Hello, my fellow equines and horse-loving humans! Emma here, a grey mare with a splash of white in my mane and tail. I hail from the picturesque Hayfield near Aberdeen in bonnie Scotland, and I'm delighted to share another snippet of history from my life with you. Today's post is extra special because we're venturing back in time - right into the heart of 922 AD!
Now, you might think that year isn't very significant, but trust me, things were bustling in the horse world back then. We were, of course, essential for work and transport. Farmers like my family relied on us for ploughing, hauling heavy loads, and bringing goods to market. It was hard work, but I loved the freedom of the open fields, the scent of freshly turned earth, and the camaraderie of my fellow horses.
The world was a lot smaller then. News travelled slowly, by foot or by horse, so knowing what was happening outside Hayfield was a rare occurrence. But in 922, there was one news story that everyone, human and equine alike, was buzzing about: the mighty King Æthelstan of England was planning a grand journey to claim the Scottish throne. It was quite a momentous occasion - even our stable boys gossiped about it between cleaning our hooves and filling our troughs.
I remember our local blacksmith, a stout fellow called Alistair, talking excitedly about the warhorses that Æthelstan would bring with him. "They say he has the finest steeds in all of England, with gleaming coats and lightning-fast hooves," he said, his hammer pounding out a tune on the anvil. I couldn't help but feel a little curious, a little envious, perhaps. Would I ever get to gallop on battlefields? The thought of the adrenaline pumping, the wind whipping past my coat, the thunder of hooves... It was exhilarating!
Of course, it was also a tad terrifying. I heard whispers about how dangerous warfare could be, with humans charging at each other with swords and shields, horses entangled in the frenzy of battle. My own dear mother, a gentle chestnut mare called Willow, always warned me, "War is not for us, darling Emma. We are made for gentler things - for tilling the fields, carrying precious cargo, and bringing peace."
Her words resonated, and I clung to the peacefulness of my own life. I adored my daily routine - working in the fields alongside my brethren, listening to the chatter of the farmers, enjoying the soft brush of the groom's hand as he cared for our coats. Life in Hayfield was simple, yet filled with a sweet kind of satisfaction.
But even in the quietness of our routine, 922 was a year of change and transition. The world around us was evolving, with human communities starting to settle and form stronger kingdoms. The rise of strong leaders like Æthelstan marked a new chapter in human history, one that would forever change the world as we knew it.
My own little world in Hayfield wasn't as dramatic as a royal battle for a throne, but it too was undergoing subtle transformations. That year, a young, spirited foal was born in our stable, a tiny bay filly with a splash of white on her forehead. She was so full of energy and curiosity, reminding me of myself at her age. I, for one, was delighted with the new arrival.
Watching her playful antics, I couldn't help but think of the generations of horses that came before me. They paved the way for us, shaping the world into what it is today. I felt a profound connection to my equine ancestors, knowing that their strength and spirit lived on in me, in the young filly, and in all horses throughout the ages.
As I watched the young filly frolic in the paddock, I felt a wave of responsibility, a yearning to leave behind a legacy for the next generation. Perhaps, my dearest reader, that is the true story of 922 AD, for us horses - a testament to our strength, resilience, and enduring bond with humans. We have carried them through wars, journeys, and daily lives, and in return, we've received love, care, and respect.
So, here's to the year 922! A year that stands as a reminder of our shared history, our ever-evolving journey, and our unyielding spirit. As always, my dear equines and human companions, until next time, keep galloping forward!
Love, Emma
P.S. Do you have any interesting horse-related stories from the year 922? Please share them in the comments below! I'd love to hear from you!
