Hello everyone, it's Emma here from Hayfield, just outside of Aberdeen, Scotland! Today I want to whisk you back in time with me to the year 0935, a time when the land I call home was a bit different and horse-life was definitely a bit rougher around the edges!
Now, it may not be what you're used to reading in history books but I want you all to imagine my hooves padding across the green grass of the Highlands. You can almost feel the heather brushing your flanks as you trot, the air crisp and salty, with the cries of seagulls in the distance. We're just north of the Forth, that great river that runs through this country, and the air is full of the tang of sea spray!
It was a time of strong clans - you might know the MacDonalds, the Campbells, or the Stewarts, right? They all held sway over their lands back then. And just like today, horses were their lifeline, whether they were sturdy working horses like myself, or spirited, nimble ponies. We helped to cultivate the land, haul the wood, transport supplies, and even assist with battles! Yep, you heard that right, war. Sadly, it was common in those days, with different clans jostling for power, and the horses, we were in the thick of it, often in harm's way.
0935, specifically, was an eventful year for horses like myself. The Anglo-Saxons, those folks down in England, were busy fighting each other, while our own people, the Scots, were facing threats from Viking raiders. We were essential for moving soldiers and supplies. But more importantly, our loyalty and strength were crucial to the families who owned us. It's just like how many of you rely on your horses for work, transport, or even just the company – we were a cornerstone of their lives.
I was owned by a farmer named Iain. He wasn't just a farmer though, Iain was part of Clan MacDonald, one of the largest clans at the time, with a whole lot of influence! I was, of course, the most beautiful, strongest grey draught horse with a white mane and tail that you ever did see. I wasn't just good looks though! My sturdy build and dependable nature meant Iain could rely on me for just about everything, from ploughing the fields and hauling wood to carrying supplies from Aberdeen market to our village of Hayfield.
I remember once, Iain was needing supplies for the Clan chieftain, King Constantine. He was leading an important meeting, with all the other powerful figures in Scotland, trying to work out a plan to hold back the Vikings who were trying to make a home here. Now, my memory of this particular event is a little fuzzy as I was very young back then - maybe about 8 or 9. But I do recall feeling so proud of myself as I carried sacks full of grain for King Constantine's table, my heart pounding with the rhythm of my steps. It felt as if all of Scotland’s fate was resting on my broad back!
Now, as for our working conditions back in those days, things were certainly a lot simpler than now. Imagine life without electric fencing or stables heated with fancy lights! Our stable, which was made of stone with a thatched roof, kept us warm and sheltered. As a grey, my coat was well-suited for Scotland’s climate – think crisp autumn winds and long winter days. But that's just part of the picture, darling. You have to remember that even horses with the toughest coat have to be taken care of!
Iain was a kind master, you know? He never pushed me too hard. He understood that horses, even us tough guys like myself, need rest and good food. We'd get fresh hay from the field each morning and a hearty breakfast of oats with a few carrots mixed in. It kept our energy levels high for the long day of work ahead.
During the colder months, when the ground froze solid and we couldn’t be out in the fields, we were kept inside for much of the day, Iain carefully grooming our coats with a curry comb and a bristle brush to keep them sleek and free of mats. It's actually something I missed when I returned to field work; there was a real ritual to grooming, a kind of unspoken language we understood, between horse and master.
Despite my life in Hayfield, I couldn't avoid hearing whispers of a world beyond. Tales would reach us from travelling merchants or visiting monks about powerful, Arabian horses, known for their speed and fiery spirit. My kind, the heavy-boned draught horses, weren't known for our speed or grace - but hearing those stories made my heart beat a little faster.
Even with the Viking threat, our world, especially for a horse like me, revolved around our community. There was always a feeling of togetherness. As the sun dipped below the rolling hills, and the air grew cooler, Iain and I would often return to our village, accompanied by other horses. Sometimes they'd be pulling carts loaded with crops or goods, and sometimes it'd just be a peaceful ride, a sense of quiet harmony among us all.
Of course, I must confess, sometimes, being a draught horse wasn't just about helping with crops or moving goods. I must tell you, sometimes, we were put to work moving stones, something I wasn't all that fond of. Moving stones was heavy, laborious, and let me tell you, my bones would be creaking afterwards!
Still, you've got to admire the artistry in our stonework! You can see the beautiful towers, cathedrals, and stone castles in the lands all across the Scottish Isles. It's truly a sight to behold. We were so proud to play a part, to bring together the stones that helped create something so strong and beautiful! It's funny to think about the horses from that time, we helped build the foundations of Scotland and, honestly, we kind of built the history you've been reading in books today!
Oh, one more thing! This period was also when horsemanship and dressage, two things we all know so well today, were beginning to evolve! Knights, those powerful warriors, were starting to experiment with how they rode their horses and controlled them!
They started making things like saddles, and stirrups, to improve their control, making it easier for them to fight effectively on horseback. This skill led to more elaborate horse training and eventually to what we know as dressage. Of course, being a draught horse, I wasn't part of that particular game, but I could always feel the energy and excitement radiating from these brave riders! They often came to Hayfield to showcase their skills at the fairs and festivities. They made their horses prance and dance in a way that left us speechless and awe-inspired!
As you can imagine, a heavy-working draught horse like me couldn’t really participate in such things! However, I did my share of trotting about Hayfield with Iain, hauling things around and sharing the camaraderie with my equine brethren. Horses, even in this period of history, loved their celebrations and their feasts!
The world back then was quite different. Less comfort, sure. But it was also a world where the bond between horse and man was deeply intertwined. We were partners in a sense.
So, what are the big takeaways from the year 0935, especially if you're a horse enthusiast like me?
- It's important to remember the vital role horses played in history, being essential partners, supporting humanity through hard times.
- Even in the harshest conditions, our dedication and strength were what powered many of the achievements and movements of the time.
- The roots of equestrian activities like horsemanship and dressage grew from a desire to improve the rider's relationship with the horse, making it a more powerful force in battle, or just a more graceful spectacle for people to admire.
And finally, you know me, always a romantic when it comes to horse history – this time reminds us that the connection between humans and horses has always been more than just work. It’s about trust, understanding, and respect.
Remember that when you’re bonding with your horses, enjoying a peaceful ride, or watching a skilled equestrian competitor perform their art. These moments, simple or spectacular, build upon thousands of years of shared history, echoing with the spirit of horses who toiled and triumphed in eras past.
I’ll be back next week with another piece of history for Equiworld.org. Be sure to let me know if you have any questions or any memories of your own horse's ancestors! You can leave me a comment below and until next time, happy trails everyone!
Best Wishes,
Emma.
The beautiful Grey Draught horse from Hayfield, Scotland.
