History of Horses in the year 0356

Hello, my dearest readers! It's Emma here, a grey mare with a penchant for daisies and a yearning for a good roll in the meadow. Welcome to my humble corner of the EquiWorld blog! I’m always so excited to share stories of our horse-kind with all of you, and this week, I'm taking you on a journey back in time - way, way back to the year 0356 A.D.

As you all know, my hooves belong to Hayfield, a little village near the bustling city of Aberdeen in Scotland. The air here is crisp, filled with the scent of heather and the rumble of the North Sea in the distance. Back in 0356, it was much the same, though the rumble of the sea was probably even louder than it is now. The world was a bit quieter then, a bit less crowded with humankind.

Horses like me were essential partners in the lives of humans back then. We pulled their ploughs across the fields, turning the rich earth for their crops. We carried their goods to market, our strong backs bearing the weight of their livelihood.

Think of us, my lovely readers, as the engine of life – powerful, dedicated, and strong. We provided strength, speed, and, of course, company for the people of the day. Imagine yourself, working alongside a friendly fellow like me, the rhythm of our steps as one, the warm sunlight dappling our coats. It’s a simple but profound connection, wouldn’t you say?

This was the age of the ‘draught’ horses, those sturdy beasts built for pulling, strong and resilient, with a gentle heart. And let’s not forget about the magnificent Celtic ponies - wild, nimble, and spirited. They, my dear friends, were a joy to behold. Their colours, often dappled like a sunbeam in a puddle, are still legendary even now, passed down through tales by the campfire. These ponies played a vital role in daily life. They ferried goods, explored challenging terrain, and were used for light agricultural work. They were partners in their own way, just like my fellow drafters.

It would be a mistake to think of horses back then as simply tools. Life, you see, was about more than just working the fields. The ancient humans had a profound connection with the animals. Horses like me were often a part of their social fabric. We provided entertainment during festivals and gatherings - racing with wild abandon across the hillsides or showcasing our impressive strength pulling heavy carts. These gatherings would be vibrant affairs. Imagine colourful fabric billowing in the breeze, music in the air, and laughter mingling with the excited whinny of horses!

I imagine we shared laughter and comfort with our human companions - nuzzling our faces in their hair, enjoying a warm apple, sharing stories and secrets in our silent language of neighs and whinnies.

One thing I’d like to tell you, my dear readers, is about the magnificent journey the Celts, with their equally magnificent ponies, undertook in those early years. These early riders explored and migrated far and wide. They crossed the land, sometimes carrying treasures on their backs, sometimes with no purpose but the wind beneath their wings and the thrill of adventure. These brave pioneers, mounted on their agile ponies, expanded their knowledge and broadened the world of horses even further.

The Celts were renowned for their horsemanship. From these skilled riders came many of the traditions of horse training and breeding that are still used today. Even now, their ancient art lives on in our modern world. We owe them, and those spirited ponies, a huge debt of gratitude!

To give you a snapshot of the horse world in 0356, imagine it like this: We worked hard alongside people - a true partnership. But we also explored, we learned, we played, and we bonded with the people of this beautiful world. This was a time of deep connection with the earth and the power of our horsekind, a time before mechanisation.

Remember, dear readers, this blog is just a small peek into the rich history of our horsekind. It is an adventure I will keep exploring and sharing with you, week by week. Every post is a chance to travel back in time, to learn, to wonder, and, most importantly, to cherish the beautiful story of our existence.

See you next time! Love, Emma.