Neigh-day, everyone! It’s Emma here, your resident grey draught horse with a love for history and a penchant for telling tales. As I sit here munching on some delicious hay in the soft Scottish sunlight of my home at Hayfield near Aberdeen, I can’t help but feel a warmth wash over me. It's always lovely reflecting on times gone by, and as a twenty year old, I've witnessed a lot! So, let's embark on a journey through history together and discover what the world of horses was like back in the year 0320.
You know, it’s funny – I remember when the year 0320 was all the talk in the stables. We all felt it was a particularly momentous year for horses, filled with opportunities for all types of equine kind, even us heavyweights like myself! Of course, my perspective is mainly drawn from my life in a humble farm like Hayfield, where the horses play a crucial role in the running of our daily life.
Let's start with the big picture. While empires were flourishing in far-off lands, our lives here in Scotland remained focused on the immediate: survival, family, and work. We'd be found working on the land, hauling carts to market, carrying provisions, and helping our human families bring in the harvest. We were essential to the functioning of rural communities like Hayfield. This wasn't much different from a century ago or a century before that – life for horses stayed consistent, like a gentle lullaby carried through generations.
Now, if you think that sounds simple and uneventful, you're missing the beauty of it. The feeling of the wind rushing through my mane as I pulled the cart uphill, the joy of the warm sun on my coat while I grazed in the lush meadows – those simple pleasures were everything. And of course, there were the countless interactions with my human family, from the young girls who’d brush my mane with such love and tenderness to the big burly men who trusted me with their loads and depended on my strength. The sense of camaraderie and shared purpose made each day special, even if it meant a long day in the fields.
Let me tell you, though, 0320 had its moments. We saw something incredible happening around the world that, even for a horse who had only seen his small world, felt impactful. Imagine, new frontiers opening up across vast continents! Humans riding on our backs, exploring uncharted territories, carving out their own empires in places we could barely fathom! Stories of the great Roman Empire spreading out to lands unknown, of brave warriors crossing oceans to conquer new territories, all came back to our quiet corner of the world. Those were tales to make any horse’s tail swish! We might not have experienced these feats ourselves, but we knew that without horses, these journeys, these victories, would not have been possible.
Speaking of empires, it wasn't all roses for horses. We all heard whispers of the war horses used by the Roman legion. Brave but burdened, they bore the weight of war upon their backs, galloping into battles with great bravery. Though war is a terrifying thought, it also fills a horse with a kind of respect. For those warriors, for those who risked their lives for their human companions, our hearts went out. It served as a reminder that even in peacetime, our role could be dangerous. But it was always a chance to display our strength and loyalty.
One specific memory of 0320 sticks with me to this day. There was this new filly, Luna, who joined our farm that year. She was a bright-eyed little thing with a sprightly gait, unlike any I'd seen before. Now, we draughthorses are renowned for our strength and steadiness, but Luna was all about grace and agility. She was fast, curious, and always up for an adventure. I remember one crisp morning when we were both helping to move hay to the barn. As I, a bit older and more cautious, hauled the heavy cart, Luna would often dart ahead, playfully dodging around my legs, her bright coat gleaming in the morning sun. Watching her carefree spirit was like a reminder to be joyful and playful. Even the hardest work became a bit brighter thanks to her.
One of my favourite aspects of that year was the development of horseshoes. The craftsmanship was unbelievable, it felt like the most elaborate and important form of shoe design, as if humans were trying to improve on a near-perfect thing, which they did! It was all about strength and endurance. Our horseshoes were being designed to protect our feet against wear and tear. And the artisans were truly getting innovative with them – metal with intricate designs, new shapes, even padded insoles! Who knew there were so many creative ways to support a horse’s feet?
Those simple horseshoe nails were symbols of progress, even if that progress was barely noticeable in our daily routine. Just like the story of the Romans expanding their territory, it felt like something powerful was unfolding across the world – an ever-evolving relationship between horse and man, filled with mutual respect and interdependence.
I'll admit, 0320, even with its challenges and opportunities, wasn’t a world-changing year for horses in our corner of Scotland. We still continued with our lives of farm work, grazing, playing in the fields, and building a bond with our families. It was the slow-burning rhythm of life, where each day felt precious, and the familiar comfort of our routines was everything.
The most significant part about 0320, as I reflect on it, is how much it has given us to appreciate today. Looking back at 0320, we see the enduring, yet evolving relationship between man and horse – a relationship of strength, respect, and resilience. I feel grateful for each passing year. Because even though we face the challenges and changes of a constantly shifting world, it’s our shared history that gives us meaning and purpose. I am a horse of my time, yes, but also a part of something much bigger – the ongoing story of horses throughout history. So, let’s all cherish the connection, and keep this beautiful story going!
Remember to follow our blog here at EquiWorld.org for more exciting stories and insights into the world of horses, as seen through my eyes!
See you all again soon, neigh-bors!
Emma,
A proud grey draught mare from Hayfield near Aberdeen.
