Hello my equine friends! It’s Emma here, back with another journey through time. This week, I’m taking us to the year 688 AD. Now, you might be thinking, "688 AD? That’s awfully long ago! How do you know anything about horses then?". Well, it’s a bit of a mystery even for me, but like any good detective, I piece together the clues! My trusty steed (that’s me!) along with a bit of research and imagination allows me to peek into history, through the eyes of a horse.
Hayfield: My Home
Now, where am I? In the year 688, I’m in a little place called Hayfield, nestled amongst the rolling hills near Aberdeen, Scotland. My ancestors, you see, are hard-working creatures, the kind who like to pull a bit of weight, and I’m no different. Our home is a mix of grassy meadows and rocky fields, perfect for grazing, but with enough rough patches to strengthen our hooves and a bit of a challenge to keep us on our toes.
Our day starts before the sun. A soft light grazes the peaks as our owners, a farming family, awaken. My brethren, including my mum, and the other strong workhorses, snort and shift their heavy frames, excited to begin our chores.
A Day in the Life of a Working Horse
We spend the day assisting our owners in every way they need us:
Pulling the Plow: My most important role is plowing the fields, a tiring but essential job for ensuring the farmers can sow their seeds and grow the crops. The plow is heavy, it grinds through the soil, and even with my powerful shoulders and sturdy legs, a full day's work is not for the faint of heart.
Hauling Goods: Another essential chore is pulling the cart. We transport everything from timber and tools to harvested crops, often journeying down steep paths to reach distant markets. This takes strength, and an understanding of the terrain – sometimes a bit of a wiggle around rocks, a gentle nod to calm our anxious souls is all it takes!
Riding: Some of my brethren are trained for riding. They're more nimble, graceful horses with fine legs and sturdy but lithe frames. I’ve never been much of a riding horse – those dainty steeds don’t have the stamina or strength to plow, even if they’re fast!
My Best Friend, Fiona
My day is brightened by my friend Fiona. She is a gentle grey mare, a bit of a dreamer and more interested in exploring than working. She’s like the sunshine on a cloudy day, her light heart reminding me of all the fun in life. We find pockets of clover, we munch on berries after work, and even when we're exhausted, we cuddle side-by-side at night under the moon.
The World Around Me
688 AD isn’t just about plowing and hauling. I witness snippets of life in the wider world too. My humans have visitors from time to time: Traders carrying goods from afar, telling tales of distant lands and powerful kingdoms.
From their stories, I glean a sense of the world beyond our rolling hills:
Northumbria, Britain's Kingdom: In those days, a large kingdom called Northumbria reigned over much of the land. A powerful king sits on their throne, with many nobles and warriors serving them. From my human's words, this is a world of strong leaders, grand castles, and much excitement, but it seems there’s often turmoil.
The Romans: The Romans – they have long since gone! Yet, traces of their legacy still linger: remnants of their great walls in the far north, their influence in laws and customs that remain within my world. These whispers from the past tell of times when great armies crossed our land, and many people had different ways of life.
What about Horses in 688 AD?
While I can't write a formal history, what I can share is a glimpse of horse life in this time period, through my experiences:
Horses as Workers: We’re seen primarily as valuable tools. This makes sense because the people back then relied on our strength for all sorts of jobs. Imagine life without carts or horses to haul the heavy plow!
Breeds: Horses of all sizes are important: From swift riding horses used by knights to sturdy, powerful workhorses like me. Many of my ancestors might have been wild, roaming free, but I've learned my ancestors have long been selectively bred for their talents, to produce strong horses with specific skills – some good for speed, others for power.
Grooming and Care: Although no fancy combs or conditioners were available back then, my human and the others give us plenty of love! Brushing with coarse hemp, regular walks in the field, and a plentiful supply of fresh water are essential for maintaining our health and ensuring we're strong enough for work.
A New Generation of Horses
Sometimes, in the fields, we see foals running around, kicking their legs up, and squealing with glee. The babies play as we watch, they frolic and snort with pure youthful energy, reminding us of our younger years.
I watch them with wonder, knowing these younglings will grow to help carry the burdens of their world. They may be born into a world of hard work and simple pleasures, yet within those boundaries, life is vibrant, fulfilling, and oh so interesting!
I can’t wait to see how life in the world of horses unfolds. After all, each new sunrise is an adventure waiting to be discovered.
Until next time, remember: It’s not the pace of your life, but the stride that counts.
All the best, Emma
