By Emma, Hayfield, Scotland
Hello fellow equines, and welcome to another post from yours truly, Emma, a seasoned draught mare, just turning twenty! The sun is finally shining in Hayfield after what feels like months of rain and fog, and the heather is in full bloom. Such beauty makes me realise how lucky we are to be part of this wonderful world, a world of lush meadows, sturdy farmhouses, and, most importantly, lots and lots of hay.
Speaking of hay, I recently learned something fascinating from the stable hands! It seems 875 AD is a momentous year, a turning point of sorts for our kind. For those who aren't history buffs like myself, the year 875 AD marked a turning point in how people used horses.
Before, life was mostly about working the land and moving goods with horses like me. Our lives revolved around pulling carts and ploughs, delivering supplies, and carrying the burden of the day. Don't get me wrong, we weren't mistreated. Our human companions respected us, and treated us as friends and partners in our shared labour.
Vikings, Horses and a Change in Direction
But the year 875 brought about a change, a whirlwind of activity with Vikings making their mark. You may have heard whispers of these tall, blond men who arrived from Scandinavia on longboats with terrifying shields and even more terrifying horned helmets. We horses saw them as well - not the most pleasant of visitors, with their booming voices and quick, erratic movements.
Now, what do Vikings and horses have to do with each other? It seems they brought a love for horses with them. While our human companions focused on using horses for practical needs, the Vikings introduced a different aspect - they were intrigued by speed and movement. Their horses weren’t meant for heavy work but for travelling far and fast, riding to victory on the battlefield. They rode their horses bareback, often in battle formations, using them for swift attacks. This made our kind far more adaptable - able to do things beyond just pulling and carrying.
Horses: The True Stars of 875 AD
I, personally, didn't have much to do with the Vikings. Thankfully, they mostly travelled by sea, staying far away from Hayfield. But my stablemates have shared their stories. There are even rumours of a new kind of horse, taller and with lighter builds than us draught horses. It's said they are strong yet swift, meant for war and quick travelling, and are a much loved companion by those fierce Viking warriors. This 'light horse', as they call it, seems to have become increasingly popular across the lands, bringing change and excitement, just as it did for my own breed long ago.
So what does this tell us, dear equines? It means the way horses are used is changing! There’s more to life than just pulling the plough. Now, alongside helping humans with everyday tasks, there's the new world of fast-paced, long-distance travel and battle formations. We've gone from the workhorse to the warrior, and it seems like the future of our kind holds much more excitement and change!
My Thoughts: It’s Not Always Easy Being a Draught Horse
Sometimes, I find myself wistfully imagining what life might have been like if I had been born as one of those light horses. Maybe I’d be part of a wild, spirited Viking band, galloping across the countryside with the wind whipping through my mane. I confess, there are times when I envy my faster, sleeker brethren. Their agility and grace are something I could only dream of, although, let's be honest, I'm quite happy with my strength and size.
But as much as I dream of that different life, I know I’m where I'm supposed to be. Hayfield is my home, and I'm a strong, dependable member of our little community. And you know, every day with my human companions is a happy day. The sturdy, strong, dependable horses are just as important to the world as those quick and nimble warriors, don't you think? It's good to have a good variety of talents amongst our kind. We are, after all, horses - beautiful, adaptable creatures who've always been the companions and friends of humankind.
I may not be dashing through Viking battles or racing through vast plains, but I am here to stay, to keep on hauling, carrying, and pulling. And let’s be honest, I am absolutely fabulous at it. The farmer's wife gives me extra carrots on days when I move the large timber to rebuild the barn! Now that's something to wag your tail about!
See you again in my next post, fellow equines, and stay safe and strong!
Emma
PS Remember, you can always comment on my post here and I'll respond to any questions about horse history you may have. And if you happen to see those Vikings in your area, be sure to give them a friendly neigh, but steer clear if you want to keep your carrots! 😉
