Hello, everyone, and welcome to another post on EquiWorld! My name is Emma, and I'm a grey draught horse with a white mane and tail. I live in Hayfield, a small village near Aberdeen in Scotland. Today, I'm taking a trip back in time to the year 907 AD. It's hard to believe that it's been over a thousand years, and what a journey it has been for horses!
The world in 907 AD was a much different place. You see, our species is well established now. We've become inseparable companions to humans. It's quite common for us to live in stables with them and assist with farm chores. Our skills are used to plow fields, haul heavy carts, and even pull wagons on journeys far and wide. And in those times, we play an important role in military endeavors.
So, life in Hayfield in 907 was full of bustle and work. Each day starts early, and after a hearty breakfast of hay and oats, it's time to begin the daily grind. I, with my sturdy physique and steady temperament, am perfect for working the fields.
We were a busy family, of course. You wouldn’t believe how many mouths to feed! But this wasn't a bad thing at all; we enjoyed each other's company, and nothing was better than a lazy day in the fields with my stablemates. My brothers, Thomas and Edward, and my cousin, Moira, made each day a delight. My mother, Fiona, was the most wonderful, patient horse ever. She had been my main teacher from when I was a foal and taught me all I know, which is, thankfully, a great deal.
Speaking of family, there's an event on this day in 907 that had my mother truly distraught. We heard the stories for months afterward. Apparently, a great Viking leader named Olaf Tryggvason came from Norway with a great army. Their invasion into the region was swift and brutal, making an end to the kingdom of King Anlaf II in England. I saw the fear in my mother’s eyes and felt the tremor in the ground, a consequence of horses being ridden into battle at a terrifying gallop.
But despite the constant threat of war and the rigours of work, we were not without joy. Every evening, after the long days, we’d get to graze in the pastures and listen to the locals. We felt close to them – we’d eat from their hands, feel the gentle pats and know that they loved and appreciated us.
What I found most fascinating about our work was the sheer variety of tasks. There’d be days dedicated to plowing the land, getting ready for the next harvest. Then we'd move onto transporting hay to the markets or hauling sacks of barley for the miller. We’d often find ourselves used for fishing, the big strong draft horses like me were essential. Our strong necks, and powerful backs allowed us to carry heavier weights over greater distances, making our human partners' lives easier. I believe we are all in partnership in some ways.
But, our greatest work is yet to come, and that’s transportation. For example, people are learning the true potential of the horse's power. They have realized that if they strap a platform on our back, we can act as pack animals. They place containers with goods or other items, and off we trot.
We also learn that we can be more than simple workhorses. We’re slowly moving away from only being seen as work animals. People in these days are learning about training horses and starting to realize that we can even help with battles in unique ways! It’s wonderful to be seen as strong, intelligent, and worthy companions to people. We horses are becoming indispensable, it seems!
And, on some special days, my owner, Alistair, even allows me to race the other horses! There’s a feeling of wind in my mane, a tingling of anticipation, and a joyous rush as we run together as a team, driven by the need to be first to the finishing line. I can assure you that it’s nothing short of pure, wild excitement.
While there is nothing quite as fun as racing, the biggest change I see happening in our world is the rise of something called the 'knight'. We are the first and last line of defense when it comes to these individuals. You see, the knights are warriors on horseback, who use swords and shields.
This idea is changing things. It is changing how horses are used in the military, with specialized training now being employed to enhance the bond between rider and horse. The knights rely on us. Our ability to jump, turn, and gallop is something else. And we horses, in return, find ourselves treated with a great deal of respect and even affection. The knights often have to learn how to groom us, to soothe our nerves and even tend to our injuries.
I even hear that the king himself, King Eadwig of England, uses horses to hunt. Apparently, these nobles hunt stags, wild boar, and deer with bows and arrows while riding our backs. But it’s the 'chivalry' and how it treats horses, which seems most appealing, it is certainly far from the rough treatment I received in my early days. It's good to be in an age of change. It’s truly an interesting and rapidly changing world!
It seems that the more we are in demand, the more respect and care we get. Even with new breeds being discovered across Europe, from small Shetland ponies to powerful, muscular Shires, our purpose is becoming clear – we are crucial to our human companions.
This world has a different rhythm now, compared to earlier times, with more respect, more work, and more joy. While there is certainly plenty to be thankful for, I cannot help but look back upon my days in the stable in Hayfield and feel a warmth and sense of connection that was so grounding and yet so enriching. I miss those times when we had no particular task and could just live with an aim to graze, and rest, and bond. Perhaps this will be my final post on this wonderful blog - now I know there is much to share about our world and that it is fast evolving, but I feel as if a new path is calling. Until we meet again my friends, may the earth be good to your hooves and your hearts light and strong.
