History of Horses in the year 0473

Good day, fellow equestrians! Emma here, your favourite grey draught mare from Hayfield near Aberdeen. The heather is blooming beautifully this year, the air is fresh and crisp, and the morning dew glistens on the green grass – it's simply a wonderful time to be a horse in the north of Scotland. I know what you're thinking – a draught horse from a place called Hayfield?! What could possibly be exciting? Let me assure you, dear reader, that even in a simple farm setting, there is always something to discover, and life is a constant adventure, whether you're pulling a plough or enjoying a lazy afternoon in the meadow.

Today I thought I'd take you on a journey through time – a journey back to the year 0473 AD! It may seem like a distant and forgotten time, but trust me, the horse world was alive and kicking back then, just as it is today. Now, settle in with a good mug of hot barley water, because I've got quite a lot to tell you…

So, let's rewind to 0473. As a draught horse living near Aberdeen, my main work was pulling the heavy plough through the fields. This wasn't as grim as it sounds. We had a strong team of us, all mares – Elsie, Poppy, Willow and me, the oldest. The work was satisfying; knowing we were contributing to the well-being of the farmers and their families, as well as to the strong communities of Hayfield, was incredibly rewarding. And let me tell you, the farmers of Hayfield know how to look after their animals!

It was a year of great bounty, the land producing an abundance of barley and oats, a staple diet for both humans and horses. And don’t forget the hay! Our barn was full to the rafters with it – the perfect bedding and a tasty treat in between those long work sessions. The evenings were for relaxation and bonding; a gentle neigh here, a quick brush from our caretaker, a few tasty carrots from the children. It’s this closeness and feeling of shared purpose that makes life on the farm so beautiful, so serene.

But it wasn't all about work and rest. We were fortunate to have access to the rolling hills around Hayfield, a place of immense freedom and beauty, and one that we often shared with other farm horses. Our days out on the hills were filled with grazing, playful galloping, and sometimes even a quick game of hide-and-seek in the dense clusters of gorse and heather.

Beyond the rolling hills and farms, 0473 AD was a world of intrigue and change. While we might have felt the calmness of farm life in Hayfield, the bigger picture was alive with events and stories that would ultimately shape the world we knew.

• The Rise of Christianity: Although pagan beliefs still thrived in our area of Scotland, Christianity was steadily spreading across Europe. This was bringing a sense of unity and change, even if it felt remote for a horse like me, focused on farm chores. The rise of monasteries and the building of new churches across the land led to an increasing need for transport. It meant we were becoming even more essential for travel, trade and connection, playing our role in the spreading of faith and culture.
• The Byzantine Empire: Over in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Byzantine Empire, successor to the mighty Roman Empire, was in the midst of a flourishing era. The Emperor Justinian was working diligently to rebuild Constantinople, a city filled with majestic structures, vast libraries, and magnificent palaces, and, you guessed it, a vast collection of horses. From swift thoroughbreds for the imperial cavalry to strong draught horses used for hauling goods and transporting people, horses were an indispensable part of Byzantine life. Just like us, but with a touch of regal flair, no doubt.
• The Importance of Warhorses: In the world outside our Hayfield, even though there was no major conflict that year, there were always tensions simmering beneath the surface, and armies preparing for potential battle. Horses played a vital role in warfare; swift and strong steeds carrying riders, hauling supplies, and creating a dramatic scene on the battlefield. Just as the strength of a sword depended on the skill of its wielder, the strength of an army relied on its horses.
• The World Beyond the Highlands: It wasn't all conflict and change; there was also an evolving world of trade, exploration, and diplomacy. People travelled far and wide, carrying knowledge and ideas, exchanging goods and fostering new connections, always with their horses by their side. The Roman influence in England meant a great demand for strong, reliable horses for trade and travel, which meant the horses of northern Britain were prized across the seas. Imagine being one of those steeds, setting off on a long, sea voyage with a caravan full of traders, maybe even encountering the warm southern shores of Europe!

One thing that hasn’t changed since 0473 – and thankfully so – is the timeless power of tradition in the world of horses. Even though it’s over fifteen hundred years ago, just think of the continuity of that connection.

Horses, throughout history, have been valued companions, partners in work and play, providers of sustenance and transportation, symbols of power and strength. These are things that resonate still with our own connection today. Every time we feel the power beneath us when galloping, or the deep satisfaction of pulling a wagon through fields, or simply enjoy the closeness of the human hand running along our flanks – it is a link across those many centuries. It is the bond of the human spirit and the horse that keeps on giving.

And who knows what incredible journeys the next 1500 years will bring? I know that one thing will remain steadfast - the special, unspoken connection that exists between horses and humans will continue to strengthen, endure, and blossom. We will forever be intertwined. And that’s something truly special, something we can all cherish in our hearts.

So until next time, fellow equestrians, remember to always appreciate the strength and resilience of your equine friends, and cherish the powerful bonds that exist within our community, reaching back to 0473 and onwards!