History of Horses in the year 0843

Ahoy there, fellow equines!

Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood grey draught horse with a penchant for wildflowers and a particularly fetching white mane and tail. I'm writing to you today from my humble abode in Hayfield, a bustling (well, relatively bustling for those times!) little village nestled near the mighty city of Aberdeen, Scotland. Today, we're stepping back in time to the year 0843 AD. It was a good year for a horse like myself, full of good hay, warm sun, and, yes, a fair bit of hard work, too.

But before we dive into the day-to-day details of my life, let's take a look at what was happening in the wider world of horses in 0843.

Remember, this was a time of upheaval. The Viking Age was in full swing, and these fierce, skilled warriors sailed the seas, their ships laden with iron, axes, and - of course - their beloved horses!

In 0843, the Vikings had already carved their mark on the history of England, causing much consternation and concern amongst the people. But for horses, it wasn't necessarily a time of doom and gloom. Viking raiders needed horses, lots of them. Strong, agile steeds for their raids and for transporting their precious goods. This meant a boom in demand, not just for horses in themselves, but also for the equipment, saddles, and tools used to train them.

Further afield, in what is now known as France, Charlemagne, that grand Emperor with the magnificent beard and even more magnificent court, had long been gone. The Carolingian Empire was crumbling, and with it, a whole way of life. Charlemagne was famous for his love of horses. He saw them not just as tools of war, but as symbols of power, grace, and endurance. His passion for breeding horses was renowned, and it was thanks to his dedication that the strong and hardy "Charlemagne Horse" was born, the ancestor of many warhorses and carriage horses seen throughout Europe.

But the legacy of Charlemagne didn't fade away completely. His work, his love for horses, his belief in their worth and value, continued to inspire, creating a legacy that rippled throughout the world, influencing horse breeding and equestrian practices even decades after his reign.

And so, 0843 wasn't just a year of battles and Viking raids. It was also a year of hope and opportunity, a year that laid the groundwork for the future of the horse, paving the way for future generations of equines, each as valuable and cherished as their ancestors.

Now, back to me, Emma. My days were filled with the familiar routines of a hardworking draught horse.

As the sun rose, I would wake to the sound of the village waking, farmers bustling around their livestock, and the delicious aroma of warm bread baking in the ovens. My own morning began with a hearty breakfast of hay and barley, a treat that was sure to put a pep in my step! Then, after a good rubdown from the stable boys (I always enjoyed a good scratch, even if I could never quite understand why those silly boys found such amusement in my mane), it was off to work.

From Farm to Field: My main duties involved hauling heavy loads of grain, timber, and whatever else needed to be moved around Hayfield. I loved the rhythmic motion of pulling the heavy wagon, the creak of the wheels, the sound of my hooves on the cobblestones. There was a certain pride in knowing I was contributing to the wellbeing of the village. It was backbreaking work, no doubt, but satisfying work, too.

I particularly loved working in the fields, helping to prepare the land for crops. The air would be filled with the scent of freshly turned earth, the buzz of bees, and the songs of birds, making the labour a delight rather than a chore.

Socialising: Though hard-working, I wasn’t completely work obsessed! Being a social butterfly, I often made friends with the other horses in Hayfield. We'd spend hours in the fields grazing, swapping stories about our daily adventures, the odd gossip about the villagers (though we never divulged anything scandalous!). I particularly enjoyed chatting with Rosie, the handsome bay mare who worked alongside me in the fields. Rosie always had the most fascinating tales, tales of battles fought, of daring escapes, of the cunning Vikings and the ever-helpful villagers who defied their incursions. Sometimes I’d be engrossed in a story, oblivious to the world around me until a sudden, sharp bark roused me back to reality, the farm dog having chased away a rogue bird from Rosie’s tail!

The Changing Seasons: My favourite times of year were definitely springtime, when the fields bloomed with wildflowers, and autumn, when the trees shimmered in fiery reds and golds. These seasons brought a kind of magic, a breathtaking beauty that only nature could create. In summer, I appreciated the cooling shade of the woods, the lazy days spent grazing under the warm sunshine. In winter, well, the long, dark nights were tough, but a nice, cosy stable, a bowl of warm mash, and a shared game of hide-and-seek with the other horses helped the time pass more quickly. There’s nothing quite like a game of hide-and-seek to warm the heart, even when it’s so cold outside your breath turns to a plume of smoke.

The Joys of Simple Living: 0843 wasn't a year of extravagant lifestyles, but it was a time of strong communities, of resilience, and of appreciating the simple things. A good day's work, a tasty meal, a friendly neigh from a companion – these were the small joys that made life beautiful, especially when shared with loved ones.

Lessons from the Past: Though centuries separate us, our ancestors faced similar challenges, learned similar lessons, and had similar triumphs. Horses today, though surrounded by technological advancements, face challenges we face, and overcome challenges we’ve overcome. We endure harsh conditions, we are called on to be courageous, to be dependable, to be loving. Perhaps most importantly, we teach, we share, we learn from each other. These qualities – hard work, dedication, loyalty, and a deep appreciation for the simple beauty of the world - have made us the special creatures we are today.

Farewell for now, my equine friends. I look forward to our next conversation. And until then, remember – keep those heads held high, those tails swishing, and those hooves moving!

Love always, Emma