History of Horses in the year 0140

Hello, fellow equines and horse lovers! It’s Emma here, a grey draught mare with a mane and tail like spun silver. I call the beautiful Hayfield, nestled near Aberdeen in Scotland, my home. And boy, have I got a story to tell you about life in 0140 AD!

Now, I know, you might think that year is a little too far back in time. It's like, 9 centuries ago! Can you imagine that? But just you wait, this journey through time is full of wonder and surprising similarities to our horse life today. Buckle up, it's about to get interesting!

Life here in Hayfield is peaceful, much like life on a smallholding today. You could say I have the good life! I spend my days grazing in lush pastures, relishing the fresh mountain air that sweeps down from the Grampian Mountains. You’d think we’d have lots of horses here in Scotland, being known for our beautiful scenery, and, you'd be right. My little paddock shares space with other draughties like me - all strong and powerful, used to pulling heavy loads and cultivating the land.

I also have some special friendships, especially with a nimble pony named Jasper who loves to chase butterflies, and a majestic chestnut mare, Flora, who teaches me all about the folklore passed down through generations of horses. In a world before Google, horse stories, and myths have to be learned this way. She’s the one who taught me that the year 0140 is said to be marked by a 'Great Winter' in the Highlands of Scotland! I think we are in luck that we have plenty of delicious hay and good grazing.

Life isn't all leisure and naps though! We all work hard, mainly pulling ploughs, carts and transporting goods from nearby farms and villages. This way, I meet people and horses from different walks of life. One time I helped to deliver freshly baked bread, the sweet smell making my nose twitch with excitement! I even helped transport building materials for a brand-new manor, and let me tell you, those stone blocks are heavy! We do our fair share of heavy lifting and we’re proud to be part of this community.

Let me tell you a little secret - we, the horses, are definitely an important part of people's lives here in Scotland. They depend on us to survive, so it’s no wonder they respect and look after us. You wouldn't believe how much they cherish us - from daily grooming and good feed to building comfortable stables with clean bedding.

In my world, you see people riding on the backs of lighter breeds - like ponies and stallions that have been carefully trained. They might be used for long journeys or, even better, for grand parades, like those organised to mark special occasions like birthdays or weddings. Riding is a skill passed down from parent to child. These horsemen know how to ride well and handle us horses, they treat us as partners. It's important for us to have a mutual understanding. Sometimes, I watch with awe as young lads master this skill with grace and agility, it's truly fascinating!

There’s another way our kind are used for travel, a different kind of journey, one that brings us together with faraway lands and different people. In my travels, I’ve met men from villages and towns who make their living by travelling, trading their goods and stories along the way. Some of them take with them, sturdy horses like me for transporting goods, sometimes over difficult mountain passes or vast open lands. Those journeys, I'm told, are long and challenging.

And just like today, horses are often used for military campaigns. That’s what my cousin, Willow, was used for. She served the king, carrying soldiers into battle, she’s a real hero! But war, unfortunately, brings its own troubles and losses, even amongst our own kind. It’s not easy to think about all those horses, who, like Willow, lost their lives. The bravery of horses, their loyalty, makes my heart swell with pride, yet it breaks at the thought of what they had to go through.

Of course, our life in 0140 wasn’t all rainbows and unicorns. Life could be tough! Sometimes we would struggle with long hours, especially during the busy harvest seasons. We were fed lots of oats, hay, barley, and sometimes a little bit of bread – and of course, fresh water! It’s a little bit like the life our modern stablemates have today. There are similarities even with a gap of a millennium!

One thing that amazes me is that horses played such a pivotal role in daily life. There were no machines or tractors, just strong horses pulling heavy loads. So, imagine, you wouldn't have your car to take you to the stables; the horses, ourselves, were the main form of transport. That's how vital we were back then. We even provided us for dairy farmers to pull the carts with barrels full of fresh milk and cheese to nearby towns and villages, all while maintaining our majestic dignity.

Life here in Hayfield has a constant cycle, much like the seasons, a change happening every now and then. Just this year, a group of riders passed through our village, bringing exciting news of a new type of horse. A larger, heavier, even more muscular kind called 'the Flanders'. Their breeders travelled long distances to trade their breed with local farmers, as they found them stronger, and even more suited for hard work on the land.

It makes me wonder how the future will unfold! Perhaps one day, the 'Flanders' might also grace the fields of Hayfield? Or maybe there will be other incredible types of horses waiting to be discovered and admired. But no matter what, I'm proud to be a part of the history of horses, to live in a world where horses were central, where every hoofbeat made a difference. It is my story to tell, and my responsibility to share with my future generation!

As I reflect on all the changes over the centuries, one thing is certain: the bond between horses and humans, this special connection, is a constant. Even though time flies and new breeds arrive, the bond with humans is something we can always trust. It’s like a thread running through the whole tapestry of our lives, always strong and unchanging. It is a testament to the magic that can blossom between horse and human. This special connection inspires me, motivates me, and fills me with hope for the future. I believe it’s something worth sharing with the world, both with my equine kin and my human friends!

As the sun dips low and bathes our pasture in golden hues, I am reminded of all the wonders our horse family has experienced, throughout history. Each new generation adds another strand to the intricate tapestry that makes us who we are. Let’s all keep sharing, let’s learn and celebrate these stories, so that, as one, our strength and resilience will live on for generations to come.

Remember to stay tuned for my next blog, and please share your thoughts and stories with the equine community on www.equiworld.org, or by leaving a comment on this post!

Until then, happy trails to you all, Emma