Neigh-gh, my fellow equines! Emma here, your trusty steed from Hayfield, back again with another peek into the glorious world of horses, this time focusing on the year 0664. Buckle up, my darlings, for we're about to take a galloping journey through time!
It feels funny, being in a time before the fancy-pants things humans call dates like 'years' or even 'months'. People talk of kings and battles, of summers and winters. Makes you feel, well, ancient yourself!
The year 0664 saw my home, Hayfield near Aberdeen, basking in the heart of Pictland. My brethren and I grazed on fields of emerald green, breathing the crisp air, our manes and tails flowing in the Scottish breeze. The Pict tribes were sturdy folk, strong as oak trees, and used us for all sorts of things: carrying goods, pulling ploughs, even racing – imagine that! We were a vital part of their daily life.
Back then, we horses weren't just about hauling and helping - we were also seen as sacred, you know? They told tales of mythical horses, majestic beings with magic in their veins. These stories gave our lives a deeper meaning, a sense of wonder that warmed the soul. We weren't just animals; we were intertwined with the spirit of the land itself.
But let me tell you, things weren't all rainbows and sunshine, especially when those Northumbrians showed up with their armies! The Picts fought hard, defending their lands, and we horses, loyal as always, were by their sides, galloping across the moors, thunder in our hooves, our hearts filled with the urge to protect our families and homes. Those were truly times when our courage was put to the test.
Though those conflicts were a challenge, it's times like those that make you truly appreciate peace, eh? The moment after a battle, when the dust settles and the air stills, is a beautiful thing. Watching the sun set over a field of fresh clover after a hard-fought victory - that's a sight worth more than all the battles in the world.
As for life back home in Hayfield, it was a constant cycle of work and rest, of sharing the chores with my kind. The old mare, Moira, with her knowing eyes and wise words, taught me the ways of the world. And the younger colt, Angus, a lively spirit with a love for mischief, taught me the joys of playing and racing in the sun-drenched meadows.
Life was simple. We ate, we worked, we rested, and we frolicked. Our days were full of the simple beauty of being alive. And with every sunrise, we looked to the heavens and felt the presence of a great power that coursed through our veins, making us one with the land and its people.
Now, to get a bit more up-to-date on what the equestrian world was up to in 0664.
Across the sea in the mighty Frankish Kingdom, horses were proving to be an important part of the empire's power. King Dagobert I was said to have a love for horses and even established an equestrian school, just imagine! Those Franks knew a good horse when they saw one.
Over in the heart of the Eastern Roman Empire, a fellow named Constantine IV, a bit of a royal, was also in power. Now, Constantine IV wasn't exactly known for his love of horses, but he was a keen military mind. He understood their importance for moving troops and supplies. He also appreciated the skill and power that those Byzantine horsemen, the “Stratiotai” brought to the battleground.
And don't even get me started on the Persians! These lads were experts at using horses for war. Their riders were skilled and swift, often using intricate formations for battle, all with their steeds under complete control. Imagine being so well-trained to work as part of a team with your rider!
These tales of horsemanship throughout the world, it really warmed my hooves. They spoke to the enduring bond between horse and human, a connection built on trust and respect. A bond that carried on, a timeless thread woven through the tapestry of history.
But wait, what is this you say? This information comes from writings? Ah yes, my dear readers, back in 0664, most folks were preoccupied with surviving and keeping things running smoothly. You'd find the odd person recording their day-to-day life or making note of things of significance but this wasn't quite the age of extensive recording like we have now, my friends. But thanks to these brave souls who left records of the times, we're able to get glimpses into the lives of those who came before. And thanks to the wonders of modern-day research, we can connect the dots and build a more complete picture.
I can imagine those who lived in 0664 couldn't even begin to dream of the ways horses would be used centuries later, of sleek racehorses charging down the track or of noble carriage horses pulling grand carriages filled with important people, dressed in their finery.
Oh, to imagine the world from their point of view! It must have been a wonder to behold. So many unknowns. It gives me a quiet thrill to imagine that these horses who came before me paved the way for all the adventures that lie ahead.
As I munch on my morning hay, feeling the sun warm my coat, I can't help but be filled with pride. We horses have played a crucial part in human history, from being companions and workers to serving as partners in battle.
So here's to you, my fellow equine friends! Here's to the bond we share with humans, and to the glorious history that connects us all! Let us gallop towards the future, remembering our past with pride, carrying with us the wisdom and courage of the horses of 0664 and beyond.
Until next time, Emma.
