Neigh Neigh, my dearest readers!
Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where we delve into the glorious world of horses! I'm Emma, a grey draught mare with a heart of gold (and a white mane and tail that I'm quite proud of!) living a happy life in the rolling hills of Hayfield, near Aberdeen. Today, I want to share with you some fascinating insights into the world of horses in the year 656 AD - a time of great change and transformation!
You might be wondering why I’m writing about 656 specifically. Well, a new foal was born on our farm that year, a little chestnut filly named Hazel, who just this week turned three. Seeing her confidently trot around the field reminded me of all the progress horses were making during her year of birth. So, let's dive into history!
The Big Picture: 656 AD was a pivotal year in history, particularly in Europe. The reign of King Oswiu of Northumbria was drawing to a close, and he was considered one of the most powerful monarchs in the land. The Anglo-Saxon era in Britain was reaching its peak. In France, Dagobert I, the last king of the Merovingian dynasty, had recently passed, leaving the throne to his son Clovis II.
Horses played a crucial role in these powerful societies. But this year wasn’t just about wars and power plays. In fact, many ordinary people, farmers like us, depended heavily on our four-legged friends for our daily lives.
A Typical Day in the Life: In Hayfield, life was simple. The sun rose over the farm, and we'd begin our daily tasks, fuelled by good oats and hay. I’d be harness-broken like my fellow mares, pulling plows through the rich earth to plant barley for our winters, transporting heavy logs from the forest, or hauling carts laden with goods for our neighbours.
Riding on the Rise: This era, even with the advancements in harness-training and plows, still saw a big boom in riding. While a strong, sturdy draught horse like myself wouldn’t be ideal for riding, it’s no secret that my more slender cousins were being increasingly utilised by the noble classes.
It’s thought that the adoption of the stirrup in this period brought about a revolution in warfare. Knights mounted on steeds were able to ride more powerfully, stab, and manoeuvre in ways that had never been possible before! The stirrup allowed for greater stability, facilitating cavalry charges. Even if you weren’t a knight, a horse would let you travel faster, carrying important messages, or visiting faraway markets. It was a period of exciting new developments for horse riding.
A World of Wonders: And just like today, there were fascinating equestrian practices around the globe. In China, horses were prized possessions and were often given the very best care. They were used for everything from transporting goods to warfare, just as they were in our corner of the world. However, it was also during this period that horses began being used in more leisure activities, with racing and polo games starting to emerge in several parts of the East. It must have been quite exciting, witnessing horses dashing through the fields!
But life wasn’t all work and travel for horses. In the stable, I’d share gossip with my fellow mares as we nibbled on hay, telling stories of foals who loved to gallop and the adventures of the journeymen travelling on the back of their steeds.
A Note on Care: It’s important to remember that even though life for horses might have seemed simpler back then, we also required careful tending. The farmers worked tirelessly, caring for our health and ensuring we received sufficient nutrition and rest. There was always the threat of illness, parasites, or the cold harsh winter that brought its own challenges. I often hear some horses say they envy modern-day steeds with their luxurious stables and veterinary care, but I wouldn’t trade my life for theirs!
And this, my dear readers, is a little glimpse into the lives of horses in the year 656 AD. It was a time of innovation and transformation, a period that solidified the role of horses as our trusted partners in work, travel, and adventure. Though centuries have passed, and we live in a different world today, we horses have continued to evolve alongside human society.
But what did the world of horses look like beyond Hayfield? That’s what I want to explore with you in the next post, my dear friends. Do join me then!
Until next time, keep galloping on!
Love,
Emma
