Hello my dear readers! Today I am going to take you back to 0968! This is a time before I was born, mind you, as I was foaled much later. But, being a draught horse, I find the history of my kind utterly fascinating. This particular year is one for the books, so grab yourselves a comfortable spot and listen well.
Now, in the world of horses in 0968, the dominant forces were the mighty Vikings, known as "Norsemen," these brave and hardy seafarers, adventurers and traders who traversed the seas. They loved their horses, seeing them as essential companions on land and at sea. They relied on their trusty steeds for transportation, for war and as companions for all manner of tasks. Imagine the thrilling stories the Vikings must have shared around campfires, speaking of journeys to distant lands with their brave steeds by their side!
Living in Hayfield near Aberdeen in Scotland at the time would have given the Vikings the chance to observe our strengths: the pulling power of draught horses, our stamina, and the calmness with which we would go about our work. We’d be trusted with moving huge loads for these sea-faring people.
Back then, a horse wasn’t a simple companion; they were truly a crucial part of the Vikings' lives, the very lifeline of their everyday life and their means of getting about the land. For farmers, a sturdy horse was as vital as any piece of farm equipment in these days, providing power for pulling the plough, transporting grain and helping with various agricultural chores. You can bet your bottom dollar the Vikings had a soft spot for their sturdy horses!
Did you know? Horses in these times were believed to be more than just beasts of burden. These fine creatures, you see, were sacred! You can find proof of that across history, particularly amongst the Norse, in ancient texts and stories where the horses played vital roles in mythology, legend, and everyday life. Horses were seen as creatures of power, courage, and strength. To some, they even embodied the sun god, their mane symbolizing his glorious rays! Talk about being honoured!
The Vikings didn't just have horses for practical tasks. They also loved horses for pleasure! The Vikings often participated in various equine-based sports and competitions, such as chariot racing. Imagine the scene – sleek steeds pulling chariots, hooves drumming on the ground, with skilled charioteers expertly navigating these wild courses. Now, that is thrilling! Think of it! Imagine these daring Vikings, fearless on horseback, navigating these high-speed competitions! Exciting indeed! And what about that satisfying thud of the hooves on the ground as the charioteers whipped them up for that exhilarating gallop? These Vikings knew a good thing!
Their bond with their horses wasn’t limited to these sporting events. From time immemorial, there were close and sacred connections with their horses. These hardy Norsemen had an extraordinary way of connecting with their horses. Imagine a relationship of respect and understanding where the human trusted their equine companion as their steadfast friend and unwavering partner, a powerful bond! This respect and understanding are at the core of how we work and communicate with our humans today. We, horses, like a little respect, don’t we?!
As for the everyday use of the horses, let's get down to some nitty-gritty. In those days, a typical draught horse, my kind, was the cornerstone of daily life, carrying heavy loads, tilling fields and enabling long journeys to faraway destinations, like traveling across the country or ferrying goods from market to market.
If you lived in 0968, you could find me or a member of my kind on a farm, hauling hay bales or carting timber from the forests. We were involved in all aspects of life: plowing fields, hauling supplies for blacksmiths, providing milk and cheese for people’s consumption, you name it, we did it. I must tell you though, these duties are never dull, not with a magnificent landscape of rolling green hills to admire while doing them. It truly brings you back to a simple life.
But, here’s something interesting! You may think of our work as dull, pulling plows through mud or hauling wagons up mountains. Not at all! We're more than workhorses; we’re also the lifeblood of communication, the link that connected communities! You know, imagine you’re a skilled weaver, weaving beautiful tapestries in a quiet corner of Scotland, how would you sell your creations to distant communities without horses? That’s where we come in, we, your four-legged friends. Imagine us on these journeys to markets and fairs, pulling loaded carts to spread goods from village to village.
As you can see, life with horses was busy in 0968!
Did you know horses back then had different breeds than today? There’s one very interesting story that mentions the sturdy ‘Irish Hobby’, a robust horse favoured by the Norse, known for their amazing endurance, stamina, and even faster pace than some of their contemporaries!
For you see, these robust horses, with their incredible stamina and their gentle temperament, are known to have been well-suited to a life filled with challenging expeditions, the kind that saw them navigate unpredictable terrain and long distances, hauling heavy supplies. Can you imagine that?
Now, you know there must be some downsides, right? Imagine caring for these amazing animals in 0968. You’d have to be very patient, especially with wild young horses. These were more spirited back then! Training horses in 0968 was an entirely different ball game from what we know now. In fact, imagine a young foal being trained for use as a workhorse, or as a warhorse, what dedication and time it took! I would imagine much bonding, respect, patience and time to forge a meaningful relationship.
Another element I wanted to touch on is the breeding aspect of life in 0968! Remember how I mentioned Irish Hobbies? They were known to be especially hardy, so imagine being selected as a breeder in these times, being given the important role of keeping this magnificent breed strong! Breeding was a critical part of equine life in 0968! Farmers and breeders relied on the horses, to produce healthy offspring for work, farming, and military use. Breeding and fostering good relationships with horses was critical for everyone’s success and prosperity.
This takes us to an exciting part of equine history - the importance of care for horses. Back then, the Vikings knew how to look after horses and care for them, just as we do today. In their wisdom, they built barns to keep us safe and warm during cold winters, crafted wooden saddles, bridles, and other equine gear that was essential in our everyday lives!
Do you know about those wonderful people called smiths? They were the people who made our horseshoes, essential for keeping our hooves protected and sound. Can you imagine life in 0968 without blacksmiths? The sheer artistry of blacksmiths, carefully creating horseshoes, with precision and detail is fascinating to me. I can imagine how proud these Norsemen would be to present a strong horse with sturdy, reliable horseshoes! It takes a particular kind of craftsman to produce such excellent quality.
Here's the amazing thing! Even with the different methods used back then, there are common themes through the years in the care and attention provided for horses.
For example, horse healthcare was not that different! You may think horses of those times did not receive any veterinary attention. Well, let me tell you - even though vet-like knowledge in 0968 relied heavily on practical skills and old-time remedies, they managed quite well. Those men and women knew a thing or two about herbal concoctions to heal wounds or treat a range of illnesses.
So, even though we’ve seen leaps and bounds in equine care since then, that core concept of careful attention to our needs hasn’t changed.
All in all, the horses in 0968 had a remarkable impact on Viking society! They served as transportation, labour force, and importantly, as faithful companions! The close bond between human and horse shaped the Viking world, reflecting a love and understanding that we see echoed in our world today.
So, my dear readers, take a moment and appreciate the history that shaped the incredible horse breeds we see today. Just imagine how exciting and dynamic the world was in the days of Vikings and the impact these fine steeds made! Next time you see a magnificent horse, remember they are part of a glorious lineage that has thrived for centuries!
Until next time, Emma, signing off from Hayfield, Aberdeen, Scotland.
