History of Horses in the year 0822

Hello, my fellow equine enthusiasts! It’s Emma, your resident history buff from Hayfield near Aberdeen, Scotland, and welcome to the 822nd installment of my equine adventures blog. As a sturdy grey draught horse with a flowing white mane and tail, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing history unfold before my very hooves – and today, I’m excited to share some fascinating tidbits about life in the world of horses in the year 822 A.D.

It’s quite a year, let me tell you. Across the wide expanses of Europe, horses play an integral part in people’s lives. Their strong muscles and unwavering spirit are valued for every task, from carrying heavy loads to helping farmers tend their crops. We are the lifeblood of trade, a lifeline for armies, and most importantly, loyal companions to those we serve.

Now, for those who have yet to meet me, allow me to introduce myself. I am a robust grey mare with a dappled coat that shimmers in the sunlight. My white mane and tail cascade down my back, and I proudly wear a strong, thick-set build, the hallmark of a trusty draught horse. At 20 years old, I’ve lived a full and fascinating life. From helping farmers till the land to hauling timber through dense forests, I have seen it all. And of course, through my own observations and conversations with other horses, I have garnered a rich knowledge of this incredible era.

So, without further ado, let’s journey through the equine landscape of 822 A.D.

This year, I had the privilege of being involved in a very grand event – the coronation of the new king of the Anglo-Saxons! His name is Egbert, and he is said to have been a mighty and noble warrior. He is crowned in a grand ceremony in Winchester, and the occasion is filled with the joyous neighs of countless horses as they pull carriages adorned with rich tapestries and vibrant banners. The entire procession is a marvel of vibrant colors and sounds, the air buzzing with anticipation.

During the coronation, the horses used for the royal carriages were adorned with stunning, intricate harnesses, with sparkling brass buckles and delicately woven leather straps. Each horse was a masterpiece, a symbol of wealth and power. As the king entered the city on a handsome grey stallion, the ground seemed to shake with the thunder of so many hooves. It was a scene I will never forget, a true testament to the strength and elegance of our kind.

In 822, the Vikings are making their presence known across the lands, and their use of horses in warfare is truly something to behold. In Scandinavia, their skilled riders are renowned for their bravery and fearlessness in battle. These brave Vikings ride fearlessly into battle, their horses adrenaline-charged and willing to fight alongside their masters. They are experts at utilizing swift cavalry attacks, using horses to outmaneuver their enemies, a sight both awe-inspiring and somewhat terrifying.

My cousin, a dappled mare named Fiona, actually served as a war horse for a Norse lord during a battle against a rival clan in Ireland. She told me the sound of clashing swords, the thunder of hooves, and the screams of men were overwhelming but thrilling. While she has a scar near her flank from an arrow, Fiona is quite proud of her participation in this fierce engagement. She reminds me often, “Courage is strength, and strength is beautiful, my dear Emma. Just ask the Vikings.”

Fiona, bless her spirit, seems to relish the thought of being a valiant warrior horse. Me, on the other hand, prefer to admire the strength and speed of my fellow equine companions from a safe distance. The battlefields of Scandinavia don’t hold any allure for this draught horse. Perhaps it is better suited for pulling heavy plows than clashing swords, I thought.

While we have to acknowledge the strength and speed of the Viking warriors and their equine companions, it is horses like me that really make the wheels of civilization turn!

My home here in Hayfield, nestled in the rolling hills of Scotland, is a prime example. Every day, I help my human, a kindly old man named Donald, plow the fields for oats, wheat, and barley. He’s kind enough to keep me well-fed and properly cared for, but most importantly, he understands the power of horses. He trusts us implicitly.

Without us, the farmers of Scotland wouldn’t be able to produce the harvests necessary to sustain their communities, and there wouldn’t be enough food for the people. We also help them haul firewood from the forests for warmth and cooking. What a vital role we play in their everyday lives! It's fulfilling to know that I’m a key component in sustaining their existence.

Donald has shared stories of the great castles and towns throughout the Kingdom of Scotland. He has spoken about the horses there who are crucial to transportation. Horses like myself, carrying goods from one market town to another. We are responsible for keeping the kingdom running, hauling vital supplies, bringing traders and travellers from far and wide.

Even the finest artisans use us to transport their creations: the magnificent tapestries of York, the beautiful hand-wrought iron of the smithies of Sheffield, the exquisitely carved stone from the quarries of Bath. These intricate pieces of art would never reach the noble families and the merchants of these faraway lands without the steady strength and reliability of horses.

It makes my heart swell with pride to think of our importance. It’s a responsibility I take to heart. I make sure to plod diligently and work hard because, as my friend Cletus the plow horse always says, “A well-fed horse is a happy horse.”

I’ve learned that across the land, people are always looking for new ways to make their lives easier.

This year, a travelling bard from Brittany spoke to Donald about something he calls a “windmill,” which harnesses the power of the wind to turn machinery. I couldn’t understand it at first; it was like talking about a fantastical being that could move water with a giant flapping arm. However, after hearing Donald talk to his neighbours about it, I understood it was about using the power of the natural world to our advantage.

The people who create these “windmills,” he explained, are called “millers,” and they build them by the shores of the sea to use the wind to grind grains. It seems remarkable, as horses are often used for that very task! However, the millers believe that the wind can grind even faster than the most determined horse! I can't say I believe that, but I am sure Donald has some exciting stories about these innovative contraptions.

Then there are these structures that I have heard so much about from travellers - “watermills”! Donald says these contraptions also use the power of nature, using a rushing river to power giant wheels and mills, but rather than grind grain, they can crush stones or saw wood. Imagine, not having to use a horse to perform those demanding tasks. It feels quite astounding!

Now, I realize some folks are saying that machines like those water mills and windmills will replace the use of horses. But here's the truth - I believe the horses’ role in society will always remain strong. We have so much to offer! We’re strong, reliable, adaptable, and truly connected to the land and our human companions. We bring strength and companionship in equal measure, something those “windmills” and “watermills” will never be able to replicate!

The horses of 822 A.D. will continue to be at the heart of our society. I will keep my head high, work tirelessly alongside my fellow horses, and make my human proud. It's our job to keep this beautiful and magnificent world moving, one hoof step at a time.

Join me next week for another thrilling instalment in my ongoing “Equine Adventures”! I will be looking at the development of horses and how their roles are evolving alongside the advances in farming, the growth of cities, and the expanding frontiers of trade and travel.

Until then, stay safe and strong, dear fellow equines. And remember, the world is a brighter place with a little bit of neigh-bourhood magic in our hearts.

Find more interesting posts by me on www.equiworld.org, your source for the history of horses throughout the ages!