Hello everyone! Emma here, a grey draught mare from the picturesque village of Hayfield, near Aberdeen in bonnie Scotland. Today's blog is a bit special. It's a little celebration, because it marks an incredible milestone in my own life, and the lives of horses all over the world: It's the year 889 A.D.! Can you believe it? Over a thousand years ago, and my hoofbeats still pound the ground just as strongly as they did back then.
Now, for a history blog post like this, you wouldn't expect me to pull out a dusty old scroll, right? Thankfully, there are some amazing scholars and historians who love to piece together the past. Through their work, I've discovered that this year, 889, was a pretty significant one for horses, particularly in our fair land of Britain.
So, grab a comfy straw bed, and settle in as I take you on a trip through time, exploring how the horses of 889 shaped the world around them!
From Plough to Battleground: Horses in a Time of Change
889 was a time of transition, a fascinating period in history, and just like the people around me, horses played a huge role in the ongoing story of the land. We weren't just pretty creatures in the field anymore - we were essential companions, partners, and even heroes.
The Life of a Working Horse in Hayfield
Life for a draught horse in my time wasn't glamorous, but it was full of purpose. Each morning began with the familiar call of the cock and the rising sun painting the sky with its vibrant hues. We were a part of a bustling farm community, each horse fulfilling a specific task. I, being a strong grey mare, was well-suited for hauling loads, pulling heavy ploughs through the rich, Scottish soil, and of course, hauling our sturdy carts to the nearest market in Aberdeen.
From Plough to Wagon: A Horse’s Day
The work was hard, demanding, and not always easy. Our bodies were trained to endure, our strength tested day by day. The weather could be harsh, the terrain challenging, but we did it all, because it was in our blood, ingrained within us: We were the backbone of the community, the driving force of industry. And though some might think this is just toil, for us, there was satisfaction in seeing the land flourish under our hooves, knowing our work made a difference.
A Bit of Hayfield and the Stories Within:
Now, Hayfield was more than just a farm. It was a hub of trade, a place where farmers gathered, their goods travelling to market on the backs of our sturdy frames. I remember the dusty roads, the sights, sounds, and smells - the cacophony of laughter and bartering, the tang of smoke from fires, the aroma of freshly baked bread mingling with the earthy scents of the fields. And there was an energy, an excitement in the air, that I haven't forgotten to this day.
The Horse and the Warrior: A Tangled Path to the Future
Though we were mostly farmers' friends, this year, there was a different side to our role in society. There was a conflict brewing in the north. I recall it as a shadowy time, a whispering amongst the people, an undercurrent of fear that resonated even in Hayfield. The Vikings, those seafaring warriors, were raiding our coasts. I wasn't close to the battlefields myself, but stories filtered back, carried by weary travellers, whispered tales of fierce fighting, the clang of swords, and the echoes of bravery.
Horses, especially the strong and swift ones, were instrumental in war. The sight of a galloping warrior, spear aloft, inspired both terror and respect. Though my gentle nature wasn't meant for battles, I could feel the ripple of unease at the mention of their arrival. There was an edge to the air, a shadow of violence that followed every news bulletin. It made me appreciate the peace we enjoyed in Hayfield, the simple yet satisfying rhythms of farm life.
889 A.D: A Look at the Larger Picture
Now, if you're anything like me, a curious soul who likes to understand the bigger picture, I've got something for you. 889, you see, wasn't just a year in the lives of us horses. It was a year on the global stage!
In this year, the grand Byzantine Empire was witnessing a change in its rule. Basil I, the Macedonian, was now Emperor, a name that reverberated throughout the eastern world. They were famous for their lavish palaces and beautiful horses - it makes me want to go on a trip, seeing all the sights with my own hooves. But that's another story!
Closer to home, in England, we have Alfred the Great - a king with a mind for innovation and wisdom. He was known as the 'Father of the English' for his tireless work uniting the kingdom and defending it from those Viking raids. We, the horses, were part of that history. In every battle, in every shield-wall, a loyal steed was right by his side.
And what's even more remarkable is that this is the era of the Vikings! Those legendary Norse warriors were renowned for their maritime prowess and skilled horsemanship. Stories of their horses filled with tales of raiding parties, swift sprints across the icy plains, and the strong bond they had with their animal companions. The Vikings used horses for transport, as mounts for warfare, and in their journeys. The way those people connected with horses fills me with awe - it shows that even across continents and through the ages, our bond transcends boundaries!
A Horse's Musings: Reflecting on Our Place in Time
As I write this, I realize 889 A.D. wasn't a particularly exciting year in my little world of Hayfield, but I'm grateful for the stability and peace we enjoyed. But in a larger perspective, it was an incredible year - a year of change, war, and new beginnings. We, the horses, played a significant role in it all. We were a part of the stories of conquest, of the building of nations, of the tireless labor that brought food to tables and carried people across landscapes.
Horses are more than just beasts of burden - we are companions, we are the beating heart of many societies. And for a young draught mare like myself, knowing this gives my work meaning and fills my hooves with pride.
Thank you for joining me on this trip back through time, my dear readers. Remember, we, the horses, are always a part of history. What will our legacy be in this new millenium? I look forward to seeing what the future holds for us. Till next time!
