Hello fellow equines and horse lovers! It’s me, Emma, your favourite grey mare from Hayfield, just outside Aberdeen. Today I’m diving into the world of horses in 929 AD - a fascinating year! I always feel it's important to understand where we've come from, how our breed and roles have evolved, so I can really appreciate our place in the world today.
The crisp, Scottish air is whipping around me as I pen these words, my tail swishing gently to ward off any unwelcome flies. Even in 929 AD, this region of Scotland is a land of stark beauty - rolling hills, dramatic mountains, and plenty of grass to keep a horse like me content.
Today, though, my thoughts aren’t on my immediate surroundings. My mind is swirling with stories and visions of horses throughout history, each one adding to the rich tapestry of our existence. Let’s go on this journey together, shall we?
A Life of Work and Duty:
Right now, I’m in my prime as a 20-year-old grey draught horse. This means I’m big, strong, and perfect for the heavy work that makes me feel valued. It’s not all glamour - I help the farmer plough the fields, pull heavy loads of timber, and transport goods to the market. We horses are the lifeblood of this community, our work allowing the local folk to thrive.
But what about 929 AD, you ask? It’s hard to imagine a world without our brethren on every street corner. Horses are the driving force - quite literally! - of the medieval world. They pull chariots for merchants, knights, and kings. They carry goods across kingdoms, and soldiers to war. It’s our strength and endurance that keep civilisation ticking over, just as it did centuries before and after.
Knights, Vikings, and Warriors:
929 AD was a time of change. Kingdoms across Europe were struggling to define themselves. Powerful leaders rose and fell, shaping the map of our continent in a tumultuous way. Horses were right there in the midst of this, the mighty steeds under noble knights and ferocious Viking warriors.
There are whispers of King Æthelstan of England, crowned in 925, striving to expand his dominion. He is said to be a great horseman, with a strong, sleek steed as his faithful companion. Imagine that, carrying such power and authority, navigating the chaos and warfare of that era!
Meanwhile, our friends, the Vikings, still make their mark in history. In 929, they continue to raid and explore, taking their horse-power far and wide. I can only imagine how those magnificent steeds must have galloped along the shorelines, a powerful spectacle.
But even during times of strife, there was also beauty and peace to be found. 929 AD marked a peaceful period in parts of Europe. There were merchants and traders navigating the countryside on their loyal horses, exchanging goods and sharing stories. I imagine a quiet inn, filled with weary travellers, sharing a drink and their stories while their faithful mounts rest outside, ready for the journey ahead.
Breeding, Care, and Beyond:
Even in 929, people were mindful of proper breeding and horse care. Some sought to develop horses that possessed the necessary characteristics for the task at hand - swiftness for messenger horses, strength for plough horses, and agility for battle mounts. This understanding, however rudimentary, reflects the strong bond between man and horse.
As I write this, I hear the blacksmith hammer clanging away, sharpening the horse-shoes, a rhythmic sound that resonates with a feeling of history. It’s not only about our work but also about caring for our health. I picture a community gathering around the barn, their horses sharing hay and water, the scent of horse musk filling the air - a simple moment of community and connection.
Our Place in a World Evolving:
Even though we were considered crucial to almost every aspect of daily life, we were also objects of admiration, love, and loyalty. Horses, like me, are not simply work animals; we are companions, protectors, and cherished members of families.
The bond between humans and horses in 929, while shaped by the realities of their time, feels both familiar and distant. The stories from this era remind us how far we've come, yet also how much remains the same.
Today, horses continue to hold a special place in our world. Although our role has evolved, the essence of our bond with humans is still the same: a deep connection built on trust, mutual respect, and the quiet understanding that only horses and humans can share.
I leave you today, dear reader, with these thoughts to ponder. The history of horses is a long and magnificent story. Each year, every generation holds a place in this grand narrative, shaping who we are as creatures of both beauty and strength.
Keep trotting along, my friends, and join me next time as we explore the captivating history of horses! Until then, may your mane be thick and your hooves strong!
Love,
Emma the Grey Draught Mare From Hayfield, Scotland www.equiworld.org
