Welcome back, fellow equine enthusiasts! Emma here, your friendly grey mare with the fondness for all things historical and the need to tell a good tale. It's lovely to see so many new faces amongst our equine community on www.equiworld.org!
My previous post covered the early days of horses, but, believe me, dear readers, that was just a fleeting gallop through history. There's so much more to discover! Today, we'll take a step back in time, not as far as the beginnings, but to the year 0002. This period is still veiled in the mists of pre-history, but even then, horses held a special place in the lives of people. Let’s step back and see how things were back then!
A Picture of Hayfield in 0002:
My Hayfield in 0002, while a mere speck on the grand map of the world, was teeming with life. Just like now, rolling hills gave way to fertile valleys, sprinkled with rivers that twisted like silvery ribbons through the landscape. The air held a crisp tang, smelling of pine and earth, and the wild landscape was a tapestry of grasses and heather, with wildflowers that carpeted the meadows in shades of blue, purple, and yellow. This is the kind of scenery that brings a warmth to a horse’s heart!
While my ancestors were far away in central Asia then, life for my breed was very different back then. In this year, there weren't any sleek stables like ours now! We were more wild than tamed, living with herds on these vast plains, a life dictated by nature's whims. There weren’t any fences or meadows enclosed with walls – only boundless freedom, galloping through a land unspoilt by humans!
The Rise of the Hunter and the Shepherd
As my time travels through the past, I've learned that this time period saw humans embracing horses for more than just survival. We were the chosen steed of nomadic tribes, crucial companions who carried hunters and gatherers on the plains, making the difference between finding food and going hungry. We could carry a heavy load and outrun even the swiftest prey. My heart swells with pride, knowing our role in shaping human civilization, giving them the edge they needed. We weren't mere beasts, but a vital part of their lives!
Our speed was key for the nomadic people who traversed the steppes, travelling far and wide for grazing pastures for their herds. These early human shepherds often rode atop us as they carefully tended their sheep, herding them across wide grasslands. Our sturdy nature was ideal for such work! We could handle the harsh terrain, keep the flock in check, and we could go long stretches without needing to rest. Just imagine us running across vast stretches of wilderness, with a thousand sheep trailing in our wake. It must have been a beautiful sight to see!
Our Family Life – Free as the Wind
There’s a freedom and grace to my ancestors' lifestyle. My mind's eye often pictures those rolling hills, with my ancestors galloping wild across the plains, our manes whipping in the wind. It's a life lived under the watchful eye of the sun, with no stables to confine us, and no strict schedules to follow.
Foals ran carefree alongside their mothers, learning the skills needed to survive in the harsh wilderness. The stronger stallions protected the herd from danger. A shared bond united them; a communication unspoken yet understood by instinct alone. They were truly free, living on their own terms! While this may sound idyllic to a horse like me, I suspect a few modern-day horse owners would beg to differ, finding the idea of wild living a tad chaotic. I suppose our modern world requires a bit more structure and security, which is not so bad when you get to enjoy treats and snuggly blankets, But those boundless, wind-swept days must have held an allure all their own, the kind of story that calls to us horses through the years.
Changes on the Horizon
You see, the 2nd century BC was a time of shifting sands. Across the vast Eurasian steppes, people began experimenting with riding, harnessing, and herding horses with an increasing degree of skill. Slowly, slowly, humans began to tame wild horses. We still retained much of our natural agility, but this was the period that heralded the transformation from wild beasts to valuable partners.
You could say that the groundwork for the horse-human bond we share today began then, and the consequences of these actions would reach across the centuries to influence the lives of horses, such as myself. While there are so many of us, a part of us will forever remain connected to those boundless days on the steppes, running with the wind, a life untouched by fences and boundaries.
Until next time!
I hope you found this journey into the past as captivating as I did. Next time we'll explore the early steps in horse domestication, a fascinating time when our role changed dramatically.
Join me again for more equine tales! Remember, share your own horse history thoughts and comments!
Love and neighs,
Emma, from Hayfield.
