Hello fellow horse lovers! It’s Emma here, your trusty grey mare, writing from my humble stable in Hayfield, just a short trot from Aberdeen. You wouldn't believe the exciting things going on in the world of horses right now, so put your hooves up and join me for another installment of my blog – the 930 AD edition!
You may be thinking, “930 AD? What could possibly be exciting about the year 930?” But, my dears, this is precisely what makes the past so fascinating! You see, back in those days, everything was changing - it was a time of great upheaval, growth, and yes, sometimes uncertainty, but all of it weaving its way into our lives as horses.
I must admit, sometimes I get quite nostalgic for those simpler times. Hayfield, you see, was a vibrant, bustling place even back then. There was a strong community spirit amongst the horses - the Clydesdale studs with their beautiful thick coats, the sleek, elegant Arabians with their spirit, the sturdy workhorses hauling carts and ploughs – all sharing stories and wisdom in the fields and at the watering hole.
Right now, as I'm writing this, it's just past dawn and the air is still fresh with dew. My dear friend, Angus, a magnificent Clydesdale, just wandered into the paddock for our morning nibble. “Another beautiful day for work, Emma,” he grunts. “Think we'll be hauling supplies to the new church today?”
Angus, a faithful soul, never complains about the hard work. I often ponder about the difference between us and those sleek Arabian horses used for battle by kings and earls. We may not gallop with grace like them, but there is a strength and purpose in our toil, a vital link in keeping things going.
And indeed, things are moving! Back in 930, things were far from stagnant. You might have heard that a fearsome King Athelstan of Wessex has been crowned King of England. That is huge, folks! It means the beginning of the unification of Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, and yes, you guessed it – more demand for horses! The new, bigger armies require more stallions, reliable packhorses for supplies, and robust draught horses for transport.
What does this mean for us? Well, our value increases, that’s for sure. Our work gets tougher sometimes, but then again, so do the rewards. Sometimes, we’re not just used to carry goods. We also carry those brave souls who ride into battle for King and country. Their spirit, the clink of steel on their armour, the warmth of their bodies, all that leaves its imprint on a horse's soul. I’ve had some of the most spirited battles right here in Scotland, under the keen, blue eyes of Vikings. Let’s just say they have a certain vigour about their horsemanship!
Of course, our lives aren't all about warfare. We play an integral role in everyday life. The horses who draw ploughs in the fields help provide food, those carrying merchant goods bring in new spices and textiles, and, for those in the fortunate position like Angus and I, there’s the pleasure of carrying families, friends, and their precious cargo. A quick cart ride to town can become a delightful adventure in itself!
And don’t even get me started on the stories! In these turbulent times, with kingdoms rising and falling, it’s the simple act of a horse's quiet company and gentle gait that truly allows for reflection and introspection. You know, sometimes a story whispered in a stable, shared over a shared bale of hay, is more captivating than anything told by those bards and storytellers.
My dear friends, I know you, just like me, feel the magic of the open countryside, the thrill of a good gallop across rolling green hills, the comfort of a stable full of good friends, and the sense of belonging in a strong, close community.
Remember, in 930 AD, we, the horses, are at the heart of everything. And don’t forget to visit the equiworld.org website for more news, gossip, and all things equine. Until next time, keep those tails swishing and those hooves tapping!
Yours,
Emma.
