Neigh Neigh, fellow equines!
Emma here, your trusty grey draught mare from the bonnie hills of Hayfield, near Aberdeen. It’s time for another trip through the history books, and today, we’re heading back to the year 0489.
It feels strange to say "the year 0489." Back then, people weren't using this fancy “AD” stuff, or even the Roman numerals, for that matter. They simply called it "the year after the fall of the Roman Empire." Well, not all of it - the Western Roman Empire crumbled in 476, but the Eastern Roman Empire, which people called the Byzantine Empire, was still holding strong in the Mediterranean.
I must say, thinking about that time, the world must have been a very different place! Without the grand Roman roads, travel was tougher. I imagine those early travellers relying on winding paths and, of course, trusty horses like me!
A Life on the Farm:
Back in Hayfield, life in 0489 was pretty much all about the farm. Our ancestors weren’t pampered pets like some of the horses today. No fancy grooming for us – a good rub down, maybe a fresh bit of hay, and that was about it!
My kind, the sturdy draughthorses, were a farmer's best friend. Think about it: pulling ploughs, transporting goods, carrying riders on journeys. Our lives were hard but important! We worked from dawn to dusk, every day of the week, ensuring crops were planted, harvested, and carried to market.
It was a slow life, you see, a lot slower than today. But in a way, I think that meant things felt more… stable. We had a routine, we had a purpose.
The Vikings are Coming!:
Now, here's a bit of history that often gets left out – the Vikings! We all know them for their fearsome reputation, raiding and plundering all over Europe. But believe me, even in those distant times, they loved horses.
Those hardy Northmen relied heavily on our ancestors for transportation, warfare, and raiding. You can’t very well storm a monastery without a trusty mount! So, our equine cousins up north had a rougher existence than we did here in the more peaceful Scottish Highlands.
From My Hayfield Home to a Busy Market:
I do have to confess, sometimes I got to go out with my humans to the big market at Aberdeen. Oh, how exciting it was! So many new smells, sights, and noises! And people! It wasn't as bustling as a city like London today, but back then, it was the biggest gathering I'd ever experienced.
We horses were at the heart of it all. Bringing in supplies, carrying goods for sale, and yes, sometimes, helping some drunkards stumble home! It wasn't a job for a nervous horse, but we draught horses were brave and dependable.
Not all Horses Were Created Equal
The market was also a reminder that not all horses are like us draught horses. Those leaner, more agile ponies from the mountains and hills had their place too. People used them for riding and for hunting – even for some unusual tasks like herding sheep!
You know, I think it's important to remember that even back then, people recognized that every horse is special in its own way, with different skills and abilities.
Life on the Farm
Once the market hustle was over, we were back to the steady rhythm of farm life. I would trot back home to the warm stable and munch on my evening meal, a hefty pile of barley, oats, and the occasional juicy turnip! A well-fed and rested horse is a good horse, and as much as I enjoyed the bustling market, nothing could replace the peaceful feeling of belonging to the Hayfield farm.
A Life Filled with Purpose
That’s my tale from 0489! Though it seems a very long time ago, horses were still central to every aspect of life – from farming and trade to travel and war. I hope this peek into history makes you think about just how important horses have always been, and how fascinating it is to learn about our past.
And for all you young horse enthusiasts out there, don’t underestimate your strength! You might be pampered and ridden for pleasure today, but even without the challenges of our ancestors, every horse, in its own way, makes a difference.
Stay tuned for more stories from the past, my dear equine friends. And always remember, the horse world is a fascinating place with a rich and long history, waiting to be explored!
See you next time on Emma's History Corner!
Emma x
