Hello my fellow equines!
Welcome to another edition of Emma's EquiWorld.org blog, where I, your humble grey mare from the windswept fields of Hayfield near Aberdeen, Scotland, chronicle the life and times of our equine brethren throughout history. Today, we’re venturing back in time to the year 954 AD, a time when life for a horse, especially a strong draught like me, was still inextricably woven into the fabric of human society.
The chill of a Scottish dawn seeped into my bones this morning. My stall was just starting to fill with the faint light that filters through the barn walls, reminding me that another day of labour awaits. For a strong mare like me, a day in the year 954 means hauling carts laden with supplies, pulling a heavy plough across the field, or transporting men and goods along the winding paths. Life, I’d say, is a little bit simpler here in the Highlands compared to the bigger towns down south. Still, we work hard. But we're also rewarded with hearty oats, sweet hay, and the occasional head scratch from the farmer's children.
The humans in these parts are, for the most part, a hardy lot. We don’t quite see them relying on the horses as much as the folks further down the road, especially those in the big cities like London, where rumour has it they even use horses to carry people, not just goods! But, I must confess, hauling a nobleman around in a carriage is probably a tad bit more glamorous than pulling a plough...just a thought, mind you!
What we do see here in Scotland are strong, independent folk who know their land, know their animals, and live in harmony with them. We draught horses, particularly those like myself with the strength of an ox, are their constant companions. They trust us to carry the burden of their labour, and I, for one, am more than happy to provide that trust. It’s a way of life we understand.
Of course, there's a lot happening in the equine world beyond my small Hayfield. The Vikings are still a fearsome force across the North Sea, raiding settlements, stealing supplies, and even venturing as far south as France. My human tell me about the fear that they instill, their prowess in battle, but honestly, for a strong work horse like me, those fierce Viking lads seem no different to the farmer who uses me to pull his wagon. Just another powerful force of nature!
But there’s more to the equine world than raiding and warfare, though these tales certainly give the stories around the fire more life! Horses, you see, are still central to trade, movement, and even war. This year saw the crowning of King Edgar, who, rumour has it, made good use of his royal steed. You see, he was already consolidating his rule in England, uniting different Anglo-Saxon kingdoms and establishing himself as a king who knows his horses!
Horses, especially the war horses, are powerful symbols in the stories that flow across these lands, much like the legend of the famed knight Saint George and his faithful steed. Now, this legendary beast isn't quite like us strong, steady draught horses; these noble steeds are smaller and swift, made for war and chivalry, though the tales about them sure sound exciting! You can't help but dream about such feats of valor even while pulling a heavy cart full of potatoes.
Then, of course, there are the monks. We may not have much in common with the human men clad in simple robes and wielding the power of faith, but they are, nevertheless, part of our lives. Some of my friends in the area are said to work with monks at local monasteries, pulling plows for their gardens, carts for supplies, and even being ridden during important religious pilgrimages. In truth, these monks seem to care greatly for their steeds, giving them plenty of rest, and food, and a great deal of respect. And let me tell you, horses enjoy respect! It is a vital thing that nourishes us even more than the richest grain.
Here in 954, we see the dawn of the age where humans increasingly understand the importance of harnessing horse power. We may not be fully appreciated for the complex, thinking beings that we are, but our strong bodies, willingness to work, and unwavering loyalty remain vital to the human world.
I've spoken about some of the things happening in our world in 954 - trade, war, and even the humble farm life. But it’s also about how we, as horses, continue to play an integral role in their society. There are a number of factors contributing to this. Our incredible strength, for one, helps drive the world. Our speed, another incredible gift, enables the human to move faster than before, creating new possibilities. The power and speed that lies within us, my dear fellow equines, is unmatched. It's something to be proud of!
The coming years may hold more innovation and perhaps, even a more intricate relationship between us and humans. As we continue our journey together, it's important to remember that our strength, loyalty, and spirit are not merely assets to human progress, but also intrinsic qualities that make us who we are.
So, as we stand poised to enter another era, I leave you with a question - What role do you believe horses will play in the future? Share your thoughts below, fellow equines!
And remember, until next time, may your oats be plentiful and your spirits as bright as the Scottish sun!
Yours in hoofbeats,
Emma
From the fields of Hayfield, near Aberdeen, Scotland
