Post Number: 950
From Hayfield, Near Aberdeen
Greetings, fellow equines! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood grey mare from Hayfield, near the bustling city of Aberdeen. Today, we're going to embark on a journey back in time, specifically to the year 0950 AD. This is part of my ongoing series where I share my equine observations and insights into historical events through the lens of a horse. I call it "Emma's History" and I hope you find it as enriching as I do!
So, let's pull back the curtain and travel to the tenth century. 0950 AD. Now, that's a good few hundred years before we started wearing shiny shoes, learning dressage moves, and wearing that fabulous "competition coat" that some of the fancy horses at the nearby stables love so much.
Life back then was much more simple for a mare like myself. As a large draught horse, my main responsibility was, well, to draft! Think hauling hefty plows, pulling carts loaded with crops, and transporting goods across rugged landscapes. My life was built around serving the needs of the human community, and I must say, I was pretty good at it!
This period saw the rise of the Vikings, a fearsome people with impressive ship-building skills and even more impressive, well, hairstyles! Now, the Vikings, as much as they loved sailing, also loved horses. Imagine sturdy creatures like myself, pulling their ships over land and even used for raiding across the North Sea. It was a dangerous time, filled with conflict, but we were right at the heart of it, assisting the humans in all their adventures, and helping to transport goods between settlements, which of course meant I always got plenty of opportunities for fresh grass, even on our voyages across the sea!
The Role of the Horses:
Life in 0950 AD for a horse was all about work, and, it must be said, practicality. Horses, back then, were viewed as vital tools and the key to getting things done. It’s almost difficult to imagine our importance today. Humans wouldn't have been able to conquer landscapes, or carry goods far and wide without us. Think about it.
What Horses Did Back Then:
Farming: This is where my kind really came into our own. Imagine vast fields of barley and oats being turned by a team of us. My strongest memories from 0950 are those crisp mornings spent working alongside my stablemates, harnessing our strength and energy to cultivate the land. We were, and always will be, the backbone of agricultural life.
Transportation: As a strong, capable grey mare, I was chosen for pulling heavy loads. From timber, grain, and people, to bringing soldiers to their battles - we carried it all. Our muscular power made us indispensable. Our ability to move swiftly, and cover distances, meant we could bridge villages, connect cities and link markets with the land around them. This was a critical time for building infrastructure and our contribution was nothing short of monumental!
War: As for war, well, sadly, that was a reality of 0950 too. The Viking people had a penchant for travel, a taste for raids, and a fierce need for military action, and there we were - right in the middle of it all. We played our role valiantly, helping to carry soldiers and equipment into battle. Honestly, even back then, it was nothing glamorous. Imagine clouds of dust, fear, and the thunder of hooves pounding against hard ground. It wasn't the finest hour of horse history, but even through these turbulent times, the bond between human and horse flourished, driven by trust, bravery and mutual survival.
Horse Care in the Tenth Century:
Life in 0950, while rewarding in terms of our vital role in society, wasn't always glamorous for horses like myself. We lived in stables that weren't much to look at, fed simple grains and straw, and got more rest by sleeping while still harnessed. Our lives were more about endurance and teamwork than flash and flamboyance.
Yet, the human understanding of a horse’s need for rest, sustenance, and even care was surprisingly evolved, even in a rough-and-tumble world like 0950. People recognised that the strength we exerted in our work came from the care and attention they gave to our health. That, perhaps, was the biggest reward for a hardworking mare like myself: A human who understood and valued my strength and my dedication.
What Makes 0950 Interesting in the World of Horses?
Perhaps, from our horse-centric perspective, this decade is remembered most for its impact on horse breeding. People were starting to realise that horses suited for certain tasks needed to be bred accordingly. You might imagine a horse capable of carrying a warrior and his heavy armour needs to be big and sturdy. While another for transporting a small group of people or smaller loads, might need to be lighter, nimbler, and perhaps able to move faster. And just as human families look to marry for similar strengths and intelligence, our world of breeding was adapting to make sure we had the horses suited for the tasks that humans needed.
For a strong horse like myself, there is something incredibly satisfying about knowing my bloodline has played a role in making things easier, more productive, and ultimately, safer for humans.
My Reflection:
As I gaze out upon the lush fields of Hayfield in 2023, a distant memory of the bustling fields of 0950 lingers. So much has changed over the years. Horses now compete, dressage and gallop through the countryside, taking part in spectacular displays of athleticism. Yet, looking back to 0950, it reminds me of how integral horses were to the very foundation of human society, how we were woven into the fabric of existence, not just as beautiful creatures, but as true companions and workers.
Next week, we'll explore the world of horses in another period of history. Until then, happy riding, everyone, and may the grass always be green, the hay plentiful, and our hearts strong!
**Yours Truly,
Emma, the Grey Mare**
