Hello my fellow equine enthusiasts! It’s Emma here, writing to you from my beautiful home in Hayfield, near the bustling city of Aberdeen in Scotland. Today, I wanted to talk about a very special year in horse history - 917 AD. This year was significant, not just for the people, but also for us, the magnificent horses of the world!
I've been delving deep into the historical records, munching on some tasty hay while reading scrolls, and I'm thrilled to share my findings with you! I'll tell you, there’s nothing quite as magical as stepping into the past and feeling the energy of history surrounding us.
Now, let’s get back to 917 AD. For us horses, life in the 9th century was…well… let's say spirited, to put it politely. The Vikings were having a grand old time raiding the coasts, creating a fair bit of upheaval. That means we horses had to work harder and be ever-so vigilant, but as the saying goes, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger! And honestly, being a strong horse is a good thing! It’s given me an impressive frame and a wonderful ability to carry heavy loads, whether it's goods, passengers, or even a lord with a magnificent beard.
A Year of Strength and Change:
It's important to remember that 917 was not a year defined by battles alone. In fact, it was also a time of progress, particularly in the land where I reside – Scotland. The Scottish people were on the move, fighting for their freedom from those Viking intruders, and forging a new identity. They built strong castles, forming a powerful, protective barrier against any invaders. And of course, where there’s movement and building, there’s us, the mighty horses.
As the Scottish King, Constantine II, solidified his hold on the north, he relied heavily on the strength and agility of our kind. We were vital for hauling building materials, ferrying warriors, and maintaining communications across the vast lands.
But we’re more than just muscle. Remember, we’re intelligent and sensitive beings too. The Scottish people recognized our worth and treated us well. They understood the power we held, both in the fields and in battle.
The Importance of the “Small Things”:
We were much more than simply beasts of burden, mind you! For those of you who have followed my previous blog posts, you know how much I value the art of horse grooming. The art of a good, strong curry comb has a beautiful effect, smoothing out those knotted tangles. And in 917 AD, our connection with humans went beyond mere survival needs.
In those times, our training and care involved a more intricate, sensitive touch. I’m talking about a kind of trust that can be hard to express, a deep connection between humans and their horses. They paid meticulous attention to our diets, grooming habits, and training regimes. This, my friends, is the kind of relationship that has shaped history.
Let's talk about training for a moment:
As a powerful draught horse, I can confidently say I enjoyed working alongside humans! It provided purpose, structure to my day, and a deep sense of belonging. They trained us with gentleness, combining patience with a deep understanding of our instincts. Imagine learning to pull heavy carts, navigating rocky terrains, and learning the complex dance of battle - a ballet that demands power, precision, and a trust in our human companions!
Of course, every journey has its ups and downs. As an intelligent and perceptive creature, I could see the fear in the eyes of my fellow horses during moments of danger, especially when encountering Vikings who, at times, showed little regard for our wellbeing. The raids brought uncertainty, forcing us to endure harsh winters, unpredictable storms, and the gruelling journeys from one battlefront to the next. But through it all, we showed our resilience and adapted. We learned to understand each other’s cues, relying on a sense of unity and camaraderie, especially in times of struggle.
A Reminder of our Impact:
And speaking of unity and resilience, think about the significant impact our kind has had throughout history. From hauling supplies, aiding in agriculture, and becoming loyal companions to humanity – we horses have contributed so much! We were the backbone of the community in 917 AD. In this year of great change, we played our role bravely, adding to the ever-expanding tapestry of human history.
I invite all of you, my equine friends, to contemplate this wonderful, transformative year. Reflect on the power, strength, and sensitivity that lies within our magnificent breed. We are truly a gift to the world!
I hope you found this historical journey enriching! Do join me again for more fascinating tales about the lives of our equine ancestors.
Until next time, my friends!
Your ever-loving and spirited mare, Emma
www.equiworld.org
