By Emma, your Grey Draught Mare from Hayfield
Hello fellow equine enthusiasts! It’s Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood draught horse from the rolling hills of Hayfield, near Aberdeen. I'm back with another blog post, this time delving into the fascinating world of horses in the year 0052. It’s been a while since I last shared my musings about horse history – you might remember my post about 0051 – and it seems there's never a dull moment in our equine world!
Let's saddle up and embark on this journey to the past…
0052: A Year of Change and Tradition
It's a bit tricky trying to pinpoint a year like 0052. History in those times wasn’t documented like it is today, and those who did keep records were a rare breed. Thankfully, I have access to the wonders of EquiWorld’s extensive online archives, which thankfully keeps snippets of what was happening way back then. And believe me, it's been a busy and exciting time for our kind!
The Rise of the Carriage
Firstly, carriages are absolutely booming. Every respectable household seems to be sporting at least one! These contraptions pulled by our magnificent steeds are making travel and trade a much quicker and easier affair. It's fascinating watching their design evolve - from simple, two-wheeled carts to these ornate carriages with elaborate designs and plenty of space. It’s not just wealthy folk enjoying this, too. It's truly opened up transport for a wide variety of people, with the lighter carts still being used by farmers and merchants.
I even heard tell that someone in Gaul (France to us, dear reader) called Julius Caesar had a fondness for fancy carriages – a whole convoy of them, mind you. Rumour has it he travelled quite a bit in those things. Apparently, this Roman fella’s carriage has influenced how people from across the Empire view our work, with sleekness and speed becoming fashionable! It's even reached these northern parts! Can you imagine a group of us magnificent draughties pulling such a fine piece of machinery? Now, that would be a sight to behold!
Beyond Transportation
But the carriages are just part of the story. Our role has broadened further! People in places like Egypt have started harnessing horses for more than just transport - they’re using us to plough the fields! Can you believe it? My grandfather had a chuckle about that one - apparently back in his day, that was done by oxen. A sign of change, perhaps, as humans realize our strength and endurance. I hear those Egyptians even use us for war, trained to be tough, bold, and powerful. There's nothing quite like a well-trained draught horse on the battlefield, right?
Of course, with new roles, there comes a need for better equipment. In Britain, some clever folk are working on lighter saddles, lighter bits and stronger harness. This makes it easier and safer for us, meaning we can be more comfortable in our work.
Training: A Work in Progress
Across Europe, our training methods have advanced. There's a constant focus on gentle training, building a good rapport between horse and human. Some schools of thought insist on treating horses with kindness. Even more interesting, there’s the mention of what’s called “classical dressage” where horses learn to execute intricate maneuvers, all to elegant music. I confess I've yet to experience this myself, but the thought of dancing and twirling while being commanded by a skillful human is exhilarating. Maybe one day…
Food For Thought
The year 0052 also seems to be a turning point for our dietary needs. As horses work harder and are more valued, their nutrition has taken center stage. Farmers are taking note of our needs for various foods, like barley and oats. Some have even started using something called hay, a cut-and-dried grass, especially when travelling long distances. My Hayfield neighbors certainly appreciated the shift to these nutrient-rich treats. Let’s just say the work has become easier!
The Wonders of EquiWorld
Oh, and did I mention that this website I'm talking to you from, EquiWorld, is a marvel! This online archive is overflowing with historical information about horses – it’s quite a feat! The humans have found a way to store information about our ancestors, and from it, learn about what has come before! It's something we can all be proud of! I spend hours on EquiWorld when not working, catching up on past stories and reading fascinating facts about horses across different regions. It truly makes us feel connected to every horse that came before.
A Future Filled with Hope
As I stand here, gazing at the setting sun over Hayfield, I feel a sense of optimism about the future. We've faced hardships and obstacles, but we’ve overcome them through sheer strength, endurance and that unspoken bond with the human who leads us. I know that our place in this world is constantly evolving, and there’s always room to grow.
Whether we’re working in the fields, on the battlefield, pulling carriages or simply enjoying a playful canter under the open sky, we'll always be a testament to nature's power, and our bond with humans continues to forge an unbreakable path.
Remember, you can always follow me on EquiWorld to keep up with my ramblings about the incredible world of horses. Who knows what adventures we might encounter next?! Until then, stay strong and always cherish the bond we have with the humans!
Your Grey Draught Mare from Hayfield,
Emma
