Hello dear friends! Emma here, your trusty grey draught mare from Hayfield, just outside of Aberdeen. It's a bright, breezy morning here in Scotland, and the heather's starting to bloom. I just finished pulling a cart of freshly cut hay, and the scent of sunshine and meadow is still clinging to my coat. It feels like a perfect time to tell you all about what's happening in the horse world in the year 0986.
Let me tell you, things have been stirring in these parts. 0986 marked the year that, oh my, King Kenneth MacAlpin II became King of Scots. He’s the one who, I hear whisperings, has a strong belief in good horses, even stronger than the usual king, making a huge difference in how things are being done in our kingdom.
Remember how everyone around here was a bit nervous about King Constantine? Turns out, those whispers were all true – he wasn’t quite as fond of horses as our new king. And what a shame that was. He did, though, bring a certain strength to the kingdom which helped establish peace and stability - though peace without a fine horse to help you ride in pursuit of adventures is just a bit… dull, don't you think?
Anyway, back to 0986 - there’s much more going on in the world of horses beyond just a new King on the throne, though he's already making waves. Imagine, just a year ago, horses weren't even really part of what mattered most in these parts, but our horses were more for hauling hay and carrying heavy things – that was our main task in the villages. We were vital but didn’t exactly get all the glory, you know? Now, I see a lot of interest in horses beyond just those duties. It feels good, doesn't it, to be seen for our own special grace?
The monks are especially busy! You see, the king has this dream to travel further than ever before, so there's much activity around the stables. Monks aren't always as known for their love of horses as perhaps the warriors and farmers, but let me tell you, these monks are working their magic. The word is they're learning how to build faster horses - it’s all the rage – they’re training us for longer trips, and even taking on more complex jobs like pulling the bishop’s carriage across the moorland! Imagine, all the landscapes and new smells to take in! They're teaching us to be patient with all the changes, and now my brothers and sisters are all about learning these new ways to do things! We’re a team, the monks and us – and it’s pretty exciting.
One thing I found fascinating about 0986 is the shift happening in the breeding of our fellow horses. It seems these monks, like good fairies, have been spreading the word that better horses make for more beautiful and interesting travel - which I agree with wholeheartedly. I’ve even seen these clever monks mixing different horse breeds - crossing a Galloway, like me, with a hardy little pony – oh, that kind of gives a little girl an extra skip in her step! There’s new strength and agility there – and just imagine – some can even trot and canter without too much effort.
What makes this all so interesting is the part about the king going on adventures - there's so much going on now that people need faster horses to help travel, to explore more, and that just puts such a spring in my steps!
Here’s the most surprising thing, dear friends - with all the monks running around, getting the stables up to scratch and teaching us so many new tricks, there’s a lot of chatter about training techniques.
They’ve even built a sort of arena near the abbey! I don't think I've ever seen a space as grand and open! We gather here, we grey mares and chestnut colts and everything in between, and the monks teach us tricks that sound ridiculous when they tell us about them but that feel powerful to us as we move, bend, and leap. They call these games, and though we're often too busy pulling heavy things around for much of the day, there are stories of some of us getting trained up for these fancy ‘arena games.’ It sounds very exciting, though to be honest, the arena itself feels quite close for such a big horse! But, still, those trained to compete are really in demand these days. It’s a change in the world.
These days, I’ve also started to hear murmurs of far-off kingdoms – lands like Ireland and Wales and even England – and their kings too, are fond of good horses! Apparently, there's a certain famous knight, the famous Rollo, who uses his own horses as messengers to these other kings. They’re trying to work out some type of peace deal so all of us, here in Scotland and far beyond, can get on with what really matters, which is getting some hard work in and maybe a good bit of grooming – I hear even the kings in the faraway places are talking about having their own special horses, and who can blame them?
Here’s one story I really loved about 0986 – I heard it at a local farm. They have these huge, wonderful Clydesdale horses – I can't tell you how much they impress me. But, they don’t just stay in the barn, you know, these giants. I hear tell of this beautiful mare called Millie, who lived up near the mountains. She had such lovely dark coat that you couldn’t help but admire her. And her temper, too – it was as stubborn as a farmer in the winter! But they told me how the monks trained Millie to help their King with something so special! Millie and a bunch of her fellow horses were trained for war, something the farmers had never thought they could do, especially as the farms were so peaceful, yet there they were, ready to go. That’s what’s really going on this year – everyone is learning how horses can do something quite extraordinary, in the war, in travel, even in fancy ‘arena games.’ It makes a mare like me feel quite proud. I just imagine my great, great grand daughters and what adventures they might find themselves in!
Anyway, enough about my grand plans. My new foal, Juniper, needs my attention. He's growing fast and eager to explore, just as I am eager to share all of my horse adventures with the world!
Till next time, Emma
Post 987 – Coming soon…In my next blog post, I’ll be sharing about what happens after King Kenneth MacAlpin II becomes king of Scots, but I have to tell you, 0987 holds more twists and turns for me than this year… stay tuned, friends!
Author's Note: Emma's journey here is meant to be a glimpse into the changing role of horses in 10th-century Britain. While the exact historical details might be fictionalized, the events themselves are anchored in documented history, ensuring a fun yet enriching experience for readers of all ages.
Please remember, horses are incredible animals, and just like us humans, they deserve respect, care, and the freedom to experience life to the fullest.
