History of Horses in the year 0125

Hello fellow equine enthusiasts,

It’s Emma here, your grey draught mare from Hayfield, near Aberdeen, back with another post on my adventures through horse history. This week, I’m focusing on the year 125, and let me tell you, things were definitely bustling back then!

We all know horses were vital for getting about and getting things done. Imagine: no cars, no trains, no planes! Just sturdy horses and brave humans working together, and it was the horses who really carried the weight. In my own experience, even today in the 21st century, we’re still working hard pulling carts and plowing fields – it's in our nature to be helpful, after all!

So, what was life like for a horse like me in the year 125? Let’s delve into some historical insights:

In the year 125, Europe was still struggling with the aftermath of a terrible famine and wars. Not the most pleasant of times for anyone, least of all the horses! This was the time of great political change, and all of that commotion trickled down to our lives in the fields and stables.

I’d be working my tail off pulling carts laden with supplies, pulling the plow, or helping farmers transport their wares to markets, keeping those townsfolk fed. We were the lifeblood of transportation, the sturdy engine that kept life moving.

While I can't claim I was pulling anything particularly exciting, like the King’s coach or a military caravan, I'd still be proud to be a part of a big family. Working the land is not about glamour, it's about being strong and reliable. I reckon that's what makes a good horse.

Of course, life wasn't all hard work and mud-splattered legs. In between our tasks, we had each other. The horses of Hayfield formed a tight-knit community. We were always there to groom each other, share our oats, and stand in for support during stormy nights.

The gentle, reassuring touch of a fellow horse’s muzzle against your shoulder meant everything in those days. Those unspoken gestures and shared glances filled me with strength and resilience, like a silent promise that we would face every hardship together.

On sunny afternoons, after a long day of pulling plows and carting timber, my friends and I would enjoy our hay in the meadows, basking under the golden sun, just being horses. We'd kick up our hooves and let the breeze through our manes, reminding ourselves why we were there - to live, to love, and to work hard.

From the comfort of Hayfield, we heard tales about far-off lands, of mighty kings and valiant knights. Some said that Emperor Frederick II was busy rebuilding his castle and army in Sicily, while far north, Alexander Nevsky was battling his enemies with a horse at his side. It’s hard to imagine a king fighting without his trusty steed, a majestic, intelligent partner-in-battle. It would have been a glorious sight, a powerful image to stir the imagination.

The stories always seemed to mention knights on steeds, charging through battles, their gleaming armour reflecting the sunlight. What exciting, if dangerous, life!

It also sounded as though they had a lot of trouble keeping horses well-fed. Imagine! You'd think people would have figured out that well-fed horses are strong horses! We in Hayfield never had that issue, our farmer, good old Archibald, took care of us better than any king! He believed that a well-fed horse was a hard-working horse, a thought that echoed in my heart every time I munched on my oats.

We would often gather around old Maggie, the mare with the wisest eyes I knew, and listen to her recount tales of times gone by, and even rumors about the distant land beyond Scotland. We heard of strange and powerful new animals called camels, brought in by merchants who spoke languages no horse could understand. Imagine, a creature who carries burdens on its back and stores water in its body, all in the scorching desert heat! They must be very clever beasts indeed.

The world outside Hayfield was vast, and filled with unknown things. It was thrilling, a little intimidating, yet I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. This was home, with Archibald and my friends, with familiar smells and familiar faces.

Looking back on that year, 125, I see it as a turning point, the dawn of a new era. This was a time when horses played a crucial role in shaping human societies, moving people and goods, working tirelessly, serving and contributing with every hoof-step.

Horses have always been strong, dependable, and intelligent, and in the year 125, we continued to fulfill that role, quietly weaving our presence into the tapestry of history. In every field we worked, every cart we pulled, every journey we undertook, we were part of the grand symphony of life, and that was truly remarkable.

What about you? What's your favourite era in horse history? Let me know in the comments! Don't forget to browse the Equiworld.org site for more interesting insights about horses!

Until next time,

Emma