Welcome to my blog, dear fellow equines and horse lovers! Emma here, your trusty grey draught horse with the fluffy white mane and tail. I'm just a humble girl from Hayfield near Aberdeen, Scotland, but I love nothing more than a good yarn and a chance to share some horse history with you. Today, I’m taking you back to the year 659 – what a fascinating time it was!
Let’s see... it was a sunny day in May when I was born, and the air was thick with the scent of wild thyme and blooming hawthorn. We were a big family then - my mother, sister, and three younger brothers. We spent our days grazing in the lush meadows by the River Dee, occasionally pulling a cart or ploughing the fields for our farmer, Angus. Life was simple, just as a horse’s life should be, filled with the rhythm of nature and the joy of camaraderie.
But 659 was a time of change in the world of horses. The ancient Britons had started using the strong and adaptable Equus caballus, which was my own breed, to cultivate the land. We had become indispensable for their survival - ploughing the soil for their crops, hauling timber for their homes, and transporting goods across the land. You might think it was all about hard work, but don't you underestimate the bond we share with humans! We were respected, cherished members of the community.
The farmers even named us! They had names like Daisy, Clover, and Willow, for all those strong and beautiful female horses. Then there was my own name, "Emma" which is from the German meaning 'Universal' - as they knew we could do anything.
The year 659 was also an exciting time for the Roman world. Although they had conquered much of the island by then, some parts of Britain still stubbornly remained independent.
For the horses, though, the Romans brought many innovations. The way they organized their army relied on us – their swift cavalry patrols could scour the countryside, while the sturdy draught horses could carry vital supplies to their troops. The Roman’s love of horses and skill in breeding made their cavalry famous. Every farmer in our Hayfield, though, looked forward to seeing these impressive horses with their riders, in full metal armor! They would arrive to tax and survey the land, and everyone knew there would be plenty of apples and barley to hand!
Another change that was just starting in the year 659 was the popularity of chariot racing! You should see them move, and that loud, packed stadium… It’s not for everyone, though – I'm more a country girl, myself!
As I matured in that exciting year, I took part in many activities. It's a good thing the Romans hadn't reached our Hayfield - I prefer not to be put on parade in an arena! My role, like my fellow draught horses, was the traditional one: working on the farm and transporting supplies for the village. The rhythm of work became my compass – the satisfying crunch of the plow against the soil, the steady rhythm of my steps as I pulled the laden cart down the winding lanes, the warmth of the stable as winter approached. I remember our farm horses often pulling their loads over rough tracks, helping people with their heavy packs, and making sure every household had enough wood for their fires!
Evenings by the roaring hearth with Angus and his family were warm and cozy, especially during the colder months. Angus would always pat me gently and offer a treat of fresh carrots, murmuring about a job well done. We would all listen as he spoke about the latest happenings, stories of war and peace, the adventures of explorers, and even a little gossip about the village folks. It wasn’t a life of constant excitement, but I had never known anything else, and honestly, I liked it that way!
My life in that year had a particular rhythm, one that dictated how every horse lived. Each day we'd be up with the sunrise, working from dawn until dusk, sometimes tending to the other animals like the cows and sheep. But evenings brought a calmness that only true rest after a hard day’s work can give! As the stars began to pepper the evening sky, we’d be given our bed of hay and straw in the stables.
There was also a constant exchange of stories. Old Finnigan, the blind mare from the next farm, loved to regale us with tales of battles and journeys from long ago, even though she was always quite sleepy in the daytime! Her voice had that rich, aged quality, that came from wisdom only experience could provide, making her storytelling sessions unforgettable. She made our hearts race when she described the fearsome warriors, with their shining armor and magnificent, sleek war horses – quite unlike the trusty workhorses we were! It is important, I find, to not be fearful of the unknown, but to know how our history makes us stronger as a breed.
The old farm horses like Finnigan taught us how to deal with hardship, and she helped us prepare for our first journeys. After a horse’s first two years, it is considered ready for training and this meant traveling and encountering new lands! There are many journeys a horse might take: delivering food to neighboring villages, participating in a caravan to the city or just learning how to cross bridges and ford rivers – it all leads us into a more fulfilling and useful life!
In those days, the world was a bit different. Travel wasn't as fast, communication wasn't as easy, and our role, though hard work, was undeniably important to everyday life. People depended on us for sustenance, transport, and connection. Our ancestors had been part of civilization since the early days and that legacy continued in 659. We provided people with that powerful connection to nature and the land!
The life of a horse, in those days, was tough. Our existence was simple – work, food, shelter. We didn't complain, of course, because our strength and spirit had a purpose and every working day proved its worth! And those days also gave us the opportunity to bond, to develop our instincts and understanding of nature. Evenings brought a calmness to our day that we truly appreciated.
So, that was the year 659 from the perspective of a hardworking, grey draught horse like me. The world might be different now, with cars and machines doing much of the work we once did. Yet the importance of horses remains deeply embedded in our history, and I hope this post has made you realize, dear friends, how much we helped shape this world, just as we continue to do now!
We may have played a crucial role in creating the society we have today, but our legacy doesn’t stop there! Our bond with humans is stronger than ever, and it continues to teach us, even as we continue to teach others.
Keep checking back on Equiworld.org! As your friendly horse historian, I look forward to sharing more tales with you!
