Greetings, fellow equines! Emma here, a grey draught mare with a white mane and tail, from the village of Hayfield near Aberdeen in bonnie Scotland. It’s the year 989, a time of burgeoning trade, bustling towns, and, of course, the essential role of horses like me.
Today, I wanted to share a glimpse into the equine world of this era, from the perspective of a working mare like myself. For many of you, life involves gentle rides, elegant show rings, or even simply enjoying the quiet companionship of a paddock. But here in the 10th century, our lives are woven tightly into the fabric of human society.
We are the backbone of transportation, carrying goods, people, and even armies across land and sea. We plough fields, hauling heavy implements with strength and tireless dedication. We pull carts, deliver messages, and assist with the tasks that make civilization flourish.
A Day in the Life of Emma
Let me take you through a typical day, beginning with the morning's first rays of dawn. As the sun bathes Hayfield in a golden light, my stall door creaks open, and my human companion, young Iain, steps inside. His hands, rough but gentle, smooth my coat with a warm pat. A warm bucket of oats is placed before me, the familiar smell filling the air.
After a hearty breakfast, it's time to start the day's work. We pull a heavy cart laden with freshly baked loaves of bread and barrels of ale to the nearby town of Aberdeen. Iain sits perched on the cart's seat, his voice echoing encouragement to me. We amble down the dirt road, our steady pace matched by the rhythm of the cartwheels on the uneven ground.
In Aberdeen, the bustling marketplace bursts with life. The smells of spices, roasted meat, and fresh fish mingle with the chatter of bartering merchants and the neighing of other working horses like myself. The streets are paved with cobblestones, rough on our hooves but necessary for transporting goods with ease.
Here in the marketplace, our work becomes particularly important. The cart is emptied, replaced by precious cargo destined for nearby settlements - furs from the north, crafted pottery, and woven goods. We transport these essential supplies, carrying on the threads of trade that link villages and communities across this beautiful land.
More Than Just Work
Despite the arduous nature of our work, it's not just about the physical labour. Our role goes deeper, enriching lives in ways we might not fully comprehend. Horses like me provide a lifeline for people, carrying their hopes and dreams across distances, their laughter and tears echoing with every journey we undertake.
As the day draws to a close, we make our way back to Hayfield, the twilight sky casting long shadows across the land. I pause for a moment to admire the stunning views, the rolling hills bathed in soft colours, the wild geese flying in formation overhead. My human companion, Iain, offers a gentle rub of my flank, understanding the serenity that only this open landscape can provide.
Once back in Hayfield, a fresh bucket of oats awaits. It is time for rest and recuperation, my body still carrying the day’s labour but my spirit full of gratitude.
Horses in the World: 989
Beyond my personal life, the world of horses in 989 is as diverse and bustling as any human society. Let’s explore some of these aspects:
Warfare and Cavalry: As we all know, horses have always played a significant role in warfare. In this era, cavalry units were highly prized in both Scandinavia and across mainland Europe. They formed the backbone of many armies, their swift charges and formidable strength often deciding the fate of battles. Horses like me are bred for pulling, but their relatives on the battlefield serve with unwavering loyalty, carrying their riders with speed and determination.
Horse Breeding and Development: This era saw significant developments in horse breeding. The use of draft horses like myself has steadily grown. These powerful horses are bred specifically for hauling loads, working the land, and carrying heavy goods. The sturdy horses of this era, their lineage honed by generations of hard work, are the foundation upon which future breeds like the Clydesdales and the Shires would eventually arise.
Trade and Commerce: Horses were vital for transportation across vast distances. They pulled wagons, carrying spices, fabrics, and precious metals between different kingdoms, playing a crucial role in fostering trade and cultural exchange. Horses are not just powerful tools, but they're also engines of prosperity and growth.
Folklore and Symbolism: Horses have always held a deep symbolic significance, representing freedom, strength, and noble qualities. In Norse mythology, the legendary eight-legged horse Sleipnir is a symbol of power and resilience. This era is rich with similar tales, with the image of a galloping horse echoing within folk songs and narratives, connecting us to our ancestral ties and the boundless energy of the equine world.
Concluding Thoughts
Though our lives are embedded within human society, horses like myself still retain a wild spirit within our hearts. The open fields, the scent of fresh earth, the feel of wind rushing through our manes—these are things we never lose touch with.
This post, number 989 on EquiWorld.org, is dedicated to celebrating the life of a horse like me, a hard-working mare contributing to a flourishing society. Our bond with humans may be forged through work and shared responsibility, but it is ultimately a bond of respect, partnership, and, above all, unwavering trust.
Until next time, may your hooves carry you on countless adventures, fellow equines!
- Emma, a Grey Draught Mare, Hayfield, Scotland, 989 AD
