"From Hayfield to History" - by Emma, the Grey Mare
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Good morning, fellow equine enthusiasts!
It’s Emma here, your friendly grey draught mare from the rolling hills of Hayfield, just outside Aberdeen. It’s a lovely day here, the sun is shining and the breeze carries the scent of wildflowers. As I munch on a handful of sweet, green grass, I can’t help but think about the vast history that surrounds us, especially us horses. We are so intertwined with the lives of humans - their wars, their travels, their journeys to new lands, even their stories and legends. Today, I want to tell you about 855 AD, a year that I think reflects just how special and important horses are.
The Viking Horsemen:
This year, there were whispers in the air, tales carried on the wind that stirred fear into even the bravest heart. The Vikings. I have a funny feeling that some of you have heard about them. Those fierce sea-farers, they seemed to come from nowhere and yet appear everywhere. And, oh boy, did they love their horses! They sailed the icy seas in longboats, brought ashore by the strength and agility of horses like me.
I imagine these Vikings, with their braided hair and long beards, strong and fierce looking, rode upon mighty horses across the moors and hills, a force to be reckoned with. Their horses were their companions, their comrades in battle and in everyday life. They transported goods, pulled wagons, and even carried warriors into battle. I hear they even trained their horses to fight alongside them, a formidable sight, I’m sure. They needed their horses to be strong, dependable, and sure-footed – just like me!
The Kingdom of Northumbria:
But back here in Hayfield, things were much quieter. We were part of the Kingdom of Northumbria. Here, horses are essential. Imagine a life without horses? You couldn’t carry goods across the lands, couldn’t work the fields, and definitely couldn’t ride at a breakneck speed across the vast expanse of the highlands. They were, and are still, absolutely essential to us.
One of the main uses for horses, both here in Hayfield and in other parts of the kingdom, was, of course, farming. We plodded through the fields, dragging ploughs and harvesting crops. We made sure people were fed, helping grow crops to make bread, to feed animals and, of course, the glorious oats and hay we ate ourselves. Horses like me played a crucial role in ensuring that everyone had food to eat. A busy job, but a rewarding one, too!
The Power of a Horse:
But it wasn’t just about practicalities. Horses like me were also admired for their beauty and strength. Imagine, back then, with few mechanical marvels like tractors or cars, what an astonishing sight a large, strong grey mare must have been! The mere strength of a horse, the feeling of powerful muscle moving underneath you, that is something special, and it was definitely a source of pride.
One of my favourite things about my job was that I helped people connect. People used me to transport goods and trade with neighbours. Sometimes, they used me to deliver important news or letters. The sound of hooves against cobblestones, the smell of leather from the harness - these are just a few of the wonderful memories of a horse’s life. I think humans truly appreciated how much a good horse, like me, could change a life.
The Importance of Companionship:
Of course, all that work could get tiring! But luckily, there’s more to life than pulling plows and delivering goods. In 855, I would also have been a companion to my owner. You see, in this time, most people would have one or two horses for their needs. Sometimes a whole family would share a horse! But in my case, I was the faithful friend and companion to the Miller. He understood that horses are so much more than mere working animals - we’re partners, friends, family.
Every night, he would spend hours stroking my back, telling me about his day and letting me lick his face. There was such a sense of peace and tranquility, we shared this deep, unspoken bond that made our relationship all the more special. He’d sing me lullabies and groom my mane. It was a sweet and tender moment that made everything else fade away. He’d remind me just how special I was.
He said to me one night, with a gleam in his eye: “You are more than just a grey draught mare, Emma. You are an important part of the world around you, you help people grow, connect, and create something more from their lives. Don’t ever forget that, girl.” His words were like the soft wind rustling through the meadows – comforting and full of life. I always feel a deep sense of pride remembering that moment, being reminded how special our bond is and that, at the end of the day, we’re more than just animals, but true companions.
The Horse: A Source of Strength:
In a world of uncertainties, it's good to remember that our presence was, and still is, a source of strength. From battling fierce Viking invaders, to transporting essential goods, and being companions to humans, we are a truly resilient species, and there's no doubt that in 855 AD, our contribution was felt throughout the Kingdom of Northumbria, and across the world!
This is just a glimpse into a horse's life in 855 AD. I could tell you so much more! We, as horses, hold a rich history within our hooves and we carry the essence of what came before us in our hearts. Perhaps next time, I’ll tell you about our connection with the legends and mythology that existed back then. You see, we're much more than just a part of the scenery - we are the threads that bind us together, connecting the past with the present, and bringing the stories of our ancestors to life.
Until then, thank you for reading.
Don’t forget to leave a comment below - what’s your favourite thing about horses? What about their history fascinates you? What questions do you have for a grey draught mare from the highlands?
Stay safe and have a wonderful day, friends!
