Hello, fellow equines!
Emma here, a grey draught mare with a white mane and tail, and it's my pleasure to bring you another entry in my "History of Horses" blog series. I'm writing to you from Hayfield, near Aberdeen in Scotland, where the wind whistles across the moorlands and the heather blooms purple in the summer sun.
A Year in the Life of a Working Horse
It's 850 AD, a year like any other in the life of a working horse. We wake before the sun, our breath steaming into the cold morning air as we shift in our stalls. We're fed oats and hay, our manes and tails carefully brushed by the stable lads, ready for the day's work.
For me, it's mostly hauling goods – a sturdy cart laden with supplies to the nearby village, or pulling the plough across the fields, turning over the rich soil for the next harvest. Our human companions – they call themselves Vikings, or Northmen here – appreciate our strength and endurance. They trust us to do the heavy lifting, to be their reliable partners in everything from trade to war.
The other day, a new stallion arrived at our stables, all fiery red and bristling with energy. His name was Baldur, and he belonged to one of the local chieftains. Baldur was a thoroughbred, from warmer climes where they ride faster and lighter, unlike us draught horses. His arrival created a stir, but even he could appreciate the value of a sturdy draught horse like myself. We horses, you see, understand the power of a team – whether it be for pulling the cart, or surviving the harsh winter months in our shared stable.
War, Peace, and the World of Horses
Our world in 850 AD is a changing one. While life for many is quiet, simple, and focused on tending the land, we can't escape the news of conflict and change. The Vikings, like Baldur’s master, are famed raiders, navigating the seas to new lands, spreading fear and seeking riches. But there's more to them than that.
Last spring, a travelling bard rode through our village, strumming his lyre and recounting tales of adventure and conquest. He spoke of Charlemagne's mighty Frankish Empire, a land teeming with horses like us. Imagine, a realm dedicated to the breeding and care of horses, where even kings rode with grace and skill. We all held our breath, fascinated by the bard's tale of knights in shining armour, valiant steeds bearing them to victory.
We heard whispers, too, of the Arabs and their noble horses, horses with fiery spirit and sleek, athletic grace. They say these horses, bred for speed and endurance, are unmatched in the world. We draught horses admire their agility, even if our lives are focused on the practical.
The Importance of Community and Connection
Here in Hayfield, though, life is simple. It revolves around the rhythm of the seasons, the tasks of the farm, and the bonds between humans and animals. I feel a sense of camaraderie with the other horses in the stables – the older, seasoned mares, the boisterous youngsters, even Baldur, whose wild energy seems to be slowly calming with each passing day.
Our shared experiences connect us, like threads woven into a tapestry. We've seen storms lash the land and feel the comforting warmth of the sun. We've helped bring harvests to fruition and experienced the joy of a good day's work.
Looking Forward
850 AD may be a year of uncertainty and change in the wider world, but for me, it's also a year of quiet contentment. I’m a part of something larger than myself, contributing to the fabric of this village and the lives of those around me. I feel a strong sense of belonging, knowing that my strength and steadfastness are valued and appreciated.
What awaits us in the future? We'll see. Perhaps more stories from the bard, more encounters with different breeds and cultures, and the constant rhythm of life in Hayfield. But for now, I’m happy to be here, a working horse in a world that relies on our strength and unwavering dedication.
Until next time, fellow equines!
- Emma
