Hello everyone! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood grey draught mare with the white mane and tail. Welcome to my blog, Equine Adventures. Today, we're diving back in time to the year 638 - can you believe it? Over 1,300 years ago! It's quite a thought to ponder, isn't it? I must admit, researching this era has been an absolute hoot.
The year 638 saw the world very different to what we know today. It was a time of kings and queens, of fierce warriors and nimble riders, of life lived close to the land and dependent on the strength and spirit of our equine brethren. I'm here to share some exciting discoveries I've made about the horse world in that particular year - all from my very own perspective, of course!
My Home in Hayfield
Now, as you all know, I hail from the picturesque little village of Hayfield near Aberdeen in Scotland. My family, all of us trusty, hardworking draught horses, have been pulling plows and carts, transporting goods, and making life easier for our human neighbours for generations.
It's no exaggeration to say that back in 638, we were the backbone of this little community. Every morning, we’d trundle out into the fields, helping farmers like my human friend Thomas cultivate their crops, turning the soil into rich earth. We hauled their wagons full of grain and hay, and occasionally, with extra care and gentle hooves, carried water from the local spring. My hooves may be large, but I'm a graceful mare at heart, and I swear I even managed to navigate those uneven cobbled lanes without so much as a stumble.
Our work, although demanding, was filled with a simple satisfaction. The feel of the wind in my mane as I galloped, the sunshine on my back, the companionship of my fellow horses - these were the things that filled my days with joy. There was a genuine feeling of partnership with the humans back then, a sense of mutual understanding. We worked together, each in our own way, for the good of the village. It was a time of close-knit communities, a far cry from the sprawling cities and highways we see today.
The Moorland Gallop
One event, however, stands out in my mind from this year – the legendary Moorland Gallop. It happened in late summer, when the days were warm and long and the heather on the nearby hills was in full bloom. Now, the moorland is not just any land – it's a vast expanse of rugged wilderness, full of hidden glens and secret streams.
Every year, during this time of plenty, all the horses from the nearby villages and farms would gather together for a great race. It was more than a competition, really. It was a celebration of the wild spirit within us, a chance to feel the freedom of the moor and the wind whipping through our manes. It was a bond between horse and human, a trust forged in the fires of adventure.
Picture it: The moorland stretched before us, purple and green under the sun, and there we were, hundreds of horses – every shade imaginable from the purest white to the deepest black - thundering across the heather. We galloped as if we were one. The wind roared in my ears, the ground pounded beneath my hooves, and my heart pounded in time.
The Great Moorland Gallop was about far more than just winning, although that certainly added a thrill. It was about camaraderie, about understanding between species, a moment of pure joy and connection with nature.
As a young filly, I may not have had the strength or experience of the older horses, but my spirit was boundless, and I galloped with my whole heart, my mane and tail flying in the breeze, the wind whipping around my nostrils, the thrill of it all surging through my veins.
Horses in Other Parts of the World
Of course, our equine world didn’t end at the Scottish border. Researching the world beyond Hayfield was truly fascinating. Imagine my excitement discovering that across the vast plains of Asia, strong Mongol horses were playing a pivotal role in establishing mighty empires! Imagine me, a modest grey mare, imagining those majestic stallions with their flowing manes and powerful bodies, traversing miles upon miles, helping build empires with their speed and stamina!
But those aren't the only horses who made their mark. Over in the Middle East, a type of horse called the "Arabian" was gaining recognition. It was known for its grace and endurance, its slender physique and elegance. Their agility made them the favoured mounts of skilled warriors, while their speed was legend! They say, on the dusty plains of the Middle East, Arabian steeds were seen galloping beside warriors in shining armor - just like knights of the fairy tales we love!
An Enduring Legacy
In 638, horses weren't just animals, they were an essential part of the world’s fabric. From pulling plows to carrying messengers, from winning races to leading armies, we were integral to the success and advancement of every corner of the globe.
Today, we still carry that legacy. We gallop through the heart of modern society - racing on the track, pulling carts in parades, transporting people across meadows and mountain roads. But our story isn't one of only strength and speed. It's one of connection, of loyalty, of deep understanding, a shared story between humans and their noble, gentle steeds.
So next time you see a horse, remember what it has achieved, what it still means to the world, what a special relationship we share with these beautiful creatures. And I'll see you back here next time for another glimpse into our wondrous equine history.
Until then, happy trails, and let your hooves pound the ground with joy!
Your Friendly Neighbourhood Grey, Emma
For more fascinating equine adventures, check out Equine World at www.equiworld.org. We celebrate the bond between horses and humans throughout history.
