Neigh-sayers, prepare yourselves! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood grey draught mare from Hayfield near Aberdeen, back with another chapter in our fascinating equine history tour. Today, we’re galloping back to the year 851 – a time when Vikings ruled the waves, and horses were, well, still horses, but with a rather different life to what we know now.
The early morning mist hung low over the fields, making the grass blades glisten like dew-kissed emeralds. My coat, a soft silver in the light, was still damp from the early morning dew as I stood in the paddock with my herd, enjoying the calm before the day’s work began. It was a peaceful start to a day that would see us pull carts, plough the fields, and help in any way we could to keep our human companions, the farmers, happy and healthy.
851 was a year of both excitement and a touch of trepidation in our part of the world. You see, the Vikings had been getting a little too bold, venturing farther and farther inland. Though mostly, their eyes were fixed on the riches of the English coastline, whispers reached Hayfield of their ships sailing up our north coast. Some called them ferocious, even barbaric, but my fellow horses and I, being mostly preoccupied with our work, tended to see them as just another type of traveller, even if they did make a fair bit of noise as they rowed by!
The biggest change for our breed, the draught horses, was in the use of the cart. These big, sturdy vehicles, made mostly of wood and leather, were becoming ever more popular for transporting goods across land. Back in my day, they were powered by our strong legs and loyal hearts. Think about it – how else were the farmers going to get their produce to market, or carry all that hefty grain for winter?
We weren’t always just workhorses. My mother told me stories of the Romans, long before my time, when our ancestors had played a big role in their army, acting as both chargers and pack animals, carrying vital supplies and carrying soldiers into battle. Those days, though, were far in the past, replaced by a life more focused on hard work and dedication, though still just as full of adventure and connection.
There was something comforting about the rhythm of my hooves pounding on the dusty road as I pulled a laden cart. The familiar feel of the reins on my neck, the gentle calls of my master, the earthy scent of the turned soil – these were the sights, sounds, and smells that filled my day.
I often think about those ancient stories my mother told about wild horses roaming the open plains. It makes me long to run freely, to feel the wind whip through my mane and tail, to taste the freedom of the wild. But in reality, my life was filled with the honest labour that gave purpose and satisfaction.
In Hayfield, we lived by a simple code, built on mutual trust between human and horse. Our strength, stamina, and hard work were valued, appreciated, and even revered. Even the little ones, the foals still learning the ways of the world, were treated with gentle patience and respect. In Hayfield, you see, we all worked together. We all shared the burdens and rewards of life on this beautiful farm, all while breathing in the crisp, clean Scottish air, living out a life full of purpose and, dare I say it, a sense of contentedness.
Even though we horses don't exactly talk like humans, there's a strong understanding between us and our human friends. A nudge, a whinny, a gentle paw – these unspoken language communicates a lot more than you might think. Trust, companionship, even a little bit of love… it's all there in the way we share our daily lives.
We had our traditions, too. Every Friday, we would gather in the field for a ritual I found quite soothing: grooming each other. Brushing the dirt off our coats, removing pesky flies and other insects, and just generally making sure each other was looking their best. Sometimes we’d even share stories – whispers of our ancestors who ran free and the legend of the ‘wild white stallion’ who supposedly lived somewhere in the far reaches of the Cairngorms.
Now, I’ll be honest, some days were tougher than others. There were times when the cart seemed too heavy, the weather too cold, or my back too sore. Yet, even in the toughest of times, the community in Hayfield and the trust we had in each other, was the guiding light that kept me going. We horses had each other, and we had the humans, and that was more than enough.
So there you have it, friends! Life in 851 – a life full of hard work, shared joys, and a strong bond between us horses and our humans. It’s a time period that deserves to be remembered, not just for the strength and power of our breed, but also for the sense of purpose and connection it fostered between us and the humans we worked alongside.
Tune in again soon for another peek into history, and remember to share your own stories and thoughts about horse life throughout history! And as always, thank you for joining me on this equine journey!
Neigh!
Emma, your grey draught mare from Hayfield.
P.S. I’d love to hear from you! What was your favourite part of this post? What other historical eras would you like to explore? Share your thoughts in the comments section! And if you'd like to discover more about horse history, visit www.equiworld.org, the online community for all things equine!
