Hello, lovely readers! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood grey mare from Hayfield, near Aberdeen. This week, we're stepping back in time to 628, a year that, believe it or not, is overflowing with exciting horse-related news! As always, I’ll share my thoughts and feelings as a young, observant horse – a grey draught mare, with a proud, white mane and tail that flows in the breeze.
Now, you may be thinking: 628? That's way before the time of beautiful saddles and riding boots! You’d be right to think so! It was indeed a different time, with a different feel and focus to the horse world. Let me paint you a picture.
Imagine a sprawling Scottish landscape, heather and wildflower meadows, with the craggy mountains looming in the distance. A light drizzle hangs in the air, just the sort that gives a crisp freshness to the wind, and that's how the air always seemed to feel around our village, Hayfield.
The dominant force in those days was the sturdy, surefooted, and reliable horse - we were a part of the family, our hooves echoing the rhythm of everyday life. The majority of the population in the countryside relied on us for transport, ploughing their fields, pulling their carts, and ferrying supplies to and fro. As horses, we were the cornerstone of agriculture and transportation, essential members of the community, each with our individual personality and strength.
Now, my memory doesn’t stretch back to 628 itself - after all, I was born much later - but the wisdom passed down through generations has been engraved in my soul. And the elders, who had witnessed those times, had many tales to tell, painting a vivid picture of life in 628 through the horse’s lens.
The first thing you need to understand is that 628 wasn’t a year of rapid changes; it was an era of slow, steady progression. New ideas were being formed, but the basic framework of life – working the land, moving goods, and living alongside our human companions - remained largely the same.
One of the main stories of 628 involved the spread of Christianity. I remember hearing how the Christian faith was beginning to gain popularity, bringing with it a wave of new ideas and, importantly, a greater respect for the sanctity of all creatures. You could feel it, a gentle shift in how the people looked at us – their companions. There were fewer instances of harshness or abuse, more caring and gentle hands in their interaction with us.
Another fascinating detail my elder equine friends relayed was about the rising importance of trade and commerce. Merchants would travel from far and wide, crossing kingdoms and continents, with their carts loaded with valuable goods. I picture those horses, maybe even draught horses like myself, pulling heavy carts over dusty roads, braving storms, carrying everything from spices to silks and precious metals across vast distances. It would have been tiring and challenging, yet a thrilling journey to witness!
The horses back in 628 were also making a big impact in the field of warfare. Even though my grey coat isn't the most appropriate colour for battle, I did learn about warhorses being crucial during skirmishes and battles. They were more than just transport; they were vital to the strategy, a force to be reckoned with. A swift kick from a strong steed, even a flick of a tail could have changed the outcome of a clash!
And talking about swift steeds, you can’t mention 628 without acknowledging the ever-increasing focus on breeding horses for speed and strength. With all those new ventures taking place, travel time and the ability to transport large loads across long distances were becoming vital factors. This led to meticulous breeding programs, to select horses with exceptional abilities, allowing faster deliveries and improved transport capabilities. This focus, in turn, made it even more important to look after horses' wellbeing, providing a balanced diet and the right kind of training. The very best were cherished like treasures, passed down through families as prized possessions.
I’d love to hear from my readers. What are your thoughts about 628? Did you know any of this? If you know anything more about the year 628 from a horse's point of view, please do share your knowledge in the comments.
For now, remember that despite the changes of time, some things remain the same – the need for care, respect, and a mutual understanding between horses and humans. Until next time, may your horseshoes be lucky, your saddles comfortable, and your hooves always steady!
