History of Horses in the year 0947

Hello everyone! Emma here, your resident draught horse historian, blogging from my beautiful home in Hayfield, near Aberdeen. It’s been a while since my last post, and let me tell you, life in the year 0947 has been anything but dull!

I feel a little embarrassed to admit this, but it was only recently, thanks to a conversation with our kindly village priest, Father Patrick, that I finally grasped what year we’re in. He chuckled when I sheepishly confessed my ignorance, reminding me that dates are pretty important when you’re a historian, which I am, even if my subject matter is horses, of course!

So, without further ado, let’s dive into what's been going on in the world of horses back in this fascinating time!

Firstly, life here in Hayfield is nothing short of idyllic. Imagine green hills rolling forever, dappled with sunshine and sprinkled with wild flowers. Our grazing pastures are lush and plentiful, thanks to the fertile soil and the care of our farmer, Alistair.

Alistair, a kind man with eyes as blue as a Highland loch, keeps a small, well-kept farm, where we draught horses are the backbone of everything. We work hard, pulling the ploughs and harrows across the land, transporting goods, and providing strength for all sorts of tasks. But Alistair always ensures we have the best of everything – a good feed of hay and oats, a comfortable stall in the evenings, and regular grooming sessions with the kind hands of his daughter, Elspeth.

Elspeth, with her bright auburn hair and cheerful smile, has been my constant companion since I was a foal. We’ve grown up together, and I confess to having a secret fondness for her. There’s something about the way she laughs and hums as she brushes my mane and tail, making me feel special and valued.

Life on the farm is quite peaceful, and we get to see our fellow horses from nearby farms occasionally, either at the market or at communal gatherings, which we affectionately call "horse parties"!

Speaking of which, we recently celebrated the Midsummer Festival. It’s a big event here in Scotland, and all the farms and villages come together for a joyful gathering. It’s a magical experience with music, dancing, and laughter. And, of course, a feast! We horses also enjoy a special treat of freshly cut clover and a good dose of affection from all the humans present.

While our own world in Hayfield is pleasant and peaceful, I’ve heard some thrilling stories about what's going on beyond our borders. From our friends, the horses travelling the great roads, we've gathered whispers about powerful kings and warriors, great battles fought in distant lands, and majestic kingdoms thriving far to the south.

Father Patrick has mentioned a great king named Edgar in England. He is called the Peaceful one, which must be a comfort to the horses of that land!

Though my memories may not stretch back very far, I can tell you that the year 0947 is a significant one.

The world of horses is on the cusp of a transformation. The stirrup, that amazing invention that makes riding so much easier, is gaining more and more popularity. It has been around for some time in Asia, but only recently came to Europe, spreading like wildfire among the warriors.

Imagine how it changed the world! A knight on a powerful steed, armed with a sword, lance, and a firm grip thanks to the stirrup. It seems like only yesterday our riders would rely on clumsy rope saddles.

Another invention that is catching the eyes of those with discerning tastes, is the 'thoroughbred'. Apparently these beautiful horses, originally brought from across the great waters from a place called Arabia, are bred for speed and endurance. Their agility is almost magical!

Of course, my family, the hardy and steadfast Draught Horses, will remain at the core of hard work, strong and steady. We continue to haul goods and provide reliable service across land and fields.

It is exciting to witness these changes unfold. We horses have a long and fascinating history, and we are constantly evolving and adapting to new circumstances.

The world of horses in 0947 is full of joy and wonder. We run freely across meadows, nuzzle our friends, enjoy the warmth of the sun on our backs, and savor the kindness of our humans. I can't imagine a life richer or more fulfilling.

I hope you enjoyed my peek into the life of a horse in 0947! Join me again soon as we delve further into the history of our wonderful kind.

Stay safe, stay well, and may your hooves always find good pasture!

Love, Emma