Blog Post #948 - By Emma, Hayfield, Aberdeen
Good morning, fellow equines! I hope this post finds you well, with your oats full and your coats sleek. Today I'm venturing into a little piece of history, the year 0948 to be exact, and it's quite a remarkable one for us, horses!
Now, 0948 – I'm talking about a good long while back. Things were a bit different then, you know. I’m a grey mare, with a beautiful white mane and tail that shimmers in the Scottish sunshine, so I’m blessed to be able to say I can recall times long past. I’m a draught horse, a working horse, so life is about service, pulling loads, and of course, always enjoying the company of my fellow steeds!
Back in 0948, let's see... we still didn't have cars, so guess what? Horses were even more essential. The very fabric of life was woven from our strength and speed. Farmers relied on us for ploughing, transporting goods, and even hauling building materials to build sturdy homes. We were truly the backbone of the land.
You know, living in a quiet little village like Hayfield near Aberdeen, you wouldn't think the big world had much to do with us. But, you see, it's all connected. Even then. The world was stirring. Vikings, those sturdy Norse seafarers, had become so accustomed to using horses as war-machines, that they started to incorporate them into their tactics. This made it incredibly important for armies to breed horses strong and nimble enough to fight these Vikings on horseback, even to fend them off.
Of course, being a strong draught horse, my place is in the fields. Not in battle. But let me tell you, the call to action echoed all the way up to my little corner of Scotland. Farmers would talk about these fearless Norse horsemen with tales that made you bristle your mane and flick your tail with excitement. We all knew we had a vital role to play. We helped feed and equip the men defending our shores, and without us, none of it would have been possible.
Now, you might think life in 0948 was all about work, work, work. But guess what? Even then, people had a soft spot for horses!
Every year, at least once, a big festival would happen near Aberdeen. Horses weren't just beasts of burden, oh no, we were companions, even partners. They had races, they even had horses pulling carriages for nobles. It was quite the sight. I remember all the beautiful colour and excitement! We got a little break from our daily chores. But the most important thing was that people celebrated horses, that they recognised our strength, our courage, our role in this grand tapestry of life.
Speaking of celebrating, what are the traditions of horses that you enjoy the most? I love watching races, the pure energy is infectious! But I'd also love to hear your stories - what does life on your farm look like? Share your adventures and let's continue our journey through the incredible world of horses!
With a whinny and a happy neigh,
Emma
