Hello, my fellow equine enthusiasts! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood draught mare, back with another post for Equiworld! This time, I’m taking you on a journey through my own life back in the year 879, sharing the wonders of our equine world, and the stories of my fellow horse brethren that I’ve gathered along the way.
So buckle up, dear readers, for a trip back to the misty Highlands of Scotland, where life for a working horse like me was both challenging and rewarding!
Life in the Scottish Highlands
Let’s start with where I call home: Hayfield, a quaint village nestled in the foothills of the Grampian Mountains near Aberdeen. The air here is fresh and crisp, filled with the scent of heather and the distant bleating of sheep. This, of course, is my life's work, too: helping the farmers move their flocks, plough the fields, and carry supplies to market.
Being a draught horse is a powerful responsibility, one that I take great pride in. I'm a grey, my coat sleek and strong, and my mane and tail a dazzling white, making me quite a sight in the sunlight. I stand a good hand high, with legs sturdy enough to pull a cart brimming with grain or haul a hefty plow through stubborn soil. The life of a working horse is tough, requiring resilience and stamina, but the connection I feel with the land and my human companions is unparalleled.
The Viking Presence
The year 879 brought a change in the atmosphere, though not in my everyday routine. Stories drifted down from the south, carried by travelling merchants and wandering traders. Word had reached Hayfield that a new force had arrived in our land – the Vikings.
While the Vikings were mostly concentrated in the east and the south, their presence felt throughout Scotland. People whispered about their tall ships, their fiery hair and sharp blades, and the plunder they brought. It added a strange edge to the otherwise peaceful landscape, making us more cautious about wandering far from home.
The stories made me feel apprehensive, for sure, but more so for the humans than for myself. My life revolved around the rhythm of the fields, the daily routine of hauling, ploughing and carrying loads. The humans worried about the new arrivals, but life continued mostly as it had before. It felt odd, to be honest, not even a war could quite interrupt the cyclical flow of a working horse’s life.
Sharing Stories Around the Stable
One crisp evening, the sky tinged with orange and purple, I stood with my fellow stable mates – Bonnie, a chestnut mare with a sweet nature, and Tom, a stoic bay with a calm disposition.
"Did you hear what the shepherd was saying about these Vikings?" Tom grumbled, shaking his head. "They say they raid and steal everything in sight! Our village may not be far enough inland, but the fear lingers."
Bonnie sighed. "I don't understand them, Tom. What do they want? Is it really all about greed?"
I chuckled. “Perhaps their greed is what keeps the rest of us fed, my friend. After all, who is more feared than a big grey draught horse with a hefty cart behind him?"
My words were met with snickers and nods. But a sudden clatter, a loud call for help broke through the usual murmuring and led me into a very real Viking encounter...
An Unforgettable Encounter
A group of Viking warriors, dressed in thick furs and carrying shining weapons, marched up to our farm, demanding supplies for their journey south. I watched, my heart pounding with unease, as the humans hesitated, unsure of how to respond. It wasn't uncommon for travelling warriors to stop at the farm, seeking shelter and food, and generally, we accommodated them – it was part of the rhythm of life, like a storm or a change of season. But something felt different about these particular visitors. They exuded an intensity, a coldness, that made even the air around them feel charged.
I stepped forward, the lead rope still in hand, nudging the humans forward, pushing the cart I was harnessed to towards the barn. We had grain and hay to offer, plenty for all their needs, and that seemed to appease the leader of the group. He smiled, a sharp flash of white teeth that sent a shiver down my spine, but there was an element of appreciation, a sense of gratitude in the smile. They took what was offered and moved on, continuing their journey south.
This encounter taught me the unexpected value of a strong, sturdy draught horse. We weren't just work animals; we were ambassadors, our presence, size, and quiet dignity often a reassuring factor in unpredictable situations. It seemed as though the Vikings were reassured by the peaceful routine, a quiet sign of trust and shared space. The humans remained tense for a few days afterward, but with no attack or further aggression, the village eventually calmed down.
Life goes On
Even amidst the tales of Vikings, life in the Highlands continued its familiar rhythm. The changing seasons meant constant work: preparing fields for planting, transporting hay bales, and carrying goods to market. My human companion, a young boy called Alex, took extra care in feeding me and grooming me. I learned to anticipate his gentle touch and his melodic whistle. We built a strong bond, two souls working in harmony for the well-being of the farm and the community.
Despite the constant reminders of the world outside our farm, the peacefulness of our rural life proved to be a comfort. We lived simply, with each day flowing into the next, the changing colours of the sky and the turning seasons the only constants we truly needed to notice.
End Note
This is just a snapshot of my life in 879 AD. Every day brought new stories, new encounters, and new lessons learned. It’s these moments, the simple yet profound connection with the land, my human companions, and my fellow horses, that truly defines a horse's life – a life of unwavering strength, silent resilience, and an unyielding bond with nature.
Remember, my fellow Equiworld readers, this is just the beginning. The stories of the horses of 879 AD are numerous, and their lives are full of wonder, adventure, and invaluable lessons learned. Keep an eye on Equiworld for future blog posts exploring these narratives! Until next time, keep your hooves grounded and your spirits soaring!
