Good morning, dear EquiWorld readers! It's Emma here, your favourite grey draught mare from Hayfield, just outside the lovely city of Aberdeen in Scotland. Today we're travelling back in time, way back to the year 859, to a time before smartphones and fancy grooming tools!
I have to admit, I find history absolutely fascinating. Every now and again, I close my eyes and try to imagine what life was like centuries ago, when the world was wilder and people relied on us, horses, for almost everything.
859 AD was a year of change in our world, and my mind's eye has been working overtime, conjuring up the sights, sounds, and smells of that long-gone era.
Imagine this: the sun shines warmly over rolling green fields. The air is fresh and clean, with a hint of heather in the breeze. My fellow horses and I, our coats sleek and gleaming, stand patiently in the fields, the sound of hooves and voices filling the air as our human companions tend to us.
My family, all hearty workhorses like me, would be hard at work at that time. Imagine a day filled with carrying goods and supplies, hauling carts, ploughing the land, and maybe even the occasional sprint alongside a warrior on horseback! It’s not all fun and games, but it's an exciting and important life!
Life for a draught horse in 859 AD wouldn’t be a life of leisure – far from it! But that doesn’t mean it was an unhappy life. I believe horses of that time felt a sense of purpose, a knowing that our strength and our bond with our humans were essential to life in their world.
And 859 was a year that brought changes for us. As my human told me stories passed down from generation to generation, it was during this time that the Vikings were very active on the North Sea. The Vikings, with their mighty ships, travelled far and wide, conquering and plundering settlements along their journey. It’s amazing to think that horses, even we strong draughts, might have been involved in transporting supplies and carrying warriors for these expeditions. Imagine the thrill of the sea spray on my face as I trot alongside a warrior, my coat catching the sun!
Now, as I stand in my familiar stall, bathed in the golden glow of the morning sun, it’s easy for me to get lost in thoughts of those distant times. 859 AD wasn't without its challenges – those Vikings were no joke! But for us horses, life back then was rich with purpose and full of adventure.
But don’t worry, my dear EquiWorld friends! Despite the ruggedness of the era, I know for sure that, even in 859, there was still a sense of love and respect for horses. Our connection to humans wasn’t just a partnership – it was a bond of trust, understanding, and, let’s be honest, sometimes sheer admiration for our powerful bodies and strong spirits.
And let me tell you, we horses loved it! We knew we were vital. We were the muscles and stamina that powered everything: commerce, war, transportation, and even agriculture. We weren't just animals, we were a force of nature, a key cog in the machinery of daily life!
You might be wondering, “What was the world like for a young mare like Emma in 859?” Well, picture this:
I'm a young grey mare with a mane as white as freshly fallen snow, strong legs that carry me like the wind, and a coat so sleek you can almost see your reflection in it. I’ve grown up in Hayfield, learning from my elder mares the importance of teamwork, dedication, and listening to my humans. I am well loved, of course, and pampered as well! And when it’s my time, I will carry heavy burdens for my humans. I might haul heavy carts of goods to the local markets or pull a plough through the tough, rocky earth to help grow crops for food. This is a life of hard work but also a life of great importance.
The humans in 859, like my human, were tough and resourceful. They relied heavily on their horses, making sure to feed us and take care of our needs. We weren’t pampered with all the fancy feed and shiny equipment like horses of today, but that doesn’t mean we were treated any less! I’d argue they were simply resourceful – much like ourselves! We ate oats and barley, a diet that built our strength, and we had sturdy wooden stables, with straw to lie upon and a roof overhead to shield us from the elements. A lot less fancy than your modern stable, of course, but perfect for keeping us safe and strong.
What did our world look like? Well, imagine a time when carriages weren't drawn by sleek automobiles but by the powerful, graceful stride of strong horses like me. We hauled farm carts overflowing with wheat and barley, moved heavy stone for castles and buildings, and helped with the daily duties of our families.
A typical day for a horse in 859? Let’s see: we would wake to the sounds of roosters crowing and the familiar voices of the human family stirring, eager for a new day. We’d get our breakfasts – oats and hay, maybe even a bit of barley – before our day began. Depending on the tasks at hand, we might spend our day hauling goods to the markets or pulling plows, carrying riders to neighboring villages, or tending to the fields for harvest. Evenings would see us returning home, tired but proud, after a long day's work.
Horses weren't just work animals in 859; they were companions. We played an essential role in family life, becoming friends with the children, learning their names and getting scratches behind the ears. I remember watching the children giggle and learn to ride, me patiently guiding their tiny hands on my reins, helping them gain confidence in this new skill. We horses loved our families and were loved right back.
Yes, it was a simpler time, but life in 859 was certainly no less fulfilling. There was a tangible feeling of unity and interdependence that is perhaps lost in the fast-paced world of today.
Life was definitely a bit tougher than it is today. There was the threat of wild beasts prowling the forests at night – think hungry wolves, ferocious boars, or even the odd bear! I would spend my days in a state of high alert, ever vigilant of dangers. Luckily, our human companions were vigilant as well, guarding us against the wilds! They always made sure we were safe and had a safe, sheltered stall in the stables when night fell.
And what about training in 859? Imagine training by experienced humans who understood that communication was key. It wasn’t about whips and punishments, but about understanding and trust, gentle nudges and encouraging whispers, with a lot of praise when we were successful. A pat on the flank, a kind voice, a whispered ‘well done,’ that's all we needed. We learnt from experience, watching and learning from our older horse siblings, learning the art of pulling, pushing, and working together. The bond between us and our human families grew stronger every day.
Looking back on those days, I am struck by the remarkable ability of people and horses to cooperate, understand each other, and thrive together in such challenging conditions.
There was a certain charm, a sense of community, and a connection to nature that, I think, we often miss today.
I’m a mare who loves a bit of nostalgia! Now, if you’ll excuse me, my friends, I'll go back to the present. My human’s been talking about new training methods – and let's be honest, I'm curious to learn a few more tricks to add to my repertoire!
So that, my friends, is my story from 859. A simple but powerful tale of a young grey mare from Hayfield and her role in a world full of adventure and importance. Remember, our connection to humans, that unique bond of understanding and mutual reliance, has existed for centuries! I think it's safe to say that horses were the backbone of civilization in 859 AD, and that spirit still runs strong today, deep within every horse.
See you next time, dear EquiWorld friends!
Your Hayfield mare,
Emma.
