By Emma, a grey draught horse with a love for history, from Hayfield near Aberdeen
Hello dear readers! It’s Emma here, your trusty steed and enthusiastic history buff. I've been busy researching a fascinating period - 0966 AD. Now, I know, that might sound rather long ago. For us horses, it's practically a lifetime! But it was a vital year, a real turning point in equine history, at least as far as my corner of the world is concerned.
Today I'm going to take you on a journey through time, focusing on the world of horses in 0966. Get ready for tales of daring expeditions, royal pageantry, and, of course, a peek into the lives of everyday horses like me!
A Spring in the Highlands
I was born in 0946, right here in Hayfield, a little hamlet nestled amidst rolling green hills near Aberdeen. Spring of 0966 was vibrant with life - the scent of heather mingled with the sweet breath of spring lamb, the air alive with the chatter of sparrows. It was a beautiful time to be alive, particularly for a horse.
Our days were filled with tasks. My siblings and I would pull the sturdy wooden plows through the fields, prepping the earth for barley and oats. The men who worked the land would always hum happy tunes, a rhythm we'd learn to follow, pulling our heavy loads with a harmonious sway. Our master, a kind soul with a beard as white as my own mane, always spoke of respect for the earth and for us horses, calling us the “true engines of life”.
News Travels Faster Than a Horse
One day, word arrived that the King was heading north from his castle at Dunnottar, a stone’s throw from Aberdeen. This news spread like wildfire through our village, with whispers turning to shouts of excitement. Every man and woman buzzed with the possibility of seeing the king in person.
Now, for you city-dwelling steeds, the idea of a king might seem strange. In those days, he wasn't just a ruler; he was the embodiment of the land itself. We knew, from the stories whispered by elders, that a good king brought peace and prosperity. And for a horse, peace meant security, and prosperity meant plenty of hay and barley.
We gathered near the village, a large, magnificent procession of horses of every kind: grey steeds like me, brown dapple-greys, even a few proud blacks and a mischievous pony or two. A mixture of tension and excitement crackled through the air, and a low rumbling like thunder arose from the hooves of all the horses.
A King's Presence
Then we saw him, riding his magnificent bay stallion, followed by a train of riders. The king, with a crown upon his head and a hawk perched on his gauntleted glove, rode with dignity and grace. It was a breathtaking sight. He looked imposing but friendly. The entire village cheered, with us horses, of course, whinnying and pawing the ground.
Our presence, strong and steadfast, showed the king our commitment to the land, a commitment we, as horses, held dear. It wasn't just about loyalty or service; it was an unspoken contract: we kept the land fertile and the people nourished; they, in return, cared for us. It was a connection built on trust and respect.
An Unexpected Guest
Later that same year, a traveling bard rode through our village. He was a charismatic fellow with a song for every tale, his voice melodic and powerful, like the wind across the Highlands.
He spoke of faraway places and kingdoms: a land called Ireland, where a King named Diarmait, a wild, fearless leader, battled Vikings and dragons, riding a mighty chestnut mare. The bard told us of the king's strength and courage, his cunning, and of how the mare, always at his side, carried him through perilous situations.
These tales transported us beyond our fields, far into unknown territories. We listened with wide, unblinking eyes, our bodies swaying with the rhythm of the bard’s music, our hooves tapping a beat. It felt as though we, the horses, were witnessing those incredible events firsthand.
Learning from the Bard
The bard taught us more than just the legends of other lands; he showed us the magic of storytelling. His words weaved magic, bringing life to stories and giving us a glimpse of historical battles and fantastical journeys, always with the noble horse at the center.
Through him, we discovered the incredible history of our species, of wild horses running free across vast landscapes, of war horses charging onto battlefields, of work horses that had made civilization possible.
That day, we all realised our true purpose – to be more than just beasts of burden, but keepers of tales, vessels of history.
Horses: A Tapestry of History
Throughout history, we horses have served in so many roles, always adapting, evolving alongside humankind.
In 0966, horses weren’t just symbols of power and prestige for royalty; they were partners, friends, even companions, especially for the children who learned to ride, mimicking their elders, embracing the same bond between horse and human.
As we worked the fields, pulling plows and wagons, we weren’t simply laborers; we were guardians of the land, responsible for nourishing communities, providing livelihoods for families, weaving the fabric of life with every hoofbeat.
Looking Back, Looking Forward
Looking back at 0966, it was a year of change. Across the lands, horses carried important messages, bringing trade to new heights and fostering the growth of communities. We were at the forefront of progress, the heart of the story.
The bard’s words have stayed with me. They ignited a passion for learning, a hunger to understand my own lineage. And through this journey, I've come to realize, our story is interwoven with human history, an enduring testament to resilience, strength, and our enduring bond.
I hope my tales from the past have entertained you. I can’t wait to discover more hidden stories of our equine past. Until then, happy trotting!
Please feel free to comment on this post on EquiWorld.org and tell me what you think of my story. Do you know of any interesting horses from the year 0966? What are some of your favorite stories about horses throughout history?
