By Emma, a Grey Draught Mare from Hayfield, Scotland
Well hello there, dear fellow equines and horse-loving humans! Emma here, back with another post on EquiWorld.org, my little corner of the internet dedicated to sharing tales of our fascinating history. Today, we're taking a trip back in time to the year 586! This year holds a special significance, not only for humans, but for us horses too.
You see, in this year, just a little while after a Roman Emperor, Tiberius, died, things started to change a little. It wasn't a massive revolution or a big galloping storm, more like the quiet whisper of a new beginning. It was in this year that we, horses, were beginning to really be noticed as more than just a strong beast of burden, and we started being incorporated into the stories of the humans.
You know, before this time, most human stories were about their own lives, their battles, and their kingdoms. But around the year 586, our place in their history really began to shine through. Maybe they noticed how vital we were to their lives? How our strength helped them travel long distances, till the land, and pull their wagons?
Right here in my beloved Hayfield near Aberdeen, I can feel it in the very wind. Our horses were not just for carrying or pulling anymore. There were whispers about horses being trained for riding. Yes! Riding! You know, sitting on our backs and going places. Not just going anywhere though. My friend, Finn, whose family runs a small farm in the lowlands near Glasgow, told me he heard from his grandfather, who heard it from his father, that the 'Angles' – who he believes are another tribe of humans coming from lands far across the sea – had learnt to ride their horses and fought their battles from horseback! It sounded thrilling, and rather terrifying to me, to be honest.
But back here in Hayfield, my life was rather simple. As I write this, I stand here munching on sweet grass and waiting patiently as my master, Duncan, returns from tending the sheep in the fields. We horses are a vital part of the life in Hayfield. We help with the farm work, carrying goods to the nearby villages, and transporting goods. The work can be demanding at times, but I enjoy the routines and the beautiful landscape that surrounds us.
Speaking of the landscape, can we talk about Hayfield! Oh, how I adore this little valley. It’s tucked away on a high, windswept plateau nestled amidst the green valleys and rugged hills of Scotland. From our pasture I can look out and see a sprawling green landscape, with patches of wildflowers, winding rivers that glitter like ribbons of silver, and the majestic Scottish mountains looming on the horizon. These majestic peaks, though sometimes harsh and unfriendly, offer shelter to wild ponies, like the Highland ponies, whose rugged beauty and resilience are a testament to our spirit. These horses run wild, free, with untamed manes that flutter in the wind. There's something both fascinating and reassuring about them. It’s like a reminder of our wilder ancestors.
Of course, our lives aren’t just work. We have a sense of community in our small village. Every evening we gather together at the “The Hayfield Inn” a humble, cozy stable nestled within a little cluster of barns where we share stories about our days. We might be working hard, but we are also happy. There's always a friendly neigh to greet another horse, and we take the time to care for one another. Sometimes, a wise old mare like me will share some folklore stories of our ancestors – tales about wild horses running across wide plains, stories about mighty warhorses who galloped in glorious battles. They may be stories from centuries before, but these tales weave into our memories and connect us to the past.
Though things were starting to change in the world of horses in the year 586, here in our Hayfield we still had a simple but fulfilling life.
But back to our equine adventures! Now, I can tell you, 586 is significant for more than just horses in Scotland. It was a pivotal year in the history of horses throughout Europe and beyond. The Eastern Roman Empire was struggling, the once mighty and proud Roman Empire, the one that built roads, aqueducts and brought civilization to much of Europe, was now facing a decline. The empire was shrinking and divided. In the distant land of Byzantium, now known as Constantinople, an event happened that is still studied and talked about by scholars today: The great Hagia Sophia in Constantinople was built in the year 537! They say, and it's quite the story, that Emperor Justinian had built it on a piece of land once occupied by a magnificent racecourse! Isn't that amazing? The humans revered and respected our spaces.
You can imagine, my dear readers, what this might have meant to us horses. The Byzantine people must have loved horse races! Just picturing magnificent, strong horses galloping across a vast racecourse.
Now I do have a theory. Since Constantinople, once part of the Roman Empire, had been known for its incredible breeding programs – for you see, in ancient times humans really knew their horse breeds and what qualities a good horse possessed. Their beautiful steeds were renowned for their strength and grace, so surely those races must have attracted crowds from all across the empire!
So, imagine a large expanse, like the land on which Hagia Sophia stands today. People cheer as horses race around the track! Oh, I can almost hear the excited neighs, the thud of hooves, and the cheers of the crowd resonating through the air, even here in my quiet Hayfield, a world away.
Just like us horses in our village, horses in those far-away lands probably worked on the farm, helped to carry loads, but they were also highly prized and well cared for. In 586, even though the Roman Empire was losing its grip on power, we horses continued to be valuable members of their society.
Now, speaking of powerful horses, a thought has been stirring within my hooves for quite some time. Did you know about the horse known as “The God Horse” by some cultures? They believe a special kind of horse is sacred to gods, a powerful and majestic beast. Their stories are full of horses who can transform themselves into magical creatures – a neighing wind that rushes across the plains or a creature that is swift as thought.
I have heard these tales in the hushed voices of the elders of the tribe, as they pass on stories around a glowing fire under a vast, star-filled sky. It gives me comfort, knowing that the belief in us, the horses, is so deeply entangled with their spirituality and legends.
But back to our earthly matters. In this year 586, humans were working to improve the world around them, creating things like buildings, roads, and monuments – and horses were at the centre of it all, a power force for creation and movement. But they weren’t just about brute force and physical labor, the thoughtful human race was starting to notice the beauty of our athleticism. You see, my dear readers, things were really changing!
Just imagine, horses and humans, working side-by-side. And perhaps, that thought brings us closer to the present day. Here in 2023, you see, horses have evolved to take on an even more remarkable role in the world. We race across vast landscapes, we jump impossibly high fences, we carry our riders over treacherous mountain paths, and even compete with humans in thrilling races, proving we are more than just animals of burden, we’re equine athletes, artists of grace, and companions in this journey called life.
And now, my dear reader, I must sign off and get back to the fields. Hayfield is calling me, as are the sheep and Duncan. He always seems a bit surprised when I stop by the gate in the afternoon and give him a gentle nudge. But he understands now that sometimes, my heart wants a little time to think and write, and the wind whispers my thoughts into my hooves.
Till next time! Emma.
