History of Horses in the year 0626

Hello, fellow horse lovers! It's Emma here, your favourite grey draught from Hayfield near Aberdeen. I've been looking through some ancient scrolls and dusty records, and let me tell you, the year 626 was quite an interesting time for us equines.

Imagine if you will, the air crisp with the coming of winter, the rolling hills of Scotland dusted with a light frost. We horses were essential for everything back then - transport, ploughing, pulling carts... you name it! It wasn't all work, though, there was time for grazing, for socialising with other horses, and even some delightful mud baths.

But let's delve into the events of the year, shall we? 626 was, of course, well before the days of grand, gleaming chariots pulled by a four-in-hand team. Back then, things were a bit more… humble, shall we say.

Firstly, let's talk about everyday life in Hayfield. Most of the horses here were workhorses, and that was very true in the rest of the world as well. From pulling ploughs in the fields to transporting goods across the land, we were the backbone of society.

One particular memory sticks with me: A farmer named Angus had a magnificent brown stallion, a Clydesdale named Barnaby. Barnaby was known for his strength and intelligence, but also his kind heart. Now, Angus wasn't a bad man, but he wasn't exactly the most experienced horse trainer. One frosty morning, Angus had decided to let Barnaby try pulling the new wooden cart, quite a heavy contraption.

The trouble started as Angus and Barnaby were halfway up a particularly steep incline. Barnaby, being a good boy, kept trying, pulling and straining. You could hear the timber groan, and it started to creak under the weight. Angus started shouting encouragement but he could tell Barnaby was struggling. Now, as most of you know, horses are creatures of habit, and Barnaby preferred the old, smaller cart. This one felt far too cumbersome.

Seeing this, a mare called Agnes - with the wit and grace of a Highland dance - simply stood up to Barnaby and gently nudged him. It was such a kind and calm gesture. He responded to her and, after that, they both stood with their heads together. With Agnes' encouragement, Barnaby regained his courage and continued pulling the cart the rest of the way up the hill. That day taught me a valuable lesson: there's nothing like a little camaraderie amongst us horses. It makes the hardest jobs feel a lot easier, doesn't it?

626 wasn't just about working on the farm, though. It was a time of exploration and trade too! In England, King Penda of Mercia was on the throne, and you know what? That man, he loved a good hunt. The good old English kings had their equestrian pursuits, and their hunts were not to be messed with! Those riders on the royal hunting grounds, with their hounds and falcons, were a sight to behold. Imagine the sound of the horses galloping through the forests, the thrill of the chase!

There was a great deal of movement across the land too, which, as you can imagine, was mostly due to horses and carts. One of the big events happening in the world this year, well outside Hayfield, was the arrival of the Tang dynasty's envoys from China. You can imagine their trek across continents, they would have taken a considerable time to cover the vast distances. These travellers were looking for allies and trading partners. What an adventure, imagine riding your horse and seeing so many new things.

Now, one of the most exciting things for me about the year 626 is that horses were still relatively rare and prized creatures. No-one knew how horses truly got the "power" to work so hard! They didn’t have cars back then, so you see, horses were an important mystery! I often used to find myself pondering, "How is it that I can pull so much weight?" "Why am I so strong?" And those questions resonated with those who worked with horses and saw us in action every day.

I know this sounds strange now, but most people didn't fully understand our musculature or how we could exert such power. I think some thought we had a magical element inside us! This added to the intrigue around our species, didn't it? We weren’t just animals - we were wonders. We helped shape and define civilisation!

Looking back at 626, I can't help but marvel at how far our species has come. From the simple working horses like myself, to the majestic creatures that participate in all sorts of competitive riding and carriage events. Our role has shifted but our strength and importance in human society remains unchanged.

The love of horses that we have seen grow, and will only continue to grow over the centuries is a heartwarming thing to witness, from Hayfield. This journey shows me the evolution of the human and the equine.

There is so much to discover about the lives and history of horses. If you would like to hear more about 626 and what life was like for horses back then, just let me know! I'm always happy to share what I've learned. Until next time, remember that horses, in all our forms and breeds, have always been part of the story. Keep your hooves moving!

Warmly,

Emma, The Grey Draught from Hayfield

(Remember to check out our website: www.equiworld.org to learn more about horse history and contribute your own memories and insights.)