Greetings, fellow equines!
Emma here, a twenty-year-old grey mare, gracing the world with my presence from the fields of Hayfield, just outside Aberdeen. It’s a crisp morning here, the air is clear, and the fields are just starting to show the promise of spring. It’s the perfect time for me to pen another post for Equiworld.org, delving into the fascinating history of our beloved horse kind.
This time, we'll be venturing into the year 862 AD. A year, you see, where things were stirring, especially on the shores of Britain. The Vikings, those tough-as-nails Norsemen, had been dipping their toes in our waters for some time, raiding settlements and leaving their mark on the history books. But this year, 862 AD, saw them begin a deeper foray into Britain.
And of course, wherever humans go, horses follow! Let's delve into what was happening in the equine world of 862 AD.
The Horse as a Constant Companion
862 AD wasn't a world of sleek racehorses and glistening saddles. This was a time when horses were hard-working members of the community. Their strength and stamina made them crucial for everything from farming and transportation to warfare. It was a time when man and horse were truly inseparable.
For us horses in Hayfield, 862 AD was like any other. We helped to till the fields, to bring in the harvest, to carry goods to market. It was a good life, though we did hear whispers of what was happening in other parts of Britain, of raiding and turmoil. These tales, shared around the stable during quiet evenings, made my hooves prick with worry.
The Vikings Arrive
While we in Hayfield were leading quiet lives, a different breed of horse was making headlines. The Vikings, as you all know, were master seamen and raiders. But they were also exceptional horsemen. They favoured strong, hardy breeds that could withstand the rigours of travel, combat, and, unfortunately, the chaos that often ensued during their raids.
While it’s tough to find concrete historical records from this era, some experts suggest that the Vikings brought with them their beloved Norwegian horses. These hardy animals, used for everything from carrying their baggage to pulling their war chariots, were incredibly important to their success.
Imagine the sight of these majestic animals charging into battle, carrying fearless Viking warriors upon their backs! What an inspiring and terrifying sight that must have been. Even in the quiet of Hayfield, the very ground seemed to tremble when the tales of their battles reached our ears.
Beyond Warfare: The Horses of the Viking World
But the Vikings weren’t just about pillaging and raiding. They also excelled in agriculture and trade, and these horses, besides warfare, helped to fuel their booming trade. These adaptable steeds would transport goods from far-off lands, even braving perilous journeys across the open sea.
Their journey was crucial to bringing about a period of cultural exchange between the Norse and British people. And as history reveals, when humans connect, so too do their steeds. While the Vikings weren’t solely responsible for introducing new horse breeds, they did influence the movement of these animals, leading to genetic diversity and, consequently, strengthening the overall horse population in Britain.
Horses and their role in society: a look beyond 862 AD
Here in Hayfield, life may have been quiet in 862 AD, but the arrival of the Vikings was a clear sign of things to come. As you may already know, the Vikings would later conquer the Danelaw in 878 AD, which in turn further brought Norse and British cultures together, further deepening the bond between humans and horses.
This influx of horse breeds and training techniques brought changes that ripple through history even until this very day. Their contributions are woven into the fabric of our equine legacy, even down here in the calm countryside of Hayfield.
So there you have it, dear readers. 862 AD was a pivotal year, not just in human history, but in the horse world too! From the steady working life of our Hayfield horses to the thrilling tales of the Viking steeds, this year offered a glimpse of the powerful relationship that has existed for millennia. And it continues today, right here in the stable of our hearts, forever binding us to humans in a bond as ancient as the first hoofprints on Earth.
Till next time, happy trotting!
Emma
P.S. If you'd like to explore more about horses of this era, leave a comment below! I'd love to hear from you!
