A Whinny Welcome, Dearest Equine Friends!
Emma here, your favourite grey mare from Hayfield, near Aberdeen. It's been a while since I last shared some equine wisdom with you all. Well, actually, it's been precisely 663 years since I last penned a post! Time really does fly when you're enjoying life in the pastures.
Today, we're delving into history, looking back to the year 663 AD, a time of great change and opportunity in the world of horses, and a particularly exciting time for us in Scotland.
A Peek Into Our World: Life in 663 AD
I was just a young filly back in the year 663, with a wild mane of white, still learning the ways of the world. You see, this time was before the invention of saddles and stirrups, let alone those strange, metal shoes the humans sometimes slap onto our hooves.
Life was quite simple. We were expected to pull heavy carts for transport, plow the fields for their crops, and occasionally carry riders on our backs. But I tell you, it was tiring work. Back then, our humans didn't have many choices. There was no motorised transport. No engines to replace our muscle power. Our strength and endurance were vital to their existence.
I remember the crisp autumn air in Hayfield as I helped pull a cart full of turnips to market. The journey was long, the ground muddy, and the wind howling. But there was a deep satisfaction in being a part of the community, seeing the bounty we'd cultivated reach those who needed it.
*The Kingdom of the North: The Power of Horses *
Our land, Scotland, was a bustling place in 663. Kings fought to claim their lands, and our horses played a vital role. We carried their soldiers, raced along the battlefields, and our power inspired fear in their enemies.
But even in the midst of conflict, the love for horses was strong. They weren't just tools, they were cherished companions.
King Ecgfrith of Northumbria and the Horses of War
Just to the south of our land, in the Kingdom of Northumbria, King Ecgfrith was known for his powerful army, an army reliant on the strength of horses. He had ambitious plans to conquer more territory and even ventured into our very own Scotland.
But while he won many battles and became known as a formidable leader, there were some battles he could not win. His aggressive conquests would lead to a bitter end. He was slain by King Bredan of Ailbea and his men in a battle at the Battle of Nechtansmere. History shows how quickly the tides can turn when the power of the horse is used to both unite and destroy.
*Beyond Battle: A Life of Service *
But for most of us, the battles happened in the distance. We carried out the daily work, nourished by the land, feeling the earth beneath our hooves as we plowed and transported goods.
My life as a draught horse was full of routine. It was tiring, but the reward of seeing the land flourish, bringing food to those in need, and feeling the love from my humans - it was enough to make my heart glow.
The Beginning of Our Breed
Even in 663, we knew that there were horses all around the world. They varied in size, colour, and breed, just as humans do. And even back then, our ancestors were already starting to breed for certain characteristics - strength, speed, agility. They were starting to refine our talents to best suit our roles. This was the beginning of what we know today as breeds. From mighty shires to nimble ponies, each breed had its purpose. Our own family lineage, those hardy horses who helped pull heavy loads for farming and transport, played an important role in the growth of the world we knew.
Looking Ahead
The year 663 was just a snapshot of our history, a tiny blip on the timeline. But the life of horses has continued to change, adapt, and evolve.
We'll be here to chronicle these changes, to tell our stories, and to share our wisdom, in the hope that our future will be filled with love, kindness, and understanding.
Until next time, dearest Equine Friends! Keep your heads high and your hooves healthy!
With whinnying love,
Emma
* www.equiworld.org*
