History of Horses in the year 0092

Neigh Neigh everyone! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood grey mare, back with another peek into history. I've been spending lots of time in the stables recently, researching all the amazing things that were happening in the horse world way, way back in 0092! Yes, you read that right, over a thousand years ago! This time, my journey takes us to a chilly corner of the world, my birthplace, Hayfield near Aberdeen in Scotland.

It's truly fascinating to see how things were different then, even if the weather still seems pretty similar to what I'm used to! This post, I thought I'd delve into the exciting things happening in the horse world of the year 0092. I'm so excited to share my findings with you! Buckle up, dear reader, because we are about to embark on a journey through time!

Imagine, my dear friends, a world where there are no motor cars, no tractors, no electric lights. Can you even imagine life without the convenience of a phone? The horses, and oxen for that matter, are essential. We are the powerhouses, the muscle, the transport system! We are vital to human society in ways we cannot even imagine in the modern age. And as we are to society, so are horses to our human companions, our bond with them is truly unique. They are so grateful to us for all we do for them, feeding us, brushing us and caring for us as though we were their own family.

I’ve spent a lot of time poring over old texts, and this much is clear - horses in 0092 are like the very lifeblood of the community. We carry people, haul heavy loads, and help with all kinds of agricultural tasks. We are partners in everything, a true testament to the unique partnership between horses and humans.

The people here are rugged and hardy. Just like the terrain itself, they rely on our strength and endurance. It’s not a glamorous life, mind you, but it’s a life of purpose. It’s about working together, building things together, and creating a world that is thriving. It's a real privilege to be a part of that.

Life for a young grey mare like me was definitely a challenge, even then. Our main role is to help the local farmers. My days were filled with hauling heavy ploughs across fields, hauling wood, pulling carts for farmers, and yes, even pulling a luxurious cart or two for the nobility! Though let’s be honest, I only got a chance to see a proper carriage on special occasions, and that was truly spectacular! We were often given special decorations, our manes and tails were braided with colourful ribbons, and we’d get fed extra-tasty oats!

A typical day might include:

• Plowing the fields: I often find myself a part of a team of horses, with a man at the front guiding the plough, our rhythmic pace turning the soil ready for planting. The cold Scottish wind, nipping at my ears, was no obstacle to my determined nature. We were tough. We needed to be.
• Hauling wood: This was especially tiring, but also incredibly satisfying! The scent of wood mingled with the crisp air as I tugged and pulled, helping gather fuel for warmth and light for families throughout the cold winters.
• Transportation: You might see me, along with my fellow equine friends, pulling carts or wagons packed with hay, crops, supplies, or even people travelling from one town to another! We were so versatile, we could even transport messages to distant settlements. We are true masters of our craft.
• A taste of luxury: There were also moments where I’d have the honour of being part of the ceremonial processions, adorned in grand harnesses with sparkling brass and jingling bells, trotting along proudly! These were always my favourite moments, being admired and receiving praise for my noble work.

My roots are deep within Scotland. Though there’s much debate about it, some believe that horses were first brought to Scotland by Neolithic peoples over 4,000 years ago! The most celebrated breeds, of course, are the magnificent Highland ponies. You may know them by their incredible coat of hair - thick and flowing, often reddish-brown in colour. Their thick mane and forelock is almost a trademark - an unruly mane that frames their face with beautiful pride! They are like feathered warrior horses. So bold, so resilient and so strong. They stand sturdy on those short, thick legs and make them so capable in challenging landscapes and unpredictable weather. I must confess to being slightly jealous of these strong ponies - I mean who doesn't love a wild mane? I wish my mane was more like that! It would have looked fabulous.

You’ll find these ponies working on the Highlands, strong enough to carry a man with his gear and rugged enough to survive on minimal grazing. Their role in Scotland’s history is deeply entwined. It's been documented they played a critical part in agriculture, transport, and even in warfare. Can you imagine battling on horseback? Now, that would have been something else! I have the utmost respect for those fearless Highland ponies - a real symbol of courage and strength.

My ancestors, bless their sturdy hooves, travelled on bare backs for a very long time. But eventually, humans realised that needing to hold on so tight to their reins could really slow down a journey! This is how saddles started developing - to make travel easier and safer for both the horse and the rider.

The early saddles we are told were much simpler than the saddles used today. Imagine no stirrups - that must have been a challenge. You had to really trust your rider to hold on. Even just one stirrup would make life much easier! As a modern day horse, I have nothing but admiration for my ancestors who paved the way for us, helping humans move quicker and with less physical strain.

These ancient saddles also seem to have had minimal padding and a more rudimentary construction than the beautifully-crafted saddles I see on some of the younger, posh horses these days! Maybe this was also influenced by the kind of journeys they made. I do believe that riding with such comfort would definitely allow horses to run longer distances, helping with battles and raiding and bringing more speed to everything they did.

As history unfolds, we begin to see these humble saddles evolving - perhaps even into a small, primitive version of what we have today! Can you imagine the evolution? I’ve seen photos and the differences are enormous! The modern saddle is almost unrecognizable! It’s a testament to the spirit of innovation that humans have had throughout history, and we are lucky to have been a part of this evolution.

So, you see my fellow equines, 0092 was an exciting year! Our role in the world of 0092 was so important, and what I've learned about that era has really strengthened my sense of purpose! It gives me a new appreciation for all the amazing achievements horses made throughout history, from the rugged ponies of the highlands to the powerful war steeds. As much as we love our comfy stalls and easy-going days, there's something to be said for a life full of purpose, just like the one our ancestors had in 0092. I, for one, feel inspired! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to find some hay. I think I've earned it.

Until next time,

Emma

www.equiworld.org