History of Horses in the year 0632

Hello there, fellow equestrians! Emma here, your trusty guide through the annals of horse history. It's a grey mare with a white mane and tail who's telling this story, so expect a bit of feminine flair and a touch of Highland charm. Today, we're stepping back in time, all the way to 632 AD. I bet you're thinking, "632 AD? What's going on back then?" Well, let me tell you, the world was a whole lot different, and so was life for horses like me!

You see, I hail from Hayfield, a picturesque little village nestled near the bustling city of Aberdeen, in the heart of Scotland. The year is 632 AD, and it's a particularly lovely summer. The barley fields, where I often spend my days grazing, are overflowing with the promise of a bountiful harvest. I can smell the sweet fragrance of wild heather in the air as the breeze whispers through the fields. It's a simple life, but it's good. I love my family and the steady rhythm of my days, punctuated by the sounds of the wind and the occasional neigh of a passing horse.

You wouldn't believe how much we horses were relied upon back in 632 AD! In my humble opinion, we were the lifeblood of the community. Imagine it - we were the backbone of the agricultural world, carrying ploughs to turn the earth and dragging heavy wagons filled with barley and wheat. Farmers were our best friends, the sturdy and loyal pair of hands that kept our hooves well-shod and our bellies full.

Not only did we help farmers, but we also assisted traders, transporting goods like pottery and cloth across the land. We were part of a grand network of movement, the steady thrum of hooves carrying vital necessities from one village to another. And then there were the warriors, bold and proud riders, charging onto battlefields. It was quite an exhilarating sight - those horses were marvels of speed and agility.

Speaking of battlefields, this particular year was a time of significant political upheaval in the world of humans. You see, this was the year that the mighty Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam, passed away. Though many humans were sad, there was a sense of anticipation and wonder about what the future would hold for them. We horses, of course, weren't aware of the implications of this momentous event. Our world was far simpler, more focused on the daily rhythm of work and play.

Oh, and let's not forget the royal stallions! Back in the days of 632, there were regal breeds, kept by kings and nobles. Imagine those majestic steeds, sleek as silk and powerful as thunder! Their purpose? They served as magnificent symbols of strength and authority. These prized animals were often decorated with elaborate harnesses, their bridles glittering with precious stones. These regal steeds graced the pages of history, riding alongside great rulers and inspiring stories of bravery and loyalty.

As for myself, I was just an ordinary working horse, content with a life of humble service. But in a way, even the humble tasks like pulling carts and tending the fields felt important. After all, we provided for the community. Our lives were intrinsically woven into the fabric of existence.

Horses back in 632 weren't just about work and war. We were involved in some forms of entertainment, too. While large-scale horse racing wouldn't take off until much later, we participated in small, local events that involved agility and skill. It was fun, too!

However, you won't find me racing on any tracks, dear readers. My favourite form of entertainment, as any grey horse will tell you, is just to gallop freely across the fields. Feeling the wind in my mane, my legs strong beneath me, and the sun warm on my coat. It was pure magic, like dancing with the very essence of life.

To give you a glimpse into what it was like to be an ordinary draught horse in 632, I'll share a typical day in my life.

Dawn usually finds me munching on fresh barley straw in the stable. I'll greet my stablemates with a friendly whinny, rubbing noses and sharing a few nibbles. Then, the farmer arrives with a hearty, "Good morning, Emma!" He feeds us our breakfast – a mixture of barley and oats – before we set off to the fields.

Throughout the day, I might be pulling a plough, my muscles straining as I till the earth for new crops. Or I might be pulling a wagon filled with hay, my sturdy frame making it seem like a feather in the breeze. And when we're not working, there are moments for grazing, munching on the sweet green grasses that make up the rolling hills of my home. I also enjoy soaking in the sun, a little nap here and there, or a playful game with the other horses in the field.

And sometimes, there are the moments of pure delight - feeling the wind whip my white tail, the exhilarating sensation of speed, as we gallop through the barley fields, leaving the world behind. These are the moments when I truly feel alive, my heart pounding with joy as I connect with the wild freedom within me.

There were times in the past, much further back than 632 AD, when our ancestors, wild horses, were used for a form of 'natural medicine'. Some communities believed their urine and other body parts held healing powers. This practice would later become largely discredited and replaced by more advanced healthcare methods. However, in our daily lives, our well-being was of utmost importance.

My human companions took great care to keep us strong and healthy. If I showed any signs of illness, a local healer would be called upon. They had their own knowledge of herbs and remedies, and it was truly remarkable how they were able to use natural ingredients to cure our ailments.

Above all, 632 AD was a time when horses and humans shared a unique and powerful bond. It was a time when the bond between horses and humans was a delicate dance of trust, understanding, and respect. There were times when they would look at us not just as animals but as companions, friends who they depended upon. They were grateful for our strength and loyalty, just as we were grateful for their kindness and care. It was an era of simple coexistence, where horses and humans lived together in harmony, each fulfilling their respective roles in the tapestry of life.

So, my friends, this was 632 AD, a year that was steeped in history and shaped by the powerful bond between humans and horses. We were their partners, their servants, their companions. And while the world was far different back then, I wouldn't trade those days for anything.

This has been your friendly grey mare, Emma, reporting live from Hayfield! Come back next week for more Equine Adventures. And remember, if you have any horse history you'd like to share, be sure to post on the Equiworld forum – I always love hearing from my fellow equestrians!