Greetings, fellow equestrians!
Emma here, a proud grey draught mare with a mane and tail as white as the snowdrifts that blanket our Hayfield farm in winter. Today, I’m going to take you back in time – all the way back to 900 AD! Yes, you read that right, folks. This is post number 900 on Equiworld.org, and it’s time to delve into the horse history books.
It's an incredible journey, and a journey I wouldn't trade for the world, even though things are vastly different now. Let's explore the life of a horse in that bygone era, a time when people relied on us not just for transport and farm work, but also as a vital part of their social structure and way of life.
A Day in the Life of Emma the Draught Horse
The crisp morning air nipped at my nostrils, the smell of woodsmoke and hay mingled in the cool breeze. A gentle clucking sounded, the signal to rouse myself from my straw bed in the shared stable. It was another day on our small farm nestled on the edge of the Hayfield hills near Aberdeen.
Every day was much the same, a cycle of tasks that my strong and sturdy kind were bred for. My humans, the kindly McGregors, needed me for everything, from tilling the rich, black earth for crops to hauling firewood to warm our cold stone cottage.
I loved the work, to be honest. It made me feel purposeful, strong, a part of something much bigger than myself. It's a bit different from your modern-day riding horses, galloping around fields and showing off in competitions. We're more of the ‘workhorse’ breed, the quiet heroes who move the world forward, one steady step at a time.
The days often involved long hours pulling a sturdy wooden cart filled with peat or the freshly-harvested grain. The creak of the wheels and the rhythmic beat of my hooves against the cobbled paths provided a familiar soundtrack to my days. I often reflected on how horses have always been an indispensable part of life. We were essential for getting from place to place – there weren’t any motors back then!
Life Beyond the Farm: A Glimpse into 900 AD Horse World
Of course, my life wasn’t all about farm chores. Our Hayfield was near a small village, and sometimes, I was asked to pull a large wagon, piled high with goods from local craftspeople and farmers to be exchanged at the nearby market town of Aberdeen. The vibrant atmosphere of the market, with its mix of smells, sights, and sounds, always fascinated me.
Sometimes, the McGregors’ neighbours would invite me to a festival or celebration – often with feasting and dancing, all centred around the magnificent creatures like myself. Back in 900 AD, horses were a true symbol of prosperity, representing hard work, loyalty, and even courage on the battlefield. It was quite different from today, you see. We were revered, our status akin to that of prized family pets or working companions.
One of the most fascinating things about this era was the strong connection between horses and war. It wasn't uncommon to see brave knights on horseback wielding swords, a sight that still evokes a feeling of awe and reverence in me, even today. This was a time when knights used horses as weapons of war, to protect their kingdom, but also as mounts, for quick movement, scouting, and messengers, all integral in military tactics of the era.
There were various breeds, each uniquely suited to different tasks. My draught brethren were essential for hauling and pulling, but also used for cavalry as the war horses of choice in some regions. Across Europe, horses of varying shapes and sizes performed diverse tasks – carrying supplies, transporting messengers, and hauling heavy loads.
I had even heard stories of noble war horses bearing proud riders to victory, and of swift-footed horses carrying messengers over treacherous mountains to deliver urgent information. These stories would be passed down through generations, etching into our collective equine memory a profound respect for our role in human history.
A World in Motion: Horses as Symbols of Progress
As you can imagine, life in 900 AD wasn't about leisurely strolls and showing off fancy paces. It was all about making the world move – moving people, moving goods, moving forward. And I am proud to have been part of this essential movement. It felt as if every single horse, no matter their breed, played a pivotal role in keeping civilization alive and moving.
I particularly loved to hear the village elders recount tales of long-forgotten migrations and voyages where horses, often trained to withstand difficult journeys, helped shape the world's landscape and culture. These stories brought alive the era of vikings, travelling traders, and explorers venturing into the unknown, all on horseback.
In the 900s, a sense of adventure hung in the air. And we horses, sturdy and reliable, played a part in each ambitious expedition and groundbreaking discovery.
The Horse and The Human Connection
It was this sense of unity and cooperation that made the connection between horses and humans so unique back then. Humans had an unwavering appreciation for our abilities, not only acknowledging our strength and stamina, but also understanding our intelligence and sentience. They’d even give us names – 'Emma', they called me, as though we were family, which we very much were.
They would talk to us, pet us, understand our whinnies and snorts, and even respond with kindness and affection. We understood each other in ways that even the strongest language could not convey. I miss those close bonds, especially when comparing today's rushed world, where it often feels like the relationship between humans and horses has become more transactional.
An Ode to the Past and Hope for the Future
Of course, I'm not one to live in the past, despite how beautiful and magical 900 AD felt. I often feel a touch of sadness for those golden days of simplicity, but I remain thankful for the legacy of those brave and hardworking horses of 900 AD. They were the pioneers, the forerunners, forging paths for horses like myself to carry the torch and inspire future generations.
Looking forward, I hope we will one day reach a world where humans recognise not only the power of the horse, but also their extraordinary sensitivity and companionship. We are so much more than simply animals to be trained, worked, or ridden.
Until next time, stay curious about horse history, my fellow equestrians! And remember, no matter where we are on the timeline, the love and respect for the horse – our magnificent friend – will always be the heart of what makes our bond so strong and special.
Sincerely,
Emma the Grey Draught Horse
Hayfield Farm, 900 AD
P.S. Don’t forget to check out more horse history on Equiworld.org! We have blogs and forums full of interesting information, so don't be shy, join the conversation.
