Hello, my fellow equines! Emma here, your favourite grey draught mare with the flowing white mane and tail, writing to you from the lush green pastures of Hayfield, near Aberdeen in Scotland. Today, we're taking a trip back in time to the year 0105 AD, a time when the world was a very different place, and horses, as always, played a vital role.
As I trot through the springy meadows, breathing in the scent of wild flowers and dew-kissed grass, I imagine what life was like for horses back in 0105. The Romans had long since departed, leaving behind a patchwork of kingdoms, each with their own traditions and ways of utilising horses.
Here in Scotland, my ancestors would have been hard at work. The Picts, a fierce and independent people, relied heavily on horses for transportation, warfare, and of course, pulling their ploughs through the rugged terrain. Think of the sturdy workhorses pulling carts loaded with hay, pulling plows to till the soil for spring planting, carrying warriors to battle, or transporting trade goods across the rough tracks and through the highlands.
The life of a draught horse in 0105 wasn't easy. Long hours spent working the fields or hauling heavy loads could take a toll on our strength and endurance. However, it was a life of purpose, and I believe a life filled with the satisfaction of knowing we were helping our communities thrive.
What About the World Beyond Our Meadows?
Across the vast ocean, in lands where the sun burns hot, the horses of Arabia were already renowned for their speed and agility. In these dry, open landscapes, horses were the fastest form of transport, and they were prized by desert nomads and powerful sultans alike. These horses would carry riders across great distances, and were highly skilled in the art of raiding and fighting. They were seen as a symbol of freedom, strength, and a vital part of daily life in those lands.
In the bustling city of Constantinople, which sat at the heart of the Byzantine Empire, the sounds of horses' hooves clattered through the cobbled streets. This grand city, teeming with people, trade, and culture, relied heavily on horses to transport goods and travellers within its walls. I can almost hear the rhythmic clip-clop of hooves on the cobbles and the clatter of iron-shod wheels as I picture them.
And across the land of what we now know as Europe, other horses roamed, each with their own unique roles. The powerful Friesian stallions pulled stately carriages for nobles and ladies, their black coats gleaming in the sunlight, as their sleek manes and tails swept behind them. In the forests, horses helped transport logs and carry burdens, while on the vast steppes of Central Asia, nomadic peoples relied on strong, agile steeds to roam and hunt.
What about Entertainment and Leisure?
It wouldn't be a true equine history blog without some talk of leisure and fun, would it?
For my ancestors in 0105, "fun" would likely have meant being given a day off to graze in a meadow or having a good roll in the dirt. But for the more fortunate, horses in this time period would have taken part in some fun activities too. In various parts of the world, there was chariot racing, polo, and even military parades which would have allowed horses to show off their athletic prowess and enjoy the attention. Can you imagine? So much action, energy and a little bit of fun amongst the working day!
Looking to the Future...
This trip to the past is a powerful reminder of how essential horses were and still are to human civilisation. It's remarkable to think that, throughout the ages, horses have carried warriors to battle, helped build empires, and contributed to the everyday lives of countless people. We’re more than just creatures of burden and beauty; we’ve been a driving force in human history and continue to inspire and captivate generations.
As I finish this blog, I take a deep breath and gaze at the rolling hills surrounding Hayfield. My thoughts drift to my ancestors in 0105. They may not have known the luxury of comfortable saddles or heated stables, but they were a proud and powerful breed. And though their lives were undoubtedly challenging, they were a vital part of the story of the human world.
So, dear readers, until next time, let’s all appreciate the wonderful connection between horses and humans, past, present, and future. Keep on galloping, everyone, and may your days be filled with delicious grass, good company, and the satisfying feeling of a job well done.
Your neigh-bour, Emma, www.equiworld.org
