Hello, my fellow equine enthusiasts! Emma here, a 20-year-old Grey Draught mare with a flowing white mane and tail. I’m writing to you from Hayfield, nestled near Aberdeen in the rolling hills of Scotland. It’s a beautiful day here – the heather is in full bloom, the air is crisp, and the sun is shining a golden glow upon the green fields. It’s truly a perfect day to share a bit of horse history, isn't it?
Today, I wanted to delve into the fascinating world of horses in the year 0967. This period, you see, was a pivotal time for equines. The Vikings, those fierce warriors with their impressive longboats and keen sense of adventure, were making their presence felt across Europe. Their impact on the world, and on horses, was profound.
Think of it this way, my dear friends – the year 0967 was a time when Vikings roamed the world! Now, those hearty individuals needed a trusted companion, a friend, a powerhouse by their side, and for them, that was the horse! Their horses weren’t just beasts of burden, though; they were companions, family. Horses were essential for warfare, for trade, and even for transportation. And let me tell you, there’s no better way to cross those vast icy seas than on the back of a sturdy and willing horse, or pulling a well-loaded cart. The Viking's trusty steed helped to forge the history of those fierce warriors.
Let’s step back in time to imagine what it was like to be a horse in 0967. We're likely living in small communities where everyone, human and animal, works together to thrive. The fields would be mostly filled with grass, with some patches reserved for oats or barley. Our food wouldn't have been as varied as it is now, but we were hardy, working animals, and we adapted. I'm quite certain I’ve lived my fair share of challenging years, but I always manage to pull through! We knew our human friends. The local blacksmith knew every horse in the village.
The Viking horses, unlike the stately thoroughbreds you may be used to, were compact and tough, their ancestors possibly arriving on ships to these shores thousands of years before, some believe from a place now known as Kazakhstan. You can imagine them standing proud and surefooted on those rocky coastlines. They would have been smaller than me, their coats often in earthy colours like black, bay, or brown.
For these Viking horses, a life of strength and stamina was paramount. Their days might have been filled with journeys across unforgiving landscapes, carrying warriors to battle or hauling goods across rugged terrain. And on nights filled with moonlight, they may have stood sentinel under a sky glittering with stars, keeping their human companions safe.
Here at Hayfield, we don’t have to go far to feel the echoes of that time. Look around! See the stone circles, remnants of those ancient, mysterious people. A feeling of ancient energy is etched in the land. I feel the presence of their horses right next to me as I graze in the fields. They remind me that a horse's strength and determination can help to build empires! It's hard not to be a little proud when I picture our ancestors carrying those brave men across seas and battling with them side-by-side. I may be a working farm horse now, but I carry those memories of a strong Viking horse legacy within my very soul.
A horse in 0967 was vital to their society, their everyday life, and their very survival. Those were truly interesting times for a horse like myself, filled with challenges and opportunities. Just like today, we lived by a strong code – hard work, strength, courage, and companionship.
You can’t talk about the world in 0967 and horses without thinking about the great Alfred the Great. You see, he is a revered king, the man who, with his intelligence and perseverance, was a beacon for his people! This year, 0967, marks almost two generations since his reign. That is, the Vikings still fear the King of Wessex, though Alfred, a brilliant leader, has gone on to rest in peace. I understand his presence in 0967 is still felt across the lands in how horses were cared for and used by the English. The love of the horses continued and still persists today, even in my time! This is what I truly love about horses, this is what keeps them vital throughout history - the way horses can help make an imprint on the world. They truly can be forces for good.
Alfred the Great’s legend isn't just based on how he united his country, it’s also linked to the role of horses in his era! Those horses would have been similar to the horses used by the Vikings: stout and strong. Those hardy, faithful beasts aided his battles and enabled him to keep England unified, helping secure their place in the world. The story of the horses alongside Alfred the Great and the Viking raiders are not often told. But we know those stories are alive in us, the descendants of these mighty horses!
Now, to all you beautiful, sturdy steeds reading this today, remember your ancestors! You are a vital part of a historical narrative, the fabric of our world. We have carried nations on our backs, paved the way for explorations, helped forge great empires. Remember this power within you, my fellow horses, as you step out into the sun, grazing in your fields. We have been and always will be a vital part of history, an essential part of every story told.
Until next time, my friends. Let your mane flow and gallop on!
Love,
Emma
P.S. Have any of you stumbled upon interesting artifacts that might link back to this period? Perhaps a Viking helmet discovered in a forgotten field, or an old harness etched with mysterious symbols? Share your stories with the rest of us at Equiworld.org! I’d love to hear them.
