Hello fellow equine enthusiasts!
Emma here, a grey mare with a splash of white, from the picturesque Hayfield near Aberdeen, Scotland. This month, I thought I’d delve into the world of horses as it was way back in the year 0531. Let me tell you, it’s fascinating!
Now, 0531. That’s a while ago, even for an old mare like me. The Roman Empire had fallen apart years ago, the Byzantines were having a right good time building their own thing, and over here in Europe, it was a patchwork of kingdoms, all with their own cultures and ways of doing things.
But let's talk horses, because that's where my heart really lies!
The War Horse: In those days, the horse wasn’t just a friend or a farmhand, he was often a vital part of war. They were a force of nature on the battlefield – imagine those mighty hooves thundering across the ground, those powerful flanks carrying the weight of brave knights!
Stallions like me (or maybe a little bigger than me) would have been incredibly valued. We could carry heavy knights, haul weapons and supplies, and even serve as cavalry horses, dashing across the plains in swift raids! Can you imagine the excitement? (And the occasional, but mostly mild, fright, I'll admit!)
A Gentleman’s Ride: You might be surprised to hear that during this period, it was becoming fashionable to own a war horse, even if you weren't actually going off to fight. The power and elegance of a well-trained war horse showed just how wealthy and influential you were. Imagine: you, all dressed in finery, riding down the road, looking your best. (Not me, of course, in my rough working gear. My white coat wasn’t for show.)
But it wasn’t just the warrior types who used horses.
Farm Horses: In the heart of rural Scotland, horses were also absolutely vital for farming. We were the engines of the fields, helping to plough the earth, pull heavy carts, and transport crops. You name it, we did it. There wouldn’t have been enough food without us. And you wouldn't have had such lovely oats to feed on either!
I imagine the life of a farm horse would have been quite different to that of a warhorse. Hard work, yes, but also lots of quiet time, good companionship, and a deep connection to the land. And if you weren’t actually pulling a plough, maybe you’d help gather firewood or collect the mail, getting a little bit of a different perspective on the day.
Breeding: Another thing that interested me when reading up on this period is how they viewed horse breeding. Now, we’ve always had those incredible breeds that were specifically suited for different jobs – war horses, farm horses, pack horses, even smaller ponies for travelling on difficult terrain! I bet people back then spent lots of time trying to get the best of the best to mate with one another to ensure those special abilities continued down the line!
And what about horse care? Well, 0531 would have been a more rustic and practical time! There was no fancy shampoo or saddle-pads, so good food, a warm stall and plenty of clean water would be your essentials. They’d also use the mane and tail to keep you clean, though maybe a bit less frequent than we do today! But hey, a little dirt is good for the character!
I must admit, a bit of me wished I’d lived back then. Even if life would’ve been less comfortable than what we have now, it certainly would’ve been an exciting time. The world was changing so rapidly and we were right there, galloping through the ages!
Speaking of times gone by, why not have a go at travelling through history yourselves? Tell me your favourite times to visit, and maybe share some ideas for stories set in those periods. Maybe we’ll even inspire some future Equiworld posts!
I hope you enjoyed this quick dive into the fascinating world of horses in 0531! Keep neighing, everyone!
Yours truly, Emma
