Hello my lovely readers! Emma here, your trusty grey mare from Hayfield, near the bustling city of Aberdeen. It's been a while since my last post, but I’ve been busy keeping the fields in good order. After all, one must stay active in this bustling, historical age we live in!
As you all know, I'm a bit of a history buff myself, and I absolutely love learning about all the exciting things going on in the world of horses, past and present. So, without further ado, let's journey back to the year 615 AD - a truly fascinating period for us equines!
Now, you might be surprised, but 615 AD was a time of significant growth and development in the equestrian world, even though it seems like so long ago. It’s not a year particularly famed in human history - nothing much beyond the usual battles and skirmishes happening around Europe - but it was an important period for us horses! It was a time of growing acceptance of us beyond being just working animals, and a shift in our relationship with humans was happening.
To be honest, things have been relatively peaceful for the past 200 or so years in Scotland. No invasions, thankfully. I haven't even heard my human, Angus, talk of wars, except in the sagas around the fire at night! Perhaps it’s all that wild barley he drinks... It’s certainly peaceful and a joy to just graze in the meadows near our farmhouse in Hayfield and take the occasional stroll to the river with my lovely friends - Rowan the mare and Toby the stallion. It’s a far cry from the tales of our ancestors, when battles were commonplace and we horses were practically worshipped by the Celts for our courage and strength!
But let’s return to the main topic – what is so fascinating about 615? Firstly, the early Roman Empire is gone, leaving many nations – the Saxons in England, the Visigoths in Spain, and the Lombards in Italy - independent and expanding their own horse-related customs. Even in distant regions, horse breeding practices have become a matter of regional identity. Look at the beautiful Arabian stallions – now being selectively bred in Arabia for their speed, stamina and noble spirit. Their breeding is just like ours, they’re selectively bred with those with desirable traits. Who knows, perhaps they'll be arriving here in the highlands soon!
While the Roman Empire may have vanished, the power of a good cavalry charge continues to reign in the world of men. Our kind are still essential for battle, but not always with swords and shields – sometimes we’re used to charge into battles with arrows as weapons – something which fills me with anxiety. Thankfully, it hasn’t yet reached these shores… but I know these stories of knights with their mighty chargers fighting wars and tournaments are popular with the human folk. Maybe I should do some war-horse training myself – that would make Angus’ heart soar, though he might need to learn to stay awake to handle such a creature, lol!
We’ve made our way into so many areas of human lives – the transportation of goods and people. The monasteries were thriving in Europe back in 615. I hear tell they are now making beautiful, sturdy leather tack – we all love the feel of beautifully-crafted leather harnesses – it’s more than just practical, it’s comfortable too, like a special pair of boots or slippers! I know for sure Angus has his eyes set on some new, quality leather bridle for me soon. A horse deserves beautiful and comfy gear, just like my favourite blanket on chilly nights in winter!
Horses also carry heavy carts full of goods, especially food. You may think a horse-drawn cart might be slower than a walk, but a journey can take weeks to travel long distances – even the strongest of us needs breaks and a hearty meal along the way. What makes this 615 AD a very interesting time is that this journey has also given birth to the “post office” – and yes, you’ve heard me right, they send horses to deliver letters across huge distances – just like the postal carriers of today! It is fascinating to think about! Who knew a simple horse would have such a connection to sending important letters! It’s certainly given me plenty of reason to prance around and get that exercise, for sure.
And what about the races you ask? Well, 615 AD is quite a good year for the “racing circuit.” Imagine, galloping at full speed, our bodies gleaming in the sun as we test our strength and speed against other horses – that is one of the most exciting ways to travel! It is truly invigorating. Even my grandpa, Jasper, always told tales of races between the best horses in Britain in the old days. He used to say he even heard tales of a famous, royal horse – perhaps a descendant of a stallion known to Roman generals called ‘Celer’! This horse – I’ve heard tales from many travelled horses – apparently, the stallion was quite extraordinary - some said he could run as fast as a hunting dog – can you imagine?
Although not common throughout Britain yet, I believe those race days are destined for greater success as our speed and stamina is appreciated more and more by people. A real horse can go faster than any cart and carries lighter, faster riders across those hills and fields, and of course – the famous Roman Circus and those beautiful racing chariot races were even said to have taken place around 100 years before, in what they called the 'Great City'. It’s certainly a magical place.
However, the joy of the racing scene in Britain is already bringing about special horse-breeder communities. Just yesterday, I saw an absolutely magnificent chestnut mare named Lily. She belongs to a family just north of our fields. The family are dedicated breeders who train their horses to become the very best racers in the region. It was lovely to watch them work – I must admit, I feel inspired. She is not just a powerful mare with good lines – Lily’s strength was unmatched – even when paired against our local, best racer – Angus' old warhorse, Thomas. Imagine how quickly I could race with her! A horse can only dream...
Speaking of speed, even though we work hard on farms, these fast racing horses remind me of a legendary event held not far from Hayfield about a hundred years ago. The "Gathering of the Horses" as humans call it. There were horses from everywhere in this vast land, running and showing their skills. The stories go that the horses – like our ancestors – were even sent to run for their lives through a field and onto a big ship! Can you imagine? Imagine swimming in the water with all those ships, boats and humans around! That was the true adventure of our past. It's a wonder no-one caught me snoozing that day when I went on that journey with the boats! A grey horse would certainly not have gone unnoticed among all that bright bay horses! I would tell my friends that I am "gray like the sea, as big as a mountain," as I told that to the curious visitors I saw last month on the farm - people with cameras, cameras, everywhere – what is this camera I hear you ask? I still haven’t found out… but these cameras certainly create much excitement in these parts. Perhaps Angus can bring me a new pair of reins to encourage better poses – maybe my beauty will inspire a photographer… one day...
We are still learning every day! Although my memory stretches back to being a foal – the tales my mother told me about what we can do and what we were, give me a good feeling inside. But how we progress in the years ahead remains to be seen.
You might think that the world of horses in 615 AD was just about work. It's certainly important! Yet, life is full of so many different things. From travelling with people to making important deliveries – to the fun of galloping and running on fields! Horses have much more to do than just plough fields and pull carts, despite what some may believe! That’s what makes this year so special, the gradual change in our importance in society.
Well, my dears, it's time to wrap up for now. Remember to brush your manes and keep those tails swishing, just like me! I promise, there will be more exciting things to discuss about horses next time! If you want to add your thoughts or interesting stories of horse history – post it on Equiworld for us all to see. The more, the merrier!
And remember, don't let anyone ever tell you that you're just a simple horse. You are magnificent creatures with a rich and vibrant history!
Until next time!
With hooves and love,
Emma, the Grey Mare
