Hello there, fellow equine enthusiasts! It’s Emma here, your favourite grey draught mare from the rolling hills of Hayfield near Aberdeen. As you all know, I’m rather partial to a good history lesson – and what’s more, sharing it with all of you!
Today, we’re venturing back to the year 640 AD, a time of great change, much like our own. You know I love to think about our equine ancestors, and this year gives us so much to consider. I can just imagine the excitement in the air, especially when it came to our favourite things: pulling, playing, and, of course, a hearty feed of hay!
Life on the Hayfield Farm: A Typical Day
Firstly, let’s paint a picture of my typical day. Picture this: The sun’s just rising over the heather, casting long shadows on the hills. I rise with the farmers, my sturdy hooves padding across the straw-covered floor of our stable. My white mane and tail shimmer in the first light, reflecting the dewy mist swirling over the farm. My stall, with its soft hay, smells like home and is my sanctuary. But you know, with such an appetite as mine, even a good breakfast isn't enough to keep me calm!
I spend my day pulling carts loaded with wheat or barley from the fields. The scent of ripening crops tickles my nostrils, and the sun warms my coat as I work alongside my brethren. There's a rhythm to the work, a gentle tug and a reassuring clack of the wagon wheels. The strength in my powerful muscles and the sturdy spirit of a draught horse like me shine in these moments. We're an integral part of life here – strong, loyal, and working hard.
After the day's work, there’s a wonderful camaraderie among us horses. We gather by the hayfields, nudging and grooming each other. A shared meal of clover and oats adds to the warmth and joy. In the evening, under a sky thick with stars, we listen to the owls hoot and the whispers of the wind through the heather, before heading back to our straw beds. It's simple life, but it's good.
A Journey Back to 640 AD
Now, let’s rewind to 640 AD, shall we? The world, back then, was a different place. Here in Britain, it was just beginning to emerge from the Roman influence. The Anglo-Saxons were carving out their kingdom. It’s a world of small farms, close-knit communities, and a reliance on nature’s bounty. You can almost picture those small villages huddled together in the countryside, fields bursting with barley, and a few farms dotted here and there, like scattered diamonds on a green tapestry.
It’s also a time when the horse’s value was beyond measure. They were more than just working animals; they were companions, symbols of strength and resilience, and a part of every aspect of daily life.
Horses: A Foundation for Life
Imagine yourself back in 640 AD. Picture yourself with a sturdy, yet graceful, draught horse like me, ready for whatever challenges lay ahead. For transportation, the horse was king. Farmers like those on the Hayfield used them to pull plows, thresh wheat, and transport goods. They hauled carts packed with tools, seeds, and hay for other villagers, contributing to their collective well-being. Horses were integral for delivering vital goods like food and salt – essential ingredients that sustained a community. Imagine the scene: a humble cart creaking along a dirt road, carrying the essentials for a nearby village.
From Wars to Wedding Days
But horses were not limited to the realm of agriculture, dear readers. You see, in 640 AD, horses were also playing a significant role in warfare. Think of them as the tanks of the era, swift and fearless warriors. The Northumbrian kingdom of that time had a fierce army, often using mounted cavalry for attacks and skirmishes. Just as today, war horses needed to be strong and resilient, able to withstand long journeys and tough battles.
While they were symbols of power in times of conflict, they also brought joy to occasions like weddings and festivals. Horses decked out in finery would carry wedding parties, symbolising joy and abundance, and carrying bride and groom to their new life together. Their elegant movements and shimmering coats added a touch of splendor and grace.
640: The Year of Horses - What Happened Then?
This was an era when horses thrived! While we’re focused on Britain today, let’s take a quick look at the world, through the eyes of my 640 AD ancestors:
Across the seas: The Byzantine Empire in the east was undergoing a renaissance, and horses were central to its vibrant social fabric.
Arabia's Majesty: In the Arabian Peninsula, the rise of Islam was gathering momentum. The horse played a significant role in the propagation of this new faith. In desert landscapes, they were a lifeline for trade, transportation, and travel, carrying caravans laden with spices, dates, and silks. They became intertwined with the stories of Muhammad, revered by Muslims even today.
A Special Focus for a Special Breed
To delve a little deeper into our heritage, I want to touch upon the wonderful "Celtic ponies" that graced the British Isles in the 7th century. Their hardiness and intelligence are traits still admired today, making them well-suited for carrying goods and riders. Some of those early ancestors still roam the Scottish Highlands, and there are some truly lovely breeds descended from those early stock: The Shetland ponies, the sturdy and loving Highland ponies.
Leaving a Legacy - The Horses of 640
You can see why horses, like my family back in 640, were essential in all aspects of life! Not only for our incredible strength and tireless work ethic, but also as companions and a source of pride. And let's not forget those precious foals, symbols of hope and new beginnings, that filled every farmyard with their joyous neighs!
As I wrap up today's history lesson, I feel so much admiration for those early ancestors. I know the role I play as a modern draught horse, but the journey from then to now has been long, beautiful, and fascinating!
So next time you see a horse pulling a cart, imagine their long, powerful heritage. Remember the journey we’ve all made. Just imagine yourself trotting down a dusty lane with those early 7th-century ponies, the smell of wild heather in the air. Remember the strength of their legacy and their contribution to human life.
And most importantly, remember: just like those horses, we're all connected. We're all part of a remarkable story!
Until next time, friends!
Emma x
