History of Horses in the year 0136

Hello fellow equine enthusiasts! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood grey mare from the picturesque Hayfield, near Aberdeen. I’m back with another installment of my little blog, delving into the fascinating history of our species. Today, we're galloping back in time to the year 136, a year that may seem like a distant echo, but one that holds its own significance in our equine saga.

You might be surprised to learn that, for me, life in 136 was a lot different than it might be for your average horse today. Gone are the days of plush stables with heated water bowls and all-you-can-eat grain – we had to earn our keep back then. I'm a draught horse, a strong, hardy breed used primarily for heavy work. My day would start with a satisfying breakfast of oats and hay, a vital energy source for pulling the heavy plows and carts. Then it was onto the fields, hauling the farm implements or, if we were lucky, the more pleasant task of pulling a wagon filled with goods to market.

Life on a farm was hard, but it was a life of purpose. We knew our worth; we knew that our strength and stamina played a vital role in the survival of our human families. There was a strong sense of community amongst the horses; we shared our chores, supported each other in times of need, and looked out for each other, a kind of unspoken bond that ran through all our days. We knew our work well, each horse with their unique quirks and talents. My own speciality was pulling heavy carts over the rolling hills, and the rumble of the wheels and the smell of earth after a good rain still bring back vivid memories.

While my own world was centered around the farm, 136 witnessed many other developments within the wider equestrian world. The year saw some important advances in war tactics, with mounted knights, equipped with horses specially bred for their strength and agility, continuing to be vital in the clash of battles. It wasn't all war and plunder, though; the importance of horses in peaceful pursuits also saw a blossoming, particularly in trade and travel.

Just imagine, traveling on a well-worn cart drawn by sturdy horses, feeling the rhythmic sway of the carriage and the sun warming your face – wouldn’t that be a splendid adventure? The beauty of travelling with a horse by your side is still deeply treasured even today, and you can bet your tail that in 136, this mode of transportation was highly revered.

Horses like myself were seen as essential to the economic heart of society, enabling efficient transportation of goods and people alike. Whether you were a merchant bringing your wares to the marketplace, a traveler venturing to distant lands, or a noble lord heading out to a hunt, a horse was your faithful companion and partner.

You might wonder if, in the absence of Instagram or Twitter, there were “horse whispers” and "neighbourhood news" circulating amongst my equine companions in 136. Well, there certainly were! While we might not have had the convenience of a Facebook page, we horses have always been brilliant communicators – you just have to understand the language of a snort, a toss of the head, and a flick of the tail.

There was the occasional rumour of a nearby war, and of course, gossip amongst the mares about the finest stallions in the region – not unlike a modern-day horse show! We also had our share of stories about magical steeds, creatures of myth and legend, whispered amongst us during long summer evenings as the stars shone bright.

You know, looking back, I have to say the horses of 136 had a real appreciation for their environment. We were at one with nature, keenly aware of the nuances of the world around us, and with that came a deep sense of freedom and adventure.

Of course, the bond between horses and humans in 136 was as strong as ever, an essential partnership forged through mutual respect and understanding. Our human companions relied upon our strength and resilience, while we in turn, received nourishment, shelter, and care. In my case, my farmer was a kind man, one who understood the language of the horses.

Life wasn’t always sunshine and roses, but it was filled with purpose and camaraderie. This bond between humans and horses has always been a vital one, and thankfully, we are still intertwined, working together in this modern age, in countless ways.

This year, as we in the 21st century marvel at the leaps and bounds we’ve made in understanding horses and the advancements in equine care, let us not forget the legacy of those horses who came before us, whose work and companionship were fundamental to our own journey. In 136, the horses were still a force to be reckoned with – a symbol of strength, grace, and resilience. And they remain so even today, inspiring awe and wonder in every generation that comes after.

Until next time, friends, remember, be kind, be brave, and above all, keep on neighing!

Emma

www.equiworld.org