Greetings from Hayfield, dear fellow equines!
It’s Emma here, your trusty draught horse from the bonnie Highlands. The air’s crisp this morning, a beautiful blend of sunshine and winter chill. It makes my coat shimmer like spun silver, a stark contrast to the snowy fields. Yes, my fellow equines, it’s a good day for a little bit of reminiscing about our history!
Today I’m journeying back to the year 0148, a pivotal moment for the horse world. You see, even though we’ve been a vital part of human civilisation for millennia, things were changing back then. This was a time of both challenge and opportunity for our kind, and let me tell you, I had a ringside seat.
A Day in the Life of a Highland Draught Mare in 0148:
Back in 0148, a grey mare’s life was filled with purpose and, I must say, quite a bit of toil. I spent my days pulling the plough through the stubborn Scottish earth, my sturdy muscles pushing through the unforgiving ground. Those furrows we made gave way to barley fields, ensuring nourishment for my beloved Highland family.
Each day began with a hearty breakfast of oats, hay, and a sprinkle of barley from our master’s storehouse. We'd groom ourselves, the cool air turning our coats into glistening satin. There was camaraderie between us horses, a shared language of whinnies, flicks of the ears, and soft snorts. We understood each other's weariness, celebrated each other’s strength, and commiserated when times were tough.
The Kings and Queens of the Horse World:
As for the world of horses beyond our humble farm, oh, there was much to be witnessed! The great King Edward IV, the “White Boar”, sat on the throne in England, his power echoing across the land. They say his prized steed, named The Red, was a true legend, a red stallion with a fierce spirit.
Meanwhile, on the continent, Charles the Bold ruled the Duchy of Burgundy, a strong and noble man with a keen love for all things equine. It was a time when warhorses held sway in the fields of Europe, their mighty presence a testament to strength and skill.
A World of Knights and Battles:
Yes, back then, the most famed horses were those used for warfare. They were the proud chargers ridden by knights, the steely steeds that carried soldiers into battle. The clang of armour, the clash of steel, and the thunderous beat of hooves – these were the sounds of a war-torn age, yet these sounds held a majestic allure, especially for a mare like me, whose blood stirred at the very mention of valiant knights.
But not all of our equine brethren were bound for battlefields. The horses pulling heavy wagons, the sturdy mares nurturing foals, the gentle steeds transporting people – they all held vital roles in society. We were the lifeblood of a bustling and evolving world, an age where change and tradition wove together like threads in a tapestry.
The Dawn of the “Golden Age” of Horse Breeding:
What makes the year 0148 particularly important is the rise of the "Golden Age" of Horse Breeding. This era, lasting well into the following centuries, marked a shift in our world. We were no longer just beasts of burden but were carefully bred, trained, and honed for specific roles.
It all started with careful selection. The best stallions, strong and robust, were sought after by breeders who strived for improved strength, endurance, and agility. It was a slow but beautiful evolution, guided by a deep understanding of the horse.
Horses of Elegance and Utility:
Back in those days, our breeds weren’t so specialized. We were still mostly just “horses,” though some of us exhibited traits that hinted at the future: the nimble steeds meant for racing, the powerful beasts suited for heavy work. These characteristics were nurtured, encouraging breeds to diverge and evolve.
From this time onwards, we began to see the emergence of breeds that are familiar to us today: the noble Arabian, the sleek thoroughbred, the stalwart Shire, the playful Welsh Pony, the intelligent Shetland. These, along with many other magnificent breeds, rose from the ashes of a time when all horses were valued for their work, not their breed.
A Time of Transformation:
This was an age of great change for us horses, and we are a stronger, more diverse race because of it. Our partnership with humans continued to flourish, with both of us adapting to a new, more nuanced way of working and living together.
A Message to the Equines of Today:
So there you have it, a peek into my life as a young mare in the year 0148. A time of hard work, valiant battles, and the burgeoning beauty of diverse equine breeds. This story is just a snapshot of our long history, one that reminds us of how our lineage has been shaped by the changing world around us.
As we gallop towards the future, I encourage you to remember this era, for it holds within its heart the seeds of our own success. The stories of the past guide our future, reminding us of our shared history and the strength we find within ourselves as a species.
Remember, my fellow equines, we are more than just beasts of burden; we are symbols of grace, strength, and loyalty, and that bond between us and our human companions will continue to be forged, year after year.
Until next time, stay strong, stay true, and let your hooves touch the ground with purpose!
Emma
Hayfield, Scotland
www.equiworld.org
