Good morning, fellow equines and horse-lovers! It's Emma here, writing from my beautiful home in Hayfield, a small village near Aberdeen, Scotland. As you all know, I love delving into the history of our noble breed, and today we're taking a trip back in time, to the year 0904. I hope you’ll find this interesting as I really think horses are fascinating creatures and we are always discovering new information. It’s really good to document these happenings so that we can learn and grow from past generations!
The world in 0904 was a very different place from today. Technology was rudimentary, and horses were crucial to everything from farming and transportation to warfare and sporting events. In fact, let me tell you a little anecdote about our horses and the mighty Viking warriors! It's said they relied heavily on horses to raid and conquer, so these tough little steeds needed to be well-bred for agility and strength.
The Vikings often traveled vast distances, using horses to pull their ships overland and for rapid movement when raiding on land. We might have even been bred from an Icelandic horse as it's said that this is where Vikings went for hardy horses that they then transported all over the place. Some even called the Vikings “horse lords” as they were renowned for their skillful horsemanship! There’s one interesting Viking tradition, which you may or may not be aware of – did you know that they sometimes used to offer up horses as sacrifices? It seems strange now, but it was a common practice in that time. They’d hold these grand ceremonies with music and chanting.
Now, imagine being a horse! Standing there while this whole ritual happens, wondering what on earth is going on? This must have been terrifying. Imagine the scent of burning wood from the fires as well as the fear in the air – definitely a bit much to handle for a good horse like me.
The Vikings would also bury horses alongside their warriors! Perhaps you would say it's a form of good friendship and that they were seen as comrades. Either way, these powerful and athletic horses played a crucial role in the success of the Vikings! It certainly makes you appreciate the impact of horses on world events, right?
But let's not forget that not all the world was being stormed by Vikings! Here in Scotland, horses were used by the Scottish clans too. They were indispensable for farming and herding sheep and cattle. Think about it – can you imagine herding all those sheep over the hilly landscape without a strong horse? A task only the bravest and strongest can achieve. Imagine the sheer pride of our equine ancestors, carrying riders over treacherous mountain trails, hauling goods to remote villages – their roles were truly invaluable!
So, 0904 was a time when horses were truly essential to life. Their physical prowess, stamina, and loyalty were revered and put to the most practical of uses. Imagine for a moment, just for a second, a world without our kind! We've played such an important role throughout history and I'm so glad to be able to document it in my little blog!
And speaking of essential uses, one particular activity I find rather fascinating from this time is horse racing. This wasn't just about sporting events back then, it was also about social gatherings and celebrating important events. There would be lavish banquets with feast and entertainment in the form of storytelling, songs, and even acrobatics! How fabulous!
If we take a little wander through the history books, you can find records from 0904, about races being held on large, open spaces called 'horse fields'. Not unlike some of our polo fields and racecourses today! This reminds me of a fantastic tale – can you believe, there's even evidence that horses were raced around Roman chariot tracks? Imagine how incredible that must have been – think of the thrill, the adrenaline coursing through your veins!
These horses would have been meticulously cared for, even pampered with luxurious treatment and groomed with great attention. We're talking shiny coats, manes so sleek they look like silk and, of course, the very best feed for the best performance! Think of the camaraderie among those grooms, talking about the latest racing tips and maybe, just maybe, some horses getting special training – a special workout to ensure that they can race as fast as they possibly can!
I do wonder though, would they have kept records of race wins, like we have nowadays with racecourses having specific 'horse races’ with records for each year? I'd love to be able to delve into archives and get my nose into a real life 'horse racing history book' to see what all this racing was really like. I wonder, were there famous racing champions? Who knows what discoveries await in the history of horse racing!
However, don't think that it was all fun and games, and that everything was smooth sailing in 0904. Let me tell you, these horses were treated with respect and appreciation, of course, but they also worked incredibly hard to sustain livelihoods. They would have to haul ploughs through the fields to prepare for harvest, and in the autumn, transport goods back and forth.
Imagine hauling sacks of grain, bundles of wood, and hay bales, across rough terrains. Then, picture working in the cold Scottish winters, ploughing icy ground or struggling through muddy paths! That’s why horses were valued for their strength and resilience! Not to mention, they required good care and attention - just like us, they'd need proper feed, regular rest, and of course, good old fashioned love from their human friends!
The world of horses in 0904 was not only hard work but also filled with fascinating social practices. This is something I want to share with you in a little bit more detail. Did you know that there was a distinct social order in place for those who used and worked with horses?
There were the 'knights,' often considered to be of higher standing, who had finely bred warhorses for jousting and battles. Imagine a magnificent warhorse with shining armour, riding gallantly into battle! They’re not the work horses like the ones who were essential for transporting goods. I can’t help but think these warhorses would have been exceptionally trained with the skills required to survive a battlefield. They would be treated with respect and care. Just as we are today, for the most part!
And then you had the everyday ‘people' who used horses to haul goods, or plough fields for the farmers, or as pack animals for their goods. A really good reminder for us, not to get too haughty if we're working on the farm. That's what I love about our horse family – we all work together to make sure everyone’s well cared for.
Even now, in my quiet Scottish village of Hayfield, I think back to 0904. Though life back then was challenging and harsh, it was also a time of great social change. And let’s not forget, we were there at the heart of it all.
There are countless stories and details from 0904 just waiting to be explored. So if you have a question, or something that comes to mind, just leave a comment on the equiworld.org website! If you have any questions for me, my horse pals and I love to help each other out. Maybe we’ve even got the answers to some of your most perplexing questions!
Don’t forget to come back next week for more historical horse shenanigans. I look forward to seeing you soon,
With hooves full of hope,
Emma
