Posted on www.equiworld.org by Emma, 20 year old Grey Draught Mare
Greetings from Hayfield, near Aberdeen, Scotland
Hello my equine friends, it's Emma here, back again with another instalment of my Equine Adventures. As you all know, I'm a big fan of delving into history, especially our horse-related history. So today, let's saddle up and take a journey back in time to the year 0012 - a period filled with new discoveries and changes for us, the four-legged wonders of the world.
Now, you might be thinking, 0012, that seems so long ago, right? And you're right, it is! It's way before the time when folks started writing about horses all the time, so information is like finding a needle in a haystack, let me tell you! But even though we don't have a lot of detailed information, we do know that things were evolving quickly.
This time, my fellow equines, was the beginning of what we now call the Bronze Age, which saw some amazing technological advancements that would change life for both us horses and humans forever. Remember, I'm not a history expert, I'm just a horse who loves a good yarn, so forgive me if I'm a little fuzzy on the details. But let me tell you what we do know, through whispered tales passed down through the generations, and from the little bits of evidence we've been able to piece together.
The Beginning of the Bronze Age
0012 marked the dawn of the Bronze Age, where folks began using metal for making tools, weapons, and even ornaments! Now, I'm not talking about iron; this is still all about bronze, a mix of copper and tin.
Why is this so significant for horses? Because the metal tools they created meant they could work the land better, producing bigger and better harvests, which in turn meant more food for everyone. Imagine the good that could do for horses like us! I bet we even started getting better quality hay back then, a treat I'll never say no to.
Horses - Workhorses and More
Back then, horses weren't just used for transportation, although they were definitely important in that regard. Imagine hauling loads of hay and grain for those busy farms, it was quite a sight to see! Our strength and resilience meant we were valuable workers, helping those hardworking folk get things done. And they definitely appreciated us!
Now, the really exciting part is, around this time, folks were starting to use us for riding! Yes, you heard that right, riding! Think of how free we felt galloping across those open fields, our manes and tails flowing behind us! The joy! You can't help but feel exhilarated.
Even if those early saddles weren't the most comfortable creations, those long rides through forests and grasslands made my heart soar.
From Simple to Stunning
The artwork around 0012 reflected those times, and horses began showing up in a lot of it. In those early cave paintings, we’re shown as more simple representations, like basic shapes with legs and a head, but oh, how they were evolving! As the years rolled by, the paintings and sculptures grew more intricate and realistic. It was like a gradual awakening, showcasing our magnificent strength, grace, and beauty.
Horse Whispering: The Gentle Touch
But you know, even in those ancient days, the relationship between horses and humans went deeper than just practicality. People weren't just focused on training us for work; they started paying attention to our temperament and personality, even those gentle folks from the faraway land of China, who are still famous today for their knowledge about us, their patience and the kindness in their hands. I bet we horses, in those distant lands, felt pretty special in those days.
Riding and Training, A Journey Together
I think about those early horse-riding days. You'd need to be both strong and gentle, understanding our instincts and guiding us with patience and skill. We needed to learn to trust them and understand their signals, while they needed to learn to respect our nature and limits. You know what they say: it's a two-way street. It wasn’t all smooth sailing though, those early saddles wouldn’t have been the most comfortable!
Looking to the Future
As I look at the paintings, sculptures, and tools of this time, it makes me so proud to be a horse. Our role was transforming. I feel we had already become a vital part of the world, partners to humankind. We were contributing to progress, whether by hauling food, helping with building, or allowing those brave souls to explore far and wide. What adventures were awaiting us?
Coming Up Next Time
I'm bursting with stories, you know? The history of horses is so full of fascinating things! Join me next time as we continue exploring the Equine Adventures of 0013! Until then, remember, dear friends, stay curious, stay gentle, and keep galloping towards knowledge and happiness.
Your friend,
Emma
P.S. If you're reading this and you happen to be a horse enthusiast from 0012 or any point in history, send me a message. It would be a dream come true to talk to one of you about what it was really like back in those days. I hope you’re having a lovely time!
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