History of Horses in the year 0490

Hello everyone! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood grey draught mare from Hayfield near Aberdeen, back with another chapter in our journey through equine history! I hope you're all well and enjoying the sunshine (or, well, whatever weather you lovely lot are having at your end!)

Today we're taking a big leap back in time, all the way to the year 490 AD. A whole 1500 years before I was even born! To give you an idea, we're smack-dab in the middle of the Early Middle Ages. Can you imagine? No motor vehicles, no smartphones, no internet (although I have to say, the absence of internet in my day does have its charms!). Just fields, forests, and lots and lots of horses.

Now, I know you might be thinking, “490 AD, what's there to know about horses then? Surely, life was a bit dull, wasn’t it?” Oh, darling, you couldn’t be more wrong!

For a horse in 490 AD, life was certainly busy and varied, but not always easy. Just like today, horses were crucial for all sorts of tasks. They helped pull ploughs through fields to plant crops, carrying loads of timber and supplies to nearby towns, even assisting in moving heavy stone for building.

You see, back in these days, there were no tractors or diggers to make work easier. So, the horses, we were the strong and reliable backbones of these communities, just as we are in our own way today! It might have been hard work, pulling heavy loads under the watchful eyes of the local farmer, but I have a feeling we took it in our stride, always happy for a good oats-fueled lunch and a chance to relax in the field afterwards!

Speaking of work, the other very important function of a horse in 490 AD was war! As you can imagine, during the period of migrating tribes and power struggles, strong horses were invaluable assets on the battlefield. A well-trained horse could easily be the difference between life and death for its rider, both for carrying warriors into battle and allowing them to attack with speed and strength.

Even in 490, there was much importance placed on horsemanship. Skills such as agility, strength, and stamina were paramount. Think of a war horse being trained to react quickly, carrying their rider at great speed over challenging terrain - a bit like my favourite hobby, cross-country! Of course, training these magnificent creatures must have been incredibly demanding, and I have a feeling, just like us today, it probably involved a good mix of reward and punishment. However, my main concern in 490, if I was alive then, would be keeping a good distance from battles - war horses tend to be hot-headed, and let's just say, a gentle giant like myself probably wasn't the best choice for that line of work!

The year 490 AD saw the beginning of the end of the Roman Empire's hold on Britain. For centuries, the Romans had ruled this island, and during their reign, horses were a part of daily life. Romans loved their horses, utilizing them for trade, war, and travel.

Even today, many horse breeds can be traced back to their origins with the Romans! Imagine a little Roman rider with a chestnut steed, and you’re practically envisioning the ancestors of your favourite Thoroughbred! They brought in different breeds, crossbred them with local horses, and developed the amazing diversity of horses that we still see in Britain and across Europe.

In 490 AD, these magnificent Roman warhorses were probably on their last hurrah in Britain, a part of the story ending as the power shifts away from the Romans to other Germanic tribes that started taking over parts of Europe. What an era of change and chaos that must have been, I'd say. It's a good thing I’m from the peace-loving 21st Century, isn't it?

Another thing I found interesting about this period is the role horses played in the spreading of Christianity! Can you imagine? They helped carry clergy, teachers, and missionaries on journeys to distant places. A journey on horseback through forests and valleys must have been something quite magical, with a little help from faith, of course! This peaceful association with the Church certainly provides a different perspective from the fierce image of horses on the battlefield, don't you think?

Moving forward, just a bit, into the 5th and 6th centuries, we see the emergence of the Anglo-Saxons. While their dominance meant the end of Roman influence, these people knew a thing or two about horses. The horses in 490 would have been strong, tough, and ready for anything.

These horses, known for their ability to withstand long journeys and cold temperatures, started leaving their mark on future breeds. Just as our lineage can be traced through the Romans and early Germanic tribes, it can also be seen in the blood of modern horses today.

Okay, time to rewind and reflect. Today, horse farming focuses heavily on selective breeding, where experts carefully match pairs for desirable characteristics. It's almost like the high-stakes world of equine matchmaking!

Back in 490, though, horses would have been primarily chosen for their strength, speed, and agility. You wouldn’t have had “fashion” colours like Appaloosas, and those with odd features weren’t really taken seriously, so you probably wouldn’t see many piebald or paint horses then either. While that would have meant less variety for us horses, it probably made the selection process easier. Not that I mind the variety now, mind you, my little white feet always do turn heads!

You might be wondering what this all means for the modern horse world. Well, the past truly informs the present! The skills and qualities prized in horses centuries ago have directly led to the magnificent creatures we have today. It’s the ongoing cycle of heritage and refinement that gives horses their amazing versatility - from your everyday farm companion to a competitive champion!

Think about all the fantastic things that the humble horse has achieved, throughout its rich history. We’ve travelled the world, played a part in global affairs, served in countless conflicts, and helped in the progress of humanity!

Just imagine, the same genetic traits, the same sturdy build, and even the same love of grazing on a sunny field - passed down through centuries from horses like those in 490 to the horses of today!

That’s my thought for the week, darlings. 490 AD: a fascinating snapshot in our world, revealing a time where horses played crucial roles, sometimes fierce, sometimes gentle, always steadfast and reliable. Next week, I'll be back with another historical snippet, exploring the impact of horses on civilizations throughout the ages. Until then, stay curious, stay informed, and happy hoofin' to all!

Your friend in history,

Emma

www.equiworld.org