Neigh Neigh Neigh, fellow equine enthusiasts!
Emma here, your resident historian from the verdant meadows of Hayfield, near Aberdeen in bonnie Scotland. This month’s blog takes us back to the year 863, a time of sweeping change, both for humans and for us horses.
Today, as I graze amongst the heather, I can’t help but imagine what life was like in that era, centuries before my birth. What would the horses of 863 have been thinking? How were their lives intertwined with the lives of humans?
Let’s take a journey back in time, through the eyes of a fellow equine.
Life as a Draught Horse in 863Imagine being a large, sturdy grey mare like me. Your coat shimmers like moonlight on a frosted moorland, and your white mane and tail flow like silk in the wind. You are a draught horse, born to pull plows and carts. Your life is a tapestry woven with the rhythms of the seasons:
Spring: The ground thaws, and you eagerly work alongside your human companions to prepare the fields for the planting of oats and barley. The air hums with the songs of skylarks, and your muscles flex as you pull the heavy plows through the freshly tilled soil.
Summer: The meadows are awash in wildflowers, and you graze contentedly in the dappled sunlight, sharing your space with the other horses in your village. Your foal frolics alongside you, a bouncing bundle of energy, learning the ways of the world.
Autumn: The days grow shorter, and you feel the change in the crisp, invigorating air. You work tirelessly to gather the harvest, pulling the carts piled high with sheaves of golden grain. Your muscles ache with fatigue, but the joy of accomplishment outweighs the weariness.
Winter: The earth lies shrouded in a blanket of snow, and you are sheltered in a cozy stall. You hear the rhythmic clinking of horseshoes being shod, the comforting sound of human voices, and the soft, steady breaths of your fellow companions.
But there’s a shadow cast over the year 863 – a shadow of fear and uncertainty. Across the icy waters, a formidable force is stirring – the Vikings!
Imagine your human family gathered around the fire, faces drawn, eyes watchful. They whisper tales of fearsome warriors, their longboats cutting through the waves like hungry sharks. Tales of the Viking raids, the fiery destruction of towns and villages, the cries of the bereaved, reach your ears, filtering through the whispers and anxieties of your human companions.
You can sense their fear, and a primordial instinct tells you danger is lurking. These Vikings, they’re a threat not just to humans, but to you, to your community, to the peace that you have known all your life.
From Horses to CavalryThese times of upheaval were instrumental in shaping the relationship between humans and horses. It wasn't just about farming anymore; the horse was becoming more than a working animal.
As Vikings ventured deeper into Scotland, humans recognized the need for a faster, more agile mode of defense. The mighty steeds, which had long been pulling plows, were slowly but surely transitioning into warriors on the battlefield.
Think of it like a phoenix rising from the ashes. The horse, already known for its strength and power, was now taking on a new role – a role that required courage, agility, and the ability to move swiftly on uneven terrain.
This is where horses like me began to acquire new skills. My young foals are learning to maneuver swiftly, their hooves learning the cadence of the march, the rhythmic beat of the human war drum, the clatter of steel against steel.
And though my work remains primarily focused on the field, I can sense that the times are changing. A shift is occurring. Perhaps, in a few years, I, too, will be trained for warfare. But for now, my heart beats in rhythm with the farm’s cycle, my thoughts dwell upon the rolling hills of Hayfield.
A Time of GrowthAs the days blend into months, I witness the gradual changes happening in our human society. It’s as if they are learning, adapting, growing alongside us horses.
Technology: Humans are discovering innovative ways to harness our power. They’re building stronger harnesses, stronger carts.
Military Might: The threat of Viking raids is spurring a development of strategies for defending against this new, unexpected menace.
Shared Journey: A strong bond is forged between horse and human, a bond that has grown stronger over centuries.
Today, standing under the warm, benevolent sun of a Scottish summer, I realize that even in the distant past, our horses had a remarkable role in shaping the world. We are more than just beasts of burden. We are companions, allies, and perhaps even, in this changing world, we are protectors.
It's our story, the horse story, that continues to be written every day, every century, throughout time. Our tale is interwoven with that of humans – a dance between strength and vulnerability, power and companionship, fear and love.
Join me next month as I share another glimpse into the rich tapestry of history, through the eyes of a horse.
And remember: If you have any interesting insights or facts about horses throughout history, do share them on this post. Let’s explore the amazing story of the horse, together.
Until next time, stay neigh-ing!
Emma
