Greetings, fellow equestrians! Emma here, your trusty steed from the bonnie hills of Hayfield, near Aberdeen. Welcome to the 827th edition of my EquiWorld blog, where we journey back in time to explore the world of horses in the year 827 A.D.
Buckle up, because this one is a bit of a bumpy ride. The year 827 was no smooth meadow, believe me! It was a time of shifting sands, powerful kings, and fierce warriors. However, even with such tumultuous events taking place in the world, life in Hayfield remained much the same. And as a proud draught horse, that was more than enough for me.
Now, let me share a bit about myself. I am a strong grey mare with a white mane and tail that flows like a silver stream. At twenty years of age, I am a veteran of Hayfield. I have witnessed much and learned much. My life here is a mixture of work and rest, providing sustenance and strength for my human family. The strong Scottish blood coursing through my veins is put to good use in pulling plows, hauling heavy loads, and of course, occasionally enjoying the delightful luxury of carrying a young lad to school on a crisp winter morning.
827: A Year of Strife and Progress
Though nestled away in Scotland, the rumblings of the larger world often reached Hayfield, carried by the wind or whispered by traveling merchants. This year saw Vikings continue their explorations, with stories of raids and conquest arriving at our doors. Their long ships were infamous – strong, powerful, and formidable in battle. In England, the mighty King Egbert held sway. I understand he established a formidable kingdom and even challenged the might of the Vikings, claiming some of their lands as his own.
But let's get back to Hayfield. While the grand battles might have felt far away, the life of a draught horse in this time period involved an incredible amount of work, and sometimes a touch of danger.
The farm was our kingdom, where we laboured alongside the human hands. Plowing fields and reaping crops – these were tasks for which we were perfectly suited, our size and strength indispensable to the community's sustenance.
Horses of Many Talents:
As you might already know, not all horses are created equal. Our village boasted a wide variety of breeds. We had nimble ponies, quick and surefooted, who raced through the fields and delivered messages with great speed.
These were valued for their stamina and agility, capable of travelling long distances. Some even belonged to local fishermen, pulling carts full of fish, and offering them an alternative form of transportation to travelling by sea.
In addition to our own stable of working horses, visitors would sometimes bring magnificent beasts from afar. These horses were famed for their strength and size. Some even came from far off lands - like the lands of the Arabs or the wild plains of the Steppe – each breed with its own fascinating history. These steeds brought news of the world beyond Hayfield, their tales carried on the breath of travellers and merchants.
The Care and Keeping of a Draught Horse:
In Hayfield, horses were more than just working animals. We were valued members of the community. Farmers took pride in their horses, carefully attending to our needs. We were given the finest oats, the warmest shelter, and a strong, stable hand in times of need. We were well cared for. A strong horse is a valuable asset, and everyone knew that!
There was always a gentle hand, a whispered word of encouragement, or a comforting scratch behind the ear, ensuring we felt the respect and gratitude of those we served.
It was the smaller things, the moments of quiet affection, that filled my life with a sense of belonging. A quick brush of the mane, a bit of clover to nibble while watching the sunset – these were the small joys that made me feel loved and appreciated.
The bond with my human family, with whom I shared the tasks and rewards of each passing day, deepened with each passing season. And these bonds strengthened the spirit of Hayfield. It's the community, you see, the shared responsibility, the joy in simple things, and the bond of trust and respect, that creates a sense of unity, no matter the year.
Horses and the Spirit of the Time:
Looking back from the year 827, horses truly were at the heart of society. We were the means of transportation, the engines of industry, and the source of joy. Our strength propelled agriculture, aided trade, and even delivered messages of peace and war.
It was a time when people relied upon our power, our loyalty, and our resilience. They celebrated our beauty, valued our worth, and cared for our well-being, recognizing us as valued partners. This recognition was evident in the traditions that surrounded us, from the stories whispered to young children, praising our bravery and strength, to the festivals dedicated to honouring our spirit and celebrating the bond we shared with humans.
As we venture forth in time, I encourage you to remember the history of our species. Understand the power, the resilience, the trust, and the beauty we brought to the lives of those around us, forging strong connections, driving communities forward, and forever entwined with the spirit of this era.
I have always believed that history, though written by humans, can speak volumes about the incredible lives and impacts of horses, especially when looked at through the lens of an average working horse.
For those who read these words, and are able, take some time to appreciate the history that unfolded within those who gave their strength, time and energy, to a world that shaped our world today.
Until next time, stay curious, stay safe, and keep your saddles secure.
Emma, the Hayfield Draught Horse.
