Neigh Neigh, dear EquiWorld readers! It's Emma here, a proud grey draught mare with a flowing white mane and tail, writing to you from my humble home in Hayfield, near Aberdeen. The weather here in Scotland is...well, let's just say you wouldn't want to be a horse without a thick coat this time of year!
888 AD - What a Year for Horses!
You know, when I think back on 888, it was truly a bustling year for our equine brethren. We played an even bigger role in society than we do now, hauling everything from building materials and agricultural supplies to those mighty Vikings who roamed the seas!
A Typical Day in the Life of a Draught Horse
My days were usually filled with the satisfying tasks of helping farmers plough fields, gather hay, and transport goods to the nearest town. You wouldn't believe how much effort goes into simply getting the harvest from the fields to the threshing floor. It's all about teamwork! Our kind have always been a community - always willing to lend a hoof and share the burden.
This year, we also hauled logs for the building of a new church in Hayfield. It was a massive undertaking, with several horses pulling timber from the forest, sometimes over rough and muddy paths. It was exhausting but immensely rewarding. We all knew that we were helping build a place of solace for the village, a place of worship that would stand for centuries to come.
Tales From the Traveling Troupe
As if my life weren't full enough, 888 saw the arrival of a traveling troupe of horses from faraway lands. These were not the sturdy draught horses you find in my neck of the woods. They were magnificent beasts, bred for speed and agility, with sleek coats and impressive muscles. They put on quite the show with their clever tricks, showing us their prowess in jumping, riding, and even some unusual feats with their hooves.
We would gather every evening, a circle of wide-eyed mares and colts, mesmerized by their demonstrations. The sight of a chestnut mare leaping over a hurdle that was as tall as a house, her hooves barely touching the ground, filled us all with a thrilling excitement. It truly made me appreciate the incredible diversity of the horse world.
Vikings, the Fearless Riders
Speaking of incredible diversity, I do have to mention the Vikings, those ferocious Norsemen who were such a powerful force in our world this year. We hauled their boats over the land, transported their spoils of war, and they rode their trusty steeds into battle.
The Viking horses are hardy, bred to be as strong as they are fast, and their riders are as brave as their steeds! We don't always have the best reputation when it comes to dealing with Vikings. Stories spread throughout the land of these riders stealing horses. But there is much respect for the horse and how the Vikings treasure their powerful horses. Their fearsome reputation notwithstanding, their relationship with their horses is undeniably awe-inspiring.
A Year for Horsemen and Horsewomen
One of the things I admire most about our human companions is their deep connection to us, the way they learn our personalities and needs. We have been assisting them in so many ways, and they treat us with kindness and respect in return. They often feed us a treat after a long day's work, or simply stroke our noses and talk to us in soft voices. It's a beautiful bond that strengthens with each passing year.
Even the children love horses. You see them racing us, climbing onto our backs with the help of their parents, or even just talking to us like we understand every word. We might be farm animals but we have a bond with human children like no other.
A Hopeful Future
It was a busy year in 888, but also a positive one, full of exciting changes. As a humble farm horse, my life may seem simple. But the world I live in, even back then, is complex and exciting.
It feels good knowing that my strength, my stamina, my spirit are all contributing to building something important.
Now if you’ll excuse me, it’s getting dark, and my human is calling me in for the evening. Until next time, stay happy, stay safe, and keep neighing for all those beautiful horse stories!
With Love, Emma
