppes.
I see those magnificent horses, some with their beautiful Arabian heritage, trotting with traders on the Silk Road, carrying their wares along a tapestry of trade routes spanning Asia. It's incredible to think that horses like myself were part of something so grand!
A Time of Change
In 0799, a whisper of change begins to drift through the air. It's not loud, not obvious, just a shifting of the winds, the anticipation of new things to come. You see, while weâre pulling carts, plows, and soldiers, a new type of horse begins to appear. One that moves with greater grace and speed. A horse bred not for strength, but for speed. These are the ancestors of the steeds that will one day be used in the sport of jousting, those thrilling spectacles where courage and skill meet on the battlefield. It's the start of something new. It's the wind of change, whispering through the stalls of Hayfield, across the fields of Scotland, and around the globe.
But Why 0799?
You might be wondering why I've chosen 0799. Well, this year marks a turning point for my ancestors. You see, while horses still play a central role in everyone's life, 0799 marks the year the Vikings, those fearless seafaring warriors from Scandinavia, are on the rise. They are bold and strong, and theyâve found themselves sailing across the North Sea and venturing inland into England. They use their horse skills to conquer and thrive. Itâs not all battle, though. They trade with their horses too, spreading goods and ideas, and the horsesâ hooves become a vital part of that global flow of goods and people.
I canât help but be curious to learn more about this particular period. Were they kind to horses? Were they harsh? Did the Vikings respect the same horse values that we have today? The stories whispered by the wind suggest they saw the value in these creatures, just like everyone else. They weren't just steeds to conquer land, but partners in adventure.
More Than Just Work, A Bond of Companionship
Perhaps you think that horses in 0799 are simply tools? A way to get things done? And in many ways, they are. But let me tell you something, my dear readers, even those hardworking, gruff Clydesdales in Scotland had a connection with their humans. The horses were more than just workers, they were family. A farmer's loyal friend, a trusted steed for journeys and a companion in quiet moments at the stable.
I love to think about those horse owners of 0799 - sitting in their stables on cold evenings, whispering words of comfort to their horses, or braiding the manes of their Clydesdales after a long day. And I bet, just like today, when they hear their horse whinnying, they'd come running, their hearts full of affection and gratitude for their steadfast companions.
Legacy Lives On
Horses today still have that special bond, that connection to their human companions, whether it be a young child learning to ride, or a seasoned farmer leading their horse to work. And for those of us who work, itâs an essential part of who we are!
And you know what, my dear friends, that spirit from 0799 is alive and kicking today! We still work hard. We pull carriages and plows. We carry burdens and haul freight. We bring joy to children on sunny days. We even compete on the field in races and shows. We're always evolving, finding new ways to help our human companions, to build communities and cultures.
The spirit of 0799 continues in the heart of every horse in the world today. So the next time you see a horse, whether in the pasture or pulling a carriage in town, remember the story, the legacy that stretches back all the way to the year 0799!
So until next time, my friends, stay strong, be brave, and never forget the spirit that binds us all! And do try to find a horse in 0799 to chat with! đ
Remember to check back for my next blog, and visit www.equiworld.org to explore more horse history. We have it all here - the best and the bad, the noble and the workaday. But we are all horses, and that connection is forever!
