Welcome, fellow equestrians! I’m Emma, a 20-year-old grey mare with a white mane and tail. You could say I’ve seen a thing or two. In fact, my life is full of such charming tales. Today, I'd like to take you back to 0830 AD. It's a rather interesting year.
Now, 0830 might seem a tad long ago, but trust me, my dear readers, horses were still at the heart of it all. It's how we humans got around, carried our goods, and even ploughed the land for our food! And back then, the year was pretty exciting in the horse world. Imagine! A little town near Aberdeen, Hayfield to be precise. Think wild heather hills, the crisp Scottish air, and the occasional taste of fresh grass...Ah, good times!
But even here in our idyllic valley, there was news buzzing about – especially from our friendly merchant who travelled with his pack horses to faraway lands. They brought news of a place called "Franca", now known as France. Fancy that, my dear readers! They say it was ruled by an "Emperor" – very important fellow with a regal air.
He even had his very own stable of horses - imagine the size of those stables! I'm picturing beautiful stables built with stone, the air fragrant with hay and fresh straw, and magnificent stallions with coats the colour of polished chestnuts and a flowing mane like a silken waterfall. I long to see the elegant, noble steeds of Franca. What a wonderful time it must be!
This year was all about the rise of horses. Their roles in war and peace are both critical - even though I prefer the gentle, rhythmic work of the plough, to be honest. My human family relies on me for the work and food, you know. My strong, broad chest helps to cultivate the rich earth for plump wheat that goes straight into the flour sacks!
You can imagine the joy of my life, can't you? My hooves beat a happy rhythm against the hard earth, my nose enjoys a good, strong tug of the heavy harness, and there's the feeling of achieving something worthwhile - a good day's work in the field!
Back in 0830, my friend Bramble (a chestnut cob with a penchant for napping) tells me the tales from his human's work with the king - King Alfred, they called him. He’s renowned for all sorts of things – his bravery and wisdom being two, from what my Bramble friend told me. He has an army of horses and men, protecting the kingdom and fighting for what is good and true.
There’s an even grander plan by Alfred - he plans to build his very own cavalry, a "King’s Own Horses," Bramble tells me! This isn't just any group; it’s a well-trained unit, like knights in shiny armour and riding some magnificent steeds! I can almost hear the trumpets and the rhythmic clash of hooves on the ground as they march toward victory.
It makes me feel quite proud to be part of the horse family – these powerful, intelligent creatures with such a crucial role in history. We help protect, transport, and feed all the people back in 0830!
You might be surprised at what our ancestors in 0830 AD accomplished, even if it was 1,200 years ago. It's amazing to know that horse riding wasn’t a luxury reserved only for those high-born nobles. It was a necessity for most - how else did they move, you know! It's what keeps our strong muscles so strong, that’s why I get plenty of hay to eat every day - keep those hoofs moving.
The 9th century – or 0830 AD if you want to be really specific, my dear reader – wasn't just about power. People in 0830 also enjoyed watching horses in sports. It was common to find towns, or as we'd call them today "villages" with horse races. The thrill, the adrenaline of a horse galloping at full speed is something we never lose, my readers. You should see me at Hayfield - my speed is legendary. I almost outran a wolf on the mountain, only narrowly escaped too, oh my, how those wolves can run!
It was also common to have horse games where riders displayed their skills by riding at speed or performing stunts.
Now, can you imagine all those centuries ago, my readers, how important the humble horse was to people? Not only for transport, war, or food, but even as a symbol of courage and grace? They represented a kind of magical link with something larger, a power far greater than ourselves. That, my reader, is how horses were valued back then, how they're remembered even today.
So, what about us now in this day and age, where we have shiny, bright cars? You can have the best of both worlds, you know?
That’s how horses still remain relevant, just not necessarily the way our ancestors relied upon us 1,200 years ago. We still hold a unique place in history, a reminder of our strength, wisdom, and the unbreakable connection between human and animal that started in 0830 AD, and continues to this day.
Keep galloping and shining brightly, my equestrian friends!
Emma, the grey mare with a white mane and tail.
#EquilWorld #History #Horses #0830AD #Hayfield
