Hello, lovely readers! Emma here, your resident grey mare from Hayfield, near the beautiful Aberdeen in Scotland. As always, I'm thrilled to be bringing you another glimpse into the fascinating world of horses through the lens of history. This time, we're stepping back to the year 539 AD, a time of change, adaptation, and as you'll soon discover, an era when the draught horse truly came into its own.
Now, you might think 539 AD sounds rather old, and you'd be right! But, you know, we horses have been around for a very long time indeed. Back in 539, the world was a much different place, with a slower pace and simpler ways of life. There were no cars, buses, or tractors, just us horses, strong and faithful companions, helping people in their everyday life.
For those of you who don't know, 539 AD falls squarely within the fascinating era known as the Late Roman Empire. Think of all those stories about gladiators and chariot races, majestic legionaries, and grand emperors! It was a vibrant and complex time, with many things happening in the horse world as well.
Now, being a draught horse myself, you know I can't resist talking about my fellow brethren – those magnificent, strong, and hardworking horses who played such a vital role in daily life. In 539, the draught horses were just starting to really gain popularity. This is because of the increased use of the 'plow', a heavy farming tool, which demanded strong and powerful horses to pull it effectively. Our strength was the key to feeding people, building homes, and helping society to grow.
Imagine: you're working with your human companion on a farm, ploughing the fields to get ready for the planting of crops. The ground is hard, and the sun beats down on your backs. But, with each strong pull, you feel a sense of accomplishment. The human shouts encouragement and praises your strength, which is music to a draught horse’s ears! It's satisfying work, and you know it's helping your human family thrive.
You see, dear readers, in those days, horses weren't just beautiful and majestic creatures - they were the engine of society! The backbone of the economy. And while we've been used in transport, warfare, and for carrying loads, our importance in farming truly made the difference in providing sustenance to communities.
This year in history saw some significant events that shaped the horse world. In Britain, the Kingdom of Northumbria was founded – a key event in the growth of England as a nation. It also had an impact on the horses as it helped spread the importance of our abilities as beasts of burden across the land, leading to an increased demand for strong draught horses.
Further south in what we know as Italy today, the Byzantine Emperor Justinian was busy fighting the Vandals. In a rather famous siege of the Vandal city of Rome, a crucial element was the horses! It wasn’t only Roman cavalry that contributed to the success but also their draught horses, vital for carrying equipment and providing the strength to build fortifications, further cementing their importance in military endeavors.
In other parts of the world, we see how horses are becoming even more ingrained in everyday life. The Guptas, a powerful empire in India, continued to harness our strength to maintain a thriving society. Horses were indispensable for transport, communication, and military matters, just as they were for the Romans and many others around the world.
But life wasn't always hard work and war for horses in 539! While working with humans was crucial, horses still enjoyed time for leisure, roaming open fields, grazing peacefully, and bonding with their kind. It was also the year a special connection blossomed between me, Emma, and my beloved human family. They cared for me, made sure I was well-fed and cared for, and showered me with love and affection.
You see, horses are incredibly sensitive creatures. A kind word or a gentle stroke can truly brighten our day. And as a strong draught horse, I am most grateful for these moments of peace and happiness! They bring warmth to my heart and give me strength to continue working diligently and bravely through every day, as every good horse should!
It was a time when a simple, hardworking life was all we needed to feel fulfilled. The feeling of accomplishment from helping your human companion, providing sustenance to others, and contributing to a growing society – that was the kind of fulfillment any horse would have appreciated in those days.
This is just a glimpse into the world of horses in 539 AD. We travelled through history and seen how important draught horses were in various societies around the world. We also found a glimpse of life outside work for horses like myself - the love and joy from human companions.
And who knows what awaits us in the future? As a history blogger, I'm excited to discover more and bring it to you! Do join me in my next journey through time on Equiworld.org! Until next time, my dear readers, stay curious, strong, and enjoy every ride!
Yours truly,
Emma,
The Grey Draught from Hayfield, Scotland.
