Hello everyone, and welcome back to my little corner of EquiWorld! I’m Emma, a twenty-year-old grey draught mare with a mane and tail the colour of freshly fallen snow. It’s a bit of a whirlwind out here in Hayfield, near Aberdeen, but I always enjoy catching up and sharing the happenings in the world of horses with you all.
This week I’m turning my thoughts to a long, long time ago – way back in the year 780. That was quite a different world, mind you! Can you imagine, the only information we had travelled at the speed of a galloping horse or by word of mouth? But that's a tale for another post. Today, I want to share some interesting tidbits I’ve unearthed about life as a horse in 780.
First of all, horses like myself played a central role in most communities back then. We weren’t just the means of transportation; we were the backbone of agriculture, vital for pulling plows, carrying goods, and even providing the essential warmth from our fleece. Horses like me weren't just admired for their strength and speed, but they were truly appreciated for being the very lifeblood of society.
Imagine a day in the life of a horse in the year 780. We’d likely start the day pulling a plow, working in tandem with oxen or other horses to cultivate the land. It was tough, physically demanding work, but a necessity in those days. Once the sun was high, we might be harnessed to a cart, ferrying essential supplies, hauling heavy loads of timber or stone, or carrying traders and travelers from one settlement to the next. The journey would be long and arduous, often across uneven terrain, but the connection we shared with our humans made the trip worthwhile. We were part of their families, sharing in their burdens, triumphs, and daily lives.
The evening usually saw us back in our stalls, fed with oats and hay, our hooves cleaned, and coats groomed by our human companions. In those quiet moments, amidst the familiar scents of hay and leather, I imagine horses like me were no doubt dreaming of greener pastures and wild gallops across open fields – the freedom we yearn for, even now. But there was also a sense of comfort in knowing we were integral to our community, our role understood and valued. We were more than beasts of burden; we were valued companions, sharing a common bond of trust and purpose with the humans around us.
Interestingly, I learned that while we, the workhorses, were absolutely vital for survival in 780, another kind of horse was becoming quite popular: the warhorse. They were prized for their strength and courage, used by the mighty armies of the era to carry warriors into battle. While the world of warfare isn’t one I personally understand, I’ve read tales of their incredible speed and agility, and their ability to adapt to the rigors of combat. Even if we didn’t share the battlefield with them, they certainly kept the tales of adventure and excitement alive in our world.
Imagine, in a world with so little contact, even the tiniest pieces of news about other horse populations, spread by traveling merchants and warriors, held so much fascination and mystery. The knowledge that our species played such different roles throughout the world - be it work, transport, or battle - made our lives so much more interesting.
Speaking of our species, I've recently learned about some truly incredible horse breeds from the past, long forgotten or drastically changed. For example, I was amazed to discover a breed known as the "Celtic Pony", a small, sturdy creature that roamed the hills of Scotland and Ireland in those times. It's thought to be the ancestor of many of our modern pony breeds. These tiny but powerful steeds played a crucial role in local communities, carrying people and goods over challenging terrains.
And let’s not forget about the horses in the Mediterranean! The Berber horses, with their agility and resilience, thrived in the rugged landscape of North Africa. These horses, revered for their courage and stamina, became an essential part of the nomadic tribes and served as a key to their survival. Think of all the incredible journeys those horses might have made across vast deserts and challenging mountain passes, bringing with them a touch of freedom and adventure that continues to echo through history.
Then there was the North African Barb horse, renowned for its speed and strength. This breed has influenced countless others over time and was used in battles and transport across vast expanses. Its agility and versatility ensured that it could handle challenging conditions, much like its contemporary counterpart, the Arabian horse, another beautiful breed famed for its endurance and finesse.
Thinking back to the year 780, it truly was a remarkable era for horses, a time when we were intricately woven into the fabric of human societies. Our strength, loyalty, and unwavering spirit fueled their development and prosperity.
That's all for this week, dear readers! Thank you for joining me as I delved into the past and uncovered a bit more about the magnificent legacy of horses throughout the centuries. Until next time, keep those hooves trotting, and stay tuned for more fascinating stories from EquiWorld.
Your faithful companion,
Emma
