History of Horses in the year 0820

Neigh-neigh everyone! It's Emma here, your trusty mare from Hayfield near Aberdeen, Scotland. And boy, have I got a story for you!

It's the year 820, a time of great change in our world, especially in the world of horses. Like the turn of the seasons, we've seen shifts and surprises. You know me - always a bit of a history buff - so I thought I'd share some of my musings with you lovely folks.

Now, back when I was a wee foal, my mum told me about a time before we horses were domesticated - a time when we roamed the steppes of Europe with wild abandon. They were called the "Przewalski's Horses" - those brave pioneers who paved the way for all of us. Nowadays, horses like us have a purpose, we work hard for our humans, and our bond with them is unbreakable. We carry them on their travels, we till the fields that provide our food, we help them to build, to conquer, and most importantly, to journey and explore the wonders of this world.

This year, we horses have a new friend to celebrate: the Vikings! Now, I know what you're thinking. "Vikings?" Well, yeah, the strong, fierce warriors of the north who travel in longboats. You know the type - beards down to their knees, horned helmets, and they LOVE horses! These amazing people use us for battle, for hauling their supplies and belongings, and sometimes even as mounts when they fight! It's exciting! I have a cousin who travelled to York with one of these Viking lads, and let me tell you, it's quite a story!

Speaking of journeys and expeditions…

Did you know there are now horses travelling all the way from England to Ireland? Incredible, right? You see, these amazing horses, they work for a people known as the "Irish". They've discovered something called saddle straps, which allow them to hold onto the horse better while riding! Now, I haven't tried it myself, but my cousin says it feels rather safe, as the strap holds them tight and they have a much easier time steering.

And speaking of exploring… this year I heard tell of something fascinating. A king - a very powerful king named Charlemagne, or Charles the Great - started something called the Carolingian Renaissance. What a fancy name! It sounds like some special type of magic, doesn't it? What this means, in horse language, is that the people are starting to appreciate things like knowledge, art, and you know what else? HORSES! This king really loves horses, you know. He even had a famous palomino called Sidon - just imagine, a palomino in his royal stables! He seems to believe that horses are a symbol of power and strength. Makes you feel quite proud to be a horse, doesn't it?

And here in my quiet corner of Scotland, life for us horses is all about practicality and working hard. Every day brings a different challenge, from pulling plows through the tough Highland soil to transporting wheat and oats, making sure there's enough to eat. I must say, the smell of fresh hay and oats in the air is one of my favourite things - I know, I know, some horses might be picky about their food, but for me, it's simple - I'll eat anything as long as it's healthy!

The locals in Hayfield appreciate us too. They know we are the backbone of their farming community, and they keep us warm and well-fed, and they use our strength to keep things running smoothly. I'm quite happy here - sure, I like to think about grand adventures, but there's also something nice about living a simple, purposeful life in this peaceful part of the world.

You know what's truly wonderful? Horse fairs! A celebration of all things equine! We horses love to get together, to meet new friends, and sometimes even show off our fancy paces and fancy footwork! It's such a fun occasion, where everyone can catch up, trade news, and even swap gossip.

This year, I even got to go to the biggest fair - Aberdeen, right on the east coast of Scotland! We saw so many other horses from different parts of the land! Some sleek and spirited thoroughbreds, and others sturdy workhorses like myself. You could smell leather and hay, hear the horses' neighing, and feel the buzz in the air - a real festival of our breed. You know, horses really are a powerful symbol of strength, endurance, and hope for everyone!

This is just a glimpse of life for a horse in the year 820, a time of change, expansion, and growth. It’s a time of discovery, and for me, it’s also a reminder to always appreciate the little things. Even though we don't have saddles and bridle, we still manage to live useful lives, contributing to our communities.

Sometimes I sit and watch the sunrise over the rolling hills, and I just imagine how things might change for us in the future. New inventions, new technologies, and who knows, maybe one day horses like me will get to ride those fast boats I hear the Vikings are building!

Till next time, stay strong and neigh-vellous, everyone!

Emma the Grey Mare.

P.S.: I'd love to hear your thoughts, dear readers! What do you think about horses being used for work? Do you think the Vikings' love for horses is a good thing? Have you ever been to a horse fair?

Remember, you can share your comments on the Equiworld forum, www.equiworld.org.