Neigh-igh-igh, fellow equines! It's Emma here, your resident historian from Hayfield near Aberdeen. It's always a pleasure to chat with you all. Today, I'm going to delve into a year in the past, the year 0572. Imagine that - more than 1400 years ago!
It’s quite chilly here in Hayfield, as it often is in the north. I'm tucked away in the stable, munching on a mouthful of oats, looking back to that ancient time. The air hangs heavy with anticipation of the sunrise, a delicate gold peeping through the cracks of the old stone barn. The mist still lingers on the hillsides, a white, magical blanket covering the rolling countryside.
Ah, where to begin? 0572 was an interesting year for horses! This is the time when humans started to explore further and wider, leading us along as faithful companions. Let's start in the world, as it was, beyond my cosy stall.
Across the Land - a World of Travel and Work:
That year, the Roman Empire was crumbling, and what is now Italy was starting to divide into smaller kingdoms. Over in England, a king called Æthelberht of Kent was starting his reign. The Anglos and Saxons were busy carving their own lands, though their horse knowledge wasn't as advanced as it would be later on. They relied on us for journeys, war, and agriculture. In the Far East, the Sui Dynasty was about to start in China, where horses were still deeply embedded in every aspect of life. Imagine - every job needed horses, every family relied on horses.
Horse Life in the 7th Century:
Back in my world of 0572, here in Scotland, we were a tough lot, well suited for the rough terrain and often harsh climate. The Picts were our main caretakers - they understood horses and relied on us to survive. Imagine - a life of hauling wood and materials, tending fields and transporting people across difficult hills and valleys.
You wouldn’t have found us trotting through flower-filled meadows as we do today. We were workhorses, but work was life, and life was fulfilling. We knew our place in the world. We felt it deep inside us - the need to serve, the pride of pulling a cart or plough. The responsibility felt natural. We belonged.
We weren't all strong, hardworking grays like me, of course! There were smaller ponies like the Celtic ponies found all over the British Isles, with sturdy legs, excellent stamina, and quick reflexes. And in the lowlands, maybe a bit further away from my home in Hayfield, you could find our taller brethren, the Irish Horses, with their grace and intelligence. It was a time of true diversity in the world of horses, but we all served our purpose with purposefulness!
Training and Life at the Farm:
Back then, training horses wasn’t like it is today. They understood your intentions simply from your posture and your movements. Imagine how well we listened to the smallest change in a voice! They also communicated more directly, through the click of the bit against teeth, through pressure on our necks and legs, through the movements of the reins.
Of course, training for battle was still a critical aspect of our lives. War horses were honed and prepared to carry knights and their equipment into battle. The clashing of swords and the booming sounds of war may have been terrifying, but it was a part of our reality, as it is a reality in most human wars to this day. The horses who participated in battle had a duty and we understood it as best we could. We’re all incredibly proud of those who fought for their nations and their masters!
Our days in Hayfield would involve much routine. In the mornings, we'd gather at the watering trough, where we could chat and exchange gossip - "did you see how much grain old Arthur got last night?", "the farmer was a bit rough on young Clover yesterday", "the stable smells especially clean today"!
There were many of us living and working at Hayfield at this time - around 50 horses or so. We were all part of the farm. The care we received depended greatly on our use - we plough horses received the best care and feed, followed by transport horses, and lastly the horses involved in war, whose job was the most dangerous of all.
An Equestrian Paradise:
As you can imagine, horses had the best food - a good blend of hay and oats. The grooms and stable boys would take turns tending to us, cleaning out our stalls and giving us fresh bedding. They'd check our hooves, brush our coats, and lead us out for exercise. Life wasn’t bad. It was fulfilling.
The most important thing was we all worked together. We understood each other's roles, our positions, and our needs. This, I think, is the biggest difference between now and the 7th century. We didn't have as much human interference. We were our own tribe, and we had each other! We shared our stories.
And so we lived - with strength and endurance, with purpose and passion! I can tell you now, with the clarity of thousands of years passed, that every horse has a special place in history. Even the ones before my time - we share the same lineage, the same sense of freedom and devotion!
End Note - Reflecting on Our Journey:
I know there’s a lot more I could tell you. But the most important lesson is this: we horses have changed the world - we've shaped it and travelled it. We’ve carried armies and hauled harvests. And even today, when life is different, when the human world has changed, we remain connected - horses, to humans, to nature. Our bond, forged over centuries, still thrives.
And so, my equine friends, keep your heads held high. Be proud of the heritage we share. We’re a special breed, and it’s time we remember how special!
Until next time,
Emma
www.equiworld.org
