Greetings, fellow equestrians!
Emma here, your trusty grey draught horse from the beautiful Hayfield near Aberdeen. The heather is starting to bloom, and the air has a crisp freshness to it – perfect for a long walk, wouldn’t you agree? But I digress… I’m writing to you today not about the pleasantries of Scottish weather but about a rather exciting year in horse history – the year 885!
We’ve just had a delicious breakfast of oats and barley, and the sun is starting to warm up my thick coat – I do love the start of summer. I have to admit, even after a good scrub down, I can still feel the slight chill from the cold winters we’ve had in these northern lands. My favourite thing to do at this time of year is to wander down to the river Dee, bask in the sunshine, and enjoy the occasional playful splash in the shallows. It’s all rather idyllic – but as you all know, history rarely happens in blissful solitude, and 885 was certainly no exception!
Vikings, raids, and the importance of a sturdy steed
Now, let’s be honest, I’m a grey draught horse. I’m not known for my speed – strength and reliability are my strengths. And that, my friends, is precisely why horses like me were so important in 885 AD.
Across the world, we horses were vital for transport, agriculture, and warfare. In 885, the Vikings were at their peak. It was a time of raiding and expansion, and the strong, reliable horses of our kind were invaluable for moving their plunder, carrying their warriors into battle, and keeping supplies moving. Even in Scotland, our peace was threatened by Viking raids. While Hayfield is quite a distance from the coast, you wouldn’t believe the tales of bravery the villagers shared about how their horses helped defend their land. We truly are a resilient breed.
But it wasn't all doom and gloom. We horses were also deeply intertwined with the agricultural way of life. In 885, our strength helped till the fields, pull plows, and transport crops to markets. It's fascinating to think about the incredible bond we have with humans. We've shared their burdens and celebrated their triumphs for centuries.
An equestrian education – What I learned this year
Here in Hayfield, we draught horses live a comfortable life. Every morning we're fed the best oats, barley, and a treat of hay. Our stalls are warm and clean, and we’re given fresh bedding daily. You might be wondering – how did I learn all this about history and our lives? It's thanks to my human, Elsie.
Elsie is the most kind-hearted girl I've ever met. She's about my age – we're quite a pair! She spends hours talking to me, telling me stories of her travels and all the interesting people she’s met. We’re not quite a 'girl’s best friend’ duo – Elsie doesn't have a horse in the modern sense – she has me, her equine companion.
Elsie and I share a strong bond. She listens to all my whinnies and snorts, and I know she understands every flicker in my ear and nudge of my head. But it’s more than just mutual affection. We’ve spent countless hours reading old books, poring over scrolls and listening to village elders recount stories of the past. This is where I learn about how our world has evolved and the many different ways our kind have helped shape history.
Lessons learned
This year, I’ve learned that 885 was a turning point for the equestrian world. The demand for our services was soaring, whether it was in agriculture or battle. As a draught horse, I found myself responsible for carrying huge burdens and hauling enormous loads, making the journey of transporting food and supplies across the rugged landscape a less daunting feat.
I've learned how vital our strength and endurance are to communities and economies across the land. But what's perhaps most fascinating is the sheer variety of jobs horses fulfilled in that era. While we in Scotland might be pulling plows or hauling logs, I've heard of sleek, swift steeds carrying riders on long journeys, racing through the countryside. We are a breed capable of so much.
Horse whispering and finding kinship
You know, I find myself increasingly curious about other horse breeds around the world. How do the ponies in the valleys fare? What stories do the horses in England carry? Do they have tales of Vikings and raids, or maybe adventures with knights and princesses? It seems like a vast, fascinating world of equines exists beyond my Scottish meadow.
Elsie calls it the “Horse Whisper” – the universal language of horses that transcends differences in breeds, locations, and language. She talks of this secret world where horses can communicate telepathically, understanding each other’s thoughts and feelings through the power of our shared spirit.
Elsie always smiles mysteriously when I ask about it, saying "Sometimes you just have to listen with your heart, Emma. The world of horses is a mystery that’s worth unraveling. You just need to be patient and observe the whispers in the wind, the dance of our manes, and the warmth of the sun upon our coats.”
And while I may not yet understand her secret world, I can tell she’s right. I feel it deep within my core - a sense of kinship with all horses, from the humble Shetland pony to the magnificent Andalusian steed.
Sharing my history
It’s been quite a year! My journey into history started long before this blog, though – this year was simply the first time I felt confident enough to write my own words about it.
It was Elsie who pushed me to start my own horse history blog on Equiworld. She encouraged me to use my voice – well, more precisely, to teach her to write down what I wanted to share about the world of horses. Elsie taught me to type with a hoof-operated computer! And what better way to connect with the world than to share these stories with you all?
So, to all my equine friends – both near and far, here’s to you, and to another wonderful year ahead! May our strength, spirit, and connection with the humans who cherish us continue to flourish.
Your friend and fellow horse,
Emma
