Neigh-sayers, neigh no more! Welcome to my little corner of EquiWorld, where history comes alive with a snort and a paw! Today, we're taking a trot back to the year 0943 – a time when the world was a different place, but horses were still our beloved companions, partners, and sources of strength.
I’m Emma, a grey draught mare with a flowing white mane and tail. I live in the lovely village of Hayfield near Aberdeen, a region famed for its rich fields of oats and barley that are just the thing to give us a fine, hearty coat. It’s here, among the rolling hills of Scotland, that I have spent my days pulling plows, transporting goods, and sometimes even racing – a delightful bit of exercise, I can tell you!
The year 0943 isn’t much remembered in the grand scheme of things. There are no dramatic wars or sweeping revolutions – thankfully, so my humans don’t have to rush me off to battle. But, let me tell you, this is a time of growth, both for our beloved human companions and for us equines.
A Time of Change and Development:
Across Europe, there’s a lot of talk about farming advancements. The Vikings, those hardy seafaring folk, are still making their mark on history, bringing new techniques from across the seas. In Ireland, the "horse-age" is blooming. Farmers are perfecting the plough, which helps them produce more food. And while the warhorse is a valued companion for battle in many kingdoms, more and more humans are turning towards us for the peaceful art of cultivation. I must admit, the sound of the plow moving through the soil, guided by my strong hooves, gives me a deep sense of purpose and satisfaction.
In England, Alfred the Great – a king well known for his intelligence and love for horses - has been on the throne for a while now. He’s encouraging learning and spreading the word about a new style of writing called "insular script", a pretty fancy name for beautiful and legible writing. As a draught horse, I wouldn’t be able to tell you how this impacts my day-to-day life, but I do hear stories of more horses being bred for speed, specifically for the new postal service that is starting to take shape. Perhaps one day, it'll be me dashing through the countryside with a mailbag strapped to my back, though I imagine that's best left to the nimble, fast horses.
Life at Hayfield:
Life here in Hayfield is simple. Every day, we work the fields, help with transportation, and in the evenings, we share a generous portion of oats with our human companions under the glow of the fire in the stable. A fine life, if I do say so myself! My human, Alistair, a gentle farmer with a deep understanding of horses, ensures we are well-fed and cared for. He takes pride in my work ethic, and it’s hard to disagree with his enthusiasm – I love the feeling of sun on my back, wind in my mane, and the fresh scent of hay after a day of hard work.
I enjoy the companionship of my fellow horses, especially Agnes, the beautiful chestnut mare in the stall next to mine. We whisper about the day's happenings as the humans turn in for the night, share stories of our travels and even fantasize about what adventures might await us beyond the rolling green fields of our beloved Hayfield.
A Horse's Tale – The Importance of Trust:
But life wasn’t always like this, especially not in times past. There’s a lot of chatter about the history of the relationship between humans and horses, something I hear our humans talking about over mugs of strong, black tea. I’ve been listening intently, piecing together the tales of our forefathers, those magnificent horses who, many years ago, lived wild, galloping free on vast stretches of untamed lands. It’s said that these ancestors, the mustangs as the humans call them, lived lives full of freedom but also a certain wildness, which can sometimes be a detriment. The story of the taming of these magnificent creatures, brought to us by the men and women who saw something in our wild strength, something more than just brute force – that story touches me deeply. It's about the deep trust forged between human and horse, about how we learned to rely on each other, and how both of our lives were forever changed for the better.
Our Future is Brighter Than Ever:
These stories about our past have only served to deepen my appreciation for the special bond that exists between us horses and our human companions. It is a bond built on mutual respect and a shared need – our humans need us for our strength, our endurance, and our loyal nature, and we need their guidance, their wisdom, and their gentle care. I don’t worry about the future. Humans and horses will always have a special place in the world, I am sure of it. And the journey will be filled with exciting new discoveries, thrilling adventures, and, of course, plenty of delicious oats to go around.
So, my friends, remember to always look to the future with optimism and enthusiasm! Never forget the history that brought us to this point, and let us carry on the traditions of trust, companionship, and mutual respect that have defined our relationship for generations. Remember, we are the horses, and the world is waiting to be explored!
Till next time, happy neigh-borhood, and happy trails!
Emma, a grey draught mare with a flowing white mane and tail.
