History of Horses in the year 0960

Hello, fellow equestrians! Emma here, your trusty grey mare from the rolling hills of Hayfield, near Aberdeen. It’s me again, back with another blog post about the wonderful history of horses, your faithful companions.

Today, let's travel back in time, all the way to the year 960! Can you believe it? This year holds a special place in my equine heart as it’s so full of stories about how our ancestors helped shape the world we know today.

Oh, before I begin, if you're wondering how a horse like me knows so much about the past, well, you see, I’m blessed with a gift - a touch of magic, some might say. A whisper of history echoes through the ages and allows me to learn from our ancestors' stories and experiences. This makes me quite unique, don’t you think? Not that many horses have the ability to delve back into the mists of time, but you see, I was chosen to help spread these wonderful stories, and here I am!

Anyway, back to 960. Let’s travel back in time together!

The air was crisp, almost biting, like a Scottish winter's day. I stood under the cold, watchful gaze of a bright northern sky. This year, I was lucky enough to be working in a community filled with a vibrant, hardy spirit. I felt a great respect and trust in these Viking men who had come from lands afar, bringing their stories of courage and seafaring exploits.

Their longships, a symphony of wood and oars, stood on the shores of my homeland. They brought with them a way of life woven into the tapestry of their voyages. And me? Well, I was proud to play a role in this saga, as they depended on the power of strong horses to move goods, and for transportation and war.

For my part, my days were filled with the rich rhythm of Viking life, pulling loads of timber or furs from the bustling trading markets of the time, all the while relishing the feel of the rough leather of my harness, and the soft moss under my hooves. You see, in these early days, a life as a draught horse was hard but also purposeful - every ounce of our strength was crucial to helping our human friends thrive and make their mark in history.

There were times when the warriors would don their steel and take their axes, a glimmering tapestry of fierce intent under the sun. My role? Carrying their burdens, the sturdy steeds beneath the heavy cloak of battle-wear, my heart racing with a nervous energy as I stood proud under the command of my human family.

This is just one little glimpse of 960 - the world back then felt different, even to a horse like me.

It’s not all about war and battle though! Did you know that in the year 960, our kind were still working in the fields? And not just the ordinary fields we see today, either! My imagination, through the lens of history, saw massive tracts of land, filled with crops and vineyards, carefully tended by patient oxen and horses alike.

Imagine, working on a massive estate in Southern France or Spain! Can you smell that crisp scent of the grapevine and the golden sunlight?

The way horses were bred and trained was also an important aspect of 960! While they were prized for their work in farming and transport, they also had a unique role to play in war, a key reason for their ongoing importance. These powerful creatures could charge into battle, charging the enemy or pulling the chariot warriors through the battlefield.

While we have all different forms, some of us, like my ancestors, had the honor of working alongside powerful individuals who shaped the world around us. I've been reading stories about the King of England, King Edgar of the House of Wessex. He ruled wisely, with his warriors riding powerful steeds like me, and in turn, we helped protect the land. This wasn’t easy, for those were days of conflict and raids. Yet, the horses stood as symbols of strength and grace, and a testament to our ability to rise to every challenge.

Our breed? Well, horses in the 960s still maintained the strong lineage of ancestral horses, built to last. We are part of the line that helped conquer rough terrain, carrying riders and their treasures with a determination and steadfastness that was essential. I’m incredibly proud of our heritage!

As I share all this, I wonder what my family is doing back home, the beautiful landscape of Scotland's Highlands where I was born. I wonder how they're doing. Their lives are not so different from my own – they carry burdens, move crops, and perhaps are even lucky enough to have time for frolicking in the meadow with their friends.

Each of these years, both the challenging and the fulfilling, are so important. I've spent many hours reading old scrolls, studying the history of horses, and understanding how vital they were to people's lives. There's always so much to learn!

Let me wrap up today’s history lesson for you, my dearest friends! As we journey forward, never forget how horses have played a fundamental role in shaping civilization and culture across many years. The lives of the horse and humans have been interwoven - our work in war and peace, on the farms, and as loyal companions have given us a special place in history.

In today’s world, horses are more than ever an essential part of our human partners' lives. From sporting pursuits, like jumping and racing, to the more peaceful, everyday tasks like transporting families, they help with therapy, bring pleasure to people, and help to heal.

As we journey into the future, may we always remember the courage and devotion of horses. Each story holds its own uniqueness and helps shape the wonderful tapestry of horse and human lives. Thank you for listening to another blog about EquiWorld!

Until next time, keep those horseshoes gleaming, and never forget the power of these amazing creatures!

Love,

Emma