Hello everyone, and welcome back to Equiworld! This week, we're going back in time to the year 0903. I, Emma, your friendly grey draught horse with a mane like spun silver and a tail like a flowing waterfall, will be your guide through this historical journey.
Now, 0903. What a year! Can you imagine, being a horse back then? No motorised vehicles, no fancy saddles with gel padding, and certainly no horse feed that was pre-mixed with vitamins and minerals. But let me tell you, life was still full of adventures!
My home is in the lovely village of Hayfield near Aberdeen, Scotland. My family have always been draught horses, sturdy and strong, our ancestors used to work in the fields, hauling heavy plows and carts, our lives a rhythm of hard work and simple pleasures. But life has been changing. There’s less plowing these days and more traveling, and you know, it’s a lot more exciting!
I am 20 years old now, a bit older for a working horse but still strong. The farmer says I am a bit too "set in my ways", and my gait isn't as light as the younger horses. However, my steady stride makes me a trusted workhorse for hauling goods. I do what I can to be a good horse. I enjoy the rhythmic plod of the roads, the gentle breeze against my face, the fresh smell of meadows and wildflowers in summer, and the warm hay I get in winter.
Now, you may be thinking, 0903... a long time ago. And it was. It was the year that King Cnut the Great became the ruler of all of England, Denmark, and Norway! Imagine, a single ruler controlling all those countries! I can tell you, there were horses galore back then, for they were crucial for transportation and trade. But you know, not all horses are made for hauling goods. There were war horses and race horses as well! The Vikings used war horses for their battles. We often saw them galloping across the Scottish Highlands, a fearsome sight with their flowing manes and ferocious determination.
Horses were not only involved in warfare and transportation; they were vital for everyday life. They carried goods to markets, plowed fields, helped with fishing and harvesting. Life for most of us back then revolved around our roles and duties as working horses. We worked hard, yet we found a great deal of joy and camaraderie in our relationships with the humans and our fellow equines.
This is a very important year for us in Scotland. A very wise and strong woman called Queen Margaret is building schools and hospitals throughout the country. That woman! Such a clever and generous spirit. She really cared about people! Her efforts changed the lives of many, and we were proud to be a part of her vision, hauling supplies to construction sites and transporting her messages throughout the kingdom.
A small thing but one I recall with pleasure. Every spring we used to get a few new foals, bouncing, curious, full of life. We’d help train them and I taught them the tricks and tips that had been passed down through our horse family for generations. Nothing was better than sharing stories with those youngsters. They remind me of what it was like to be young and full of excitement. We were proud of our contributions to the society and our communities.
I can tell you one thing, we never ate carrots in 0903, those weren't discovered till much later. Now, carrots are a delicacy! Although our lives weren't about carrots, I did have a lovely apple most days and the humans were kind to give us fresh hay from their fields, even if it did sometimes get caught in my long white mane. They were good folk back then, despite being very careful to avoid giving us horses a hard time. It must be the rough living, the cold winters and endless, hard labor! It kept the men and women firm and fair!
Life as a horse back then had its own charms, like the thrill of the chase when the hunters came to gather food. And oh, those delicious meadows in the summer, the feel of the soft grass between our hooves! It was a time when horses were woven into the very fabric of human lives.
Now, remember to look back on the history of horses through these times with a sense of gratitude for all that our equine ancestors did. The role of horses in the past was invaluable, they have paved the way for how we experience our world today. And if you happen to see a sleek, chrome automobile pass by today, I dare say it was because some of our long-lost ancestors once hauled its raw materials!
I do hope you've enjoyed learning a bit about the year 0903. Remember, this is only a glimpse into a much larger story. Every era in horse history holds its own beauty and lessons, just like the magnificent grey draught horses with white manes and tails like mine. You know, we still hold that title, 'Queen of the Road'.
Thank you for reading! Be sure to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and don't forget to tune in for next week's post!
