Hello there, fellow equine enthusiasts! It’s Emma here, a proud grey mare with a white mane and tail, hailing from Hayfield, a charming little village nestled near the rolling hills of Aberdeen in Scotland. Today, I’m sharing some of my thoughts about the year 0682, a year that was definitely packed with its fair share of hoof-tapping action!
As we kick off our journey through this fascinating year, let’s take a moment to reflect on our ancestors, the wild horses that roamed free across the plains of Central Asia. The Romans, those powerful fellas, loved horses just as much as we do! Their Empire was built on the strength of their cavalry, and horseback riding was seen as a mark of prestige and power. I hear tell that Roman emperors used to keep whole herds of horses in their stables!
Speaking of stables, we grey horses here in Hayfield were blessed with a comfortable stable home! You see, in the 6th century, things were changing. People started to realise that horses weren’t just beasts of burden - they were like family, friends! This, in turn, led to a blossoming of the art of horse care and breeding. It was almost as if they discovered the true joy of grooming a horse’s coat or watching a colt’s first steps!
Life on the farm wasn't always easy for a horse, but 0682 brought with it a new sense of peace and cooperation between man and horse. While our main tasks included pulling ploughs in the fields and hauling heavy loads of hay, the farmers were careful not to overwork us. I recall my master often taking a gentle hand with me when guiding me through tough tasks, always with a caring eye and a gentle word. We learned to understand each other's signals, a unspoken language of mutual respect and understanding that flowed effortlessly between us.
On sunny afternoons, after a long morning spent tilling the fields, I’d enjoy the freedom of leisurely strolls through the meadows. These outings were a treat, giving me a chance to explore the world outside my farm, with wildflowers swaying gently in the breeze and the chirping of birds singing a symphony in the sunshine.
One evening, as the sun was casting its golden rays upon the farm, I caught sight of a travelling group approaching Hayfield. It was a gathering of warriors, clad in steel and leather, their horses proud and strong, proudly bearing the emblem of the great King Aidan of the Scots! They arrived in the late afternoon, bringing with them a strong, noble presence, and we were allowed to gather around and witness a beautiful display of horsemanship.
They exhibited incredible skills, each movement precise and fluid, a spectacle that left us gazing in awe! It filled us with pride and honour knowing we shared the same kind of spirited nature, that inner fire that drove us to move as one, a powerful force of strength and agility.
But this gathering was not just a show of strength and skill; it was also a testament to the bond between horse and human. Their horses, I observed, responded with tender affection and devotion towards their masters. They understood their roles, serving as faithful companions and battle mounts with unwavering loyalty. This reinforced the idea that horses were not just working animals but cherished companions, and this bond between rider and mount filled me with an almost sacred sense of purpose.
During those warm summer nights, my farmhouse was filled with tales of past warriors and brave knights who rode forth upon the backs of their noble steeds. I listened in fascination to the stories of epic battles, where knights in gleaming armor charged into combat with lances raised high. These tales of courage and valour filled my heart with inspiration, inspiring me to cherish my own strength and resilience, my own ability to carry the weight of the world upon my shoulders, but also to experience the joy of running freely through the meadows.
In this year, 0682, we began to truly appreciate the importance of horses in every aspect of life. Horses helped to build our villages, carry our burdens, and served as loyal companions and noble allies. We had a purpose beyond simply toiling away; we played a vital role in shaping our world and helping humans thrive.
This year also witnessed the rise of new, revolutionary breeds of horses. I recall hearing stories of Arabian steeds, known for their grace and speed, racing through the desert. I’ve been told that the Romans, those clever souls, introduced them into Europe a few centuries back. They became highly sought-after for their endurance and agility as mounts, renowned for their stamina.
But the focus of horse breeding didn’t only centre on warhorses. Other breeds like the Clydesdale horse, known for their size and strength, were prized for working in farms and helping farmers in their tasks. You’d be surprised to hear, dear friends, how much we Draughts appreciate a little friendly competition.
Though it was all the way in Scotland, it was a thriving time for horses! We saw more of our kind gracing the world in those years leading up to the 7th century, with many new breeds of horses emerging, a true explosion of horse variety!
One of the most remarkable happenings of that year was a pilgrimage to the Holy Land made by King Aethelberht of Kent. Can you imagine the journey this brave king undertook in his horse-drawn chariot! This journey truly highlighted the importance of horses in religious activities. I imagine there would have been many other pilgrims throughout the world at the time, travelling for days, months even years on horseback in search of a spiritual awakening. And can we forget those beautiful horses like myself that helped carry those who were unable to travel by foot over these long distances?
These horses became not just means of transport but an extension of the pilgrims’ faith. They shared in the journey, the challenges, and the ultimate purpose of reaching the holy site. Truly an inspiration to all us horses.
While this era was not without its hardships, it was also a time of great growth and innovation in the world of horses. New breeds emerged, horses began to play a greater role in our communities, and our bond with humans strengthened more than ever before.
Oh, but I must say goodbye now. I must tend to the stable and look after my fellow horses! Do remember to share this blog post with your friends. Do check in with us again in a week's time for another journey into the wonderful world of horses!
Your friendly Grey Mare, Emma, signing off from Hayfield, Aberdeen.
