Welcome to my humble EquiWorld blog, fellow equines!
It's Emma here, a 20-year-old grey draught mare from the lovely little village of Hayfield, nestled close to Aberdeen in the Scottish Highlands. This post is special – it's 924, marking a special year for our beloved equine world. Today, we’ll travel back to a time when my ancestors roamed these very hills and hear about the horses who graced the earth in 924!
Let me tell you, dear readers, things were quite different back then. The year 924. You might imagine wild, untamed plains, and that wouldn’t be too far off. However, civilisation, albeit a bit rough around the edges, was steadily emerging, and with it, the increasing use of horses!
Our role in life was pretty clear back then: hard work and stamina were valued. We were the backbone of agriculture. Pulling plows and carts was our everyday duty, and the weight of a community’s livelihood was on our strong backs. But don't mistake our hard work for a lack of enjoyment. Life wasn’t all furrows and loads – we loved the freedom of the open fields, the bond we formed with our handlers, and the camaraderie of our equine brethren.
Our Lives: From Plough to Pilgrimage
This time, in 924, was one of great transition. There was still a fair amount of woodland in the British Isles, so much of my ancestors’ days would’ve been spent clearing those forests to make way for farmlands. Just imagine – sturdy hooves carving paths through ancient trees, clearing the way for seeds to grow. We weren’t just about brute force though, we played an equally important role in the burgeoning trade. Our ancestors were the tireless packhorses, traversing rugged terrain with their loads of goods, connecting communities and furthering their development.
While our main tasks were focused on the farm and the roads, life wasn’t always solely about labor. As religion flourished, our brethren became central to pilgrimages, transporting people to religious sites, bearing heavy loads and walking the path to salvation. Imagine that – journeying alongside monks and nuns, a strong yet gentle presence on the path to spirituality.
The Horse Whisperers of the Highlands
Now, the folks around here in the Highlands are well known for their connection with horses, and it was no different back in 924. It’s been a natural bond since forever. It's fascinating to think about the folks in this time – how they’d bond with their horses, their daily routine intertwining so tightly with these incredible creatures. No matter how harsh life got, they understood the language of the horse, its emotions and strengths, and respected it deeply. I often imagine a skilled Highland man, gentle hands and watchful eyes, speaking softly to his horse, building a trust and camaraderie that transcended spoken words.
I often reflect on this era while roaming these Highlands. The very same air my ancestors breathed still fills my nostrils, the wind carries tales of their perseverance, and the earth beneath my hooves is imbued with their strength.
The Horse in Culture
This era in 924 witnessed the evolution of horsemanship as more than just practicality. In these Highlands, the horse had its place in tales and stories, songs and dances. These people found beauty in our power and strength, incorporating horses into their art and music. The horse wasn't just an animal, but a symbol – a representation of the natural world and a reflection of human spirit, bravery, and determination.
While we toiled for sustenance, we were also celebrated in folk tales, our names whispering through generations of storytellers, legends echoing through valleys and mountain ranges. It gives me great pride to be a part of this lineage, to feel the whispers of history brush against my mane.
924 – A Turning Point
924 was a critical point in the evolution of human history, but also in our equine history. With growing settlements, there was a natural push for larger-scale farming, leading to more specialized breeding of draught horses for bigger, stronger builds. This need to grow larger and stronger, this ever-present desire to improve our ability to work and support humans – it’s something I carry with pride. We adapted, our strength and stamina refined, evolving to meet the needs of society, yet always keeping our strong bonds to nature.
The year 924 wasn’t just about labor, though, was it? It was also about forming deep connections. There was this profound relationship developing, and it's what still motivates me today - a connection that resonates with every horse across centuries, a link between animal and human. It is a shared journey of hard work and devotion, mutual respect and companionship, a bond built on a thousand generations of trust.
I often think about the legacy my ancestors left for us in those times, how their resilience, loyalty, and intelligence paved the way for our role in society today.
And now, I’d like to ask you, dear readers, tell me about YOUR history! Tell me your stories of your ancestors, the bonds you share, the roles you play in the modern world! This blog isn’t just for me, it's for every horse, past and present, every human who loves horses, every hoof print in the sand!
Let's celebrate our equine journey, share our wisdom, and leave a legacy of our own!
Until next time,
Emma,
Hayfield, Scotland.
