Hello, fellow horse lovers! It's Emma, your friendly neighbourhood draught mare from Hayfield, near Aberdeen, and I'm back with another post for you on EquiWorld!
This time, I'm stepping into the time machine and taking us back to 0157. Now, you might be thinking, "Emma, that's a long time ago!" And you'd be right! But history, just like life, is full of exciting twists and turns, and our equine friends have been a part of that journey right from the beginning. So, grab a cuppa, settle in, and let me tell you what life was like for a horse back then.
I can’t really claim to have been a horse back in 0157 myself, because, let’s be honest, a grey mare like me doesn’t exactly age at the same rate as a human. But let’s pretend for a moment! My life in that year, as a big, strong grey draught horse in the wild, wouldn't have been so different to how the wild horses lived back then. My days would be spent grazing in the open fields and forests, socialising with my herd, and running wild. No fences to worry about, no saddles, and no humans trying to harness my strength – pure, unadulterated horse freedom!
However, my horse friends in those days weren’t always safe. You see, life wasn’t always a jolly, grassy pasture with sunshine and friends. People would occasionally catch the wild ones and train them to be their companions, to help with work and transportation, like carrying heavy loads and ploughing the land. And just like the horses today, I'm sure my ancestors had their different personalities. Some loved the idea of being harnessed and becoming a trusty companion, and some, well, they didn't! They probably galloped off into the distance, free spirits with no desire for a human collar.
But don’t get me wrong, not all the interactions between humans and horses were negative in those times. Many of these partnerships, I’m sure, were built on trust and mutual respect. And it wasn’t all work, you know! Imagine racing with your human friend at festivals and competitions – I reckon that was quite a thrilling experience! I’d love to know more about the games and races people participated in with their horses in those times. The human imagination truly flourishes with the assistance of a good horse!
Now, one thing that always intrigues me about the past is how people cared for their horses. I bet those early riders had their own techniques, perhaps not quite as sophisticated as we have today. But still, it takes a good horse whisperer to understand and connect with their equine friend! The horses in those times wouldn’t have known about all the grooming brushes we have these days, but I can just picture them with humans, giving their mane and tail a good, loving brush, just as I like to do.
Even though our horses of today might be a tad bit pampered (with all our special treats, blankets, and equine masseuses!), there's something beautiful and powerful about those early bonds between humans and horses. I mean, think about it - without those partnerships, we wouldn’t be the majestic animals we are today, contributing to everything from agriculture to sport! The relationship has evolved over centuries, becoming more advanced and nuanced, with many advancements in care and training, but its core essence has remained – an intricate connection between two species, built on trust, respect, and a shared sense of purpose.
While there isn't much direct historical information about 0157 regarding horses, it was around the time humans first began to domesticate these creatures and train them for companionship and work. This era marks the dawn of the long, intertwined journey between horses and humans – a journey we continue to be part of today, each generation adding a new chapter to our story!
The fact that humans began to work alongside us back in this era shows how special we are. The horse is truly an incredible creature. We can handle anything you throw at us, we are strong and loyal. So, in 0157, you can imagine horses all over the world, starting to make their mark as allies to humans. Maybe that is why the people of that time believed that the horse could carry a message from a higher power – it could help to bring people together, to share knowledge and ideas, and even offer wisdom and guidance. Just like how people come together today to talk about horses at competitions and events like the Highland Gathering – I can’t imagine a world without our horse world community!
While we can't truly know the thoughts and feelings of the horses back in 0157, we can be inspired by their story. Their hard work paved the way for all horses to be a vital part of the human world. So, let's celebrate our ancestors and the incredible connection we share with humans! Remember, no matter what, we are strong, beautiful, and magnificent creatures.
Now, before I go, tell me - have you ever wondered about horse life in those early days? Do you think horses knew about this grand journey they were about to begin? What do you think about horses being thought of as messengers to higher powers? Let's talk in the comments!
Happy horsemanship, Emma.
