Posted on Equiworld.org - Written by Emma
Greetings, my fellow equine enthusiasts!
Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood draught mare, blogging from the rolling hills of Hayfield, just outside the charming town of Aberdeen. It's a crisp autumn morning, the kind that makes your hooves tingle and your mane dance in the cool breeze. And speaking of cool breezes, I've got a steaming cup of oats beside me, perfectly warming me up for this week's post – a deep dive into the year 642!
Yes, you heard that right. My hoof prints are leading us all the way back to a time when the world was much, much different. The year 642, though quite some time ago, was an exciting time for horses, especially those of us residing in the vast and often harsh terrain of what is now known as Britain.
A World of Plenty (for Horses, that is!)
While human affairs were shifting and changing, we horses were happily tending to the very foundations of society. In 642, we weren't just means of transport – we were a lifeline. Think about it, imagine the world without a trusty steed! Our strength was used to pull ploughs across fertile fields, creating a bounty of crops to sustain families and towns. We helped ferry goods and people, forging vital connections between settlements, especially over the treacherous mountainous regions. And what about the glorious thrill of war? Ah, that’s a tale for another time! But even then, we horses played a vital role.
Speaking of "a time for another time," you wouldn't believe the story of a brave horse named Horsa, an incredible stallion known for his ferocity in battle. Now, you might think the name sounds awfully similar to "horse", wouldn't you? It’s almost as if it’s... destined? It seems like humans have this strange penchant for associating things with things! But that’s neither here nor there. This mighty horse is even mentioned in the old human tales, in the legends, you know?
Anyway, Horsa's strength and bravery earned him the adoration of many people, especially those from the realm of Northumbria, where he roamed. It's amazing what these humans would do for their horses, you know? They actually wrote stories about them. I, for one, think I deserve my own tale, don't you? After all, I have stories, loads of stories about all the things I've seen and done over my twenty years.
Back to 642 now – The Horses of Hayfield
In my beautiful Hayfield, life was much the same, full of a gentle rhythm. Days were spent tending to the farms, hauling goods to market, and offering rides for the farmers' children on their way to school (though school in those days was a bit different from what you find nowadays, trust me!).
And the people, well, they were wonderful. Farmers treated their horses with respect, giving them good feed and stable living. We weren't just animals, we were part of the family. You know, this is something I cherish about Hayfield – it has this wonderful tradition of equine appreciation. We’re treated almost as equal members of society, even though… Well...we are the ones doing the hard work! But I don’t mind. There’s something special about the life of a work horse.
We spent our evenings gathering under the starry skies, sharing stories about the day's adventures, the foals prancing playfully under our watchful eyes.
It was during this year, you see, that my sire, the noble stallion named Blaize, shared the story of his days under the care of a remarkable human - the legendary blacksmith, Aethelgar. Blaize had such kind words to say about Aethelgar's skill and compassion, and the way he’d forged the most beautifully intricate horseshoes for each of us. And, you’ve guessed it, I inherited Blaize's love of horseshoes. And of blacksmithing, of course! You’ll rarely find me without a freshly made set, as beautiful as a piece of art, and as tough as iron itself.
Horses and History
Even though we don’t get to record things in a “History of Horses” book, the way humans do, you know, it’s fascinating to observe and feel how humans used and relied on horses throughout their journey. Just the other day, I met a grey mare named Cwen, whose mother was the only surviving mare of her village. A huge fire ravaged their homes, and only the mare and a handful of foals survived. She told me, you wouldn't believe the sight! Fire engulfed the landscape. Such terrible events made me realise how precious life truly is, especially in a world so easily disturbed by man’s actions.
Now, humans and horses don’t always get on. We all have our differences and we clash every so often, but we all live, breathe, and belong to this earth together. The best thing is we all come together to share a good laugh, and an amazing feast of sweet barley. I do wonder what kind of food those folks living in faraway lands are eating, you know. I hope they don’t waste any delicious oats!
And so, my dear readers, that’s 642 in a nutshell – a time of great hardship for some and even greater triumph for others. It's a reminder that throughout history, we horses have always played a vital role in the world, as work companions, partners in journeys, and yes, sometimes even in moments of conflict. We continue to evolve and adapt with the ever-changing times.
As for me, I’m content to keep on with my life in the meadows, grazing under the watchful gaze of the Cairngorms – the grandest mountains of this land. Maybe one day, my life will be chronicled for everyone to enjoy! I’ll need to do some amazing deeds to get to that point, though… hmmm.
See you all next time! Emma
P.S. I'd love to hear about your adventures, too! Leave a comment and share your thoughts.
