Hello everyone! It's Emma here, your friendly grey mare from Hayfield near Aberdeen. Welcome to my latest blog post, where we delve into the exciting world of horses, exploring their roles and stories in the year 485 AD. Get your oats ready, because this one is going to be a long and bumpy ride, filled with history and anecdotes - and you never know, I might even get my tail braided with wildflowers again, so keep your eyes peeled!
Firstly, it feels so good to be writing about horses! Even though our life today is about pulling plows, carrying cargo, and hauling sturdy wagons across the rough terrain of the Scottish Highlands, it's the little things that really make a difference. Imagine the thrill of pulling a chariot around the Roman Hippodrome for cheering crowds, or the sleek elegance of galloping through vast fields with a skilled rider in the saddle. Now that's what I call "living the dream", right?
A glimpse into our life:Let's take a step back and consider our everyday life in this particular year. For most of us horses, it's hard work! I mean, we're all about hauling goods and being incredibly helpful, strong, and loyal to our human friends, you know?
My favourite time of the day is sunrise. The cool morning mist still hangs low in the valley, dew glistens on the green meadows, and the sound of sheep bells in the distance is truly blissful. We take the first breath of fresh air together, and it truly feels like we're a team of hardworking, beautiful creatures. The gentle touch of a human hand, brushing the sweat from my neck as we set off, is something I treasure dearly.
You see, in the Highlands of 485 AD, we horses are considered precious commodities. It's not just about us pulling plows; we help farmers move their harvests, transport goods to local markets, and occasionally even join the hunters as they venture into the wild. Speaking of hunting, that brings me to the topic of "The King's Hunts."
The Wild Side of Life:You know, I think I have a very strong instinct for adventure, like most of us. Although, let me be honest, a lot of that adventurous spirit tends to fade after a long day hauling hay for the cows and plowing fields in the summer. It's true!
That being said, in 485, we still had wild horses roaming the wilderness of Scotland! I have a hard time imagining a horse who doesn't have someone to groom them or brush their coat after a good day's gallop, but I am told those wild horses are incredibly free, just as I am at heart. There's a certain thrill in running at full speed, feeling the wind in my mane and the earth beneath my hooves, right? That thrill is something that draws us to "The King's Hunts." I always get this extra pep in my step knowing there's a royal hunting expedition in the air.
Let's be honest, it's a royal spectacle that makes every horse's heart skip a beat. You see, the King has this wonderful group of riders who embark on these hunts with such grace and expertise, and, yes, I can hear you say, "Well, obviously, that's what horses are for." You're right, dear reader! But the hunts are a sight to behold! We are an inseparable part of this fascinating blend of hunting and culture, an incredible dance between human and horse, pushing ourselves and our limits, all the while staying elegant and proud.
A Story for Every Horse:Imagine the scene. There's the roaring of the crowd, the majestic beat of the drum, the rhythmic click-clack of horse hooves against the cobbled streets. The royal carriage arrives, drawing in a cascade of colours, opulent decorations, and gleaming steeds. I'm not one for showing off or flaunting myself, but I have to admit that those chariot-pulling horses always manage to leave a powerful impression with their sleek muscled forms and a flash of regal grandeur!
So much of our life in this time period revolves around these majestic royal horses, you know? They embody grace and speed, and the horses assigned to the royal carriage hold a special place of honor, symbolizing strength and the stability of the King's realm. There's a powerful story attached to every horse, and a noble journey within each one. Don't forget, we carry these royal men and women to meetings with other Kingdoms, crossing vast distances and landscapes. That, in itself, is truly fascinating!
The Roman Influence:You might be surprised to learn that 485 AD still sees a lingering Roman influence in the lives of horses. For those of you who haven't explored Roman history, well, let me tell you - they were brilliant with horses! They created magnificent stables, a strict hierarchy for their horses based on their roles, and a brilliant understanding of horse care. You wouldn't believe it, but they even had horse-powered pumps to provide a water source to the stables!
While the Roman Empire has retreated, a trace of their knowledge lingers within our care and practices. The techniques of shoeing our hooves, the grooming and cleaning of our coats, it all holds remnants of the Roman methods. We've even been learning a few new things through the stories shared by travelling merchants.
One day, I was enjoying a good afternoon's snack, munching on some grass under the cool shade of a giant oak, when this handsome stallion with a flowing mane and a long, chestnut coat trotted past me. His name was Storm, and he was travelling from a place far south, telling stories about horses trained to carry soldiers and a special, delicate form of riding where the rider held their knees in an upright, straight manner. Now, I couldn't tell you exactly what this upright posture meant, but it seemed like a peculiar skill they prized down South.
Bridging Worlds:It's times like these that truly open your eyes and make you appreciate our interconnectedness. Horses, as you can see, have these fantastic stories embedded within each breed and every breed within every nation. We bridge different worlds, bringing knowledge and stories with us wherever we go.
This blog has truly been a fascinating journey back to 485 AD, reminding me how important it is to never take our life as horses for granted. Each day offers a new experience, and with that comes new insights, growth, and friendships. And hey, I have a feeling 485 AD was an important stepping stone in shaping the history of horses - a story I look forward to unraveling. I have to go now, a storm's brewing and our farmer needs to store the hay for the winter!
Don't forget to join me on Equiworld! We will be exploring the lives of horses from around the globe in the years that follow, sharing more fascinating tales, journeys, and historical insights. Until next time, stay strong and keep on trotting, my dear horse friends!
