History of Horses in the year 0705

A Personal Look from a Grey Mare

Greetings, fellow equines! Welcome to another entry in my personal history of horses! Today, we're stepping back in time to the year 705 AD. It’s a rather exciting time for horses, in my humble opinion, and we have a lot to cover!

As for me, Emma, the grey draught mare from Hayfield near Aberdeen, I’m a good twenty years old, just entering my prime. It’s hard to believe how much has changed in the past two decades. I remember back when I was just a foal… oh, those carefree days, running through the heather and playing with the other youngsters! Time flies when you're enjoying the good life, right?

But back to 705! We're nestled firmly in the early medieval period, a time of great change and uncertainty. It's not all doom and gloom, however! As steeds of the realm, our value and versatility have grown immensely. You see, my fellow equines, we're more than just companions or working animals; we’re practically woven into the very fabric of society.

As for me and my fellow draught horses here in Hayfield, we've got it made! We play a vital role in daily life for the farmers and their families. They wouldn’t know what to do without us. We're the backbone of agriculture. Pulling the plough through the fertile earth, hauling goods to and from the market… you name it, we do it! I even help to churn butter!

Of course, with the fields in prime condition, we also enjoy generous pastures. Sometimes we're lucky enough to munch on fresh-cut hay. It's definitely better than munching on dried hay in the winter! I hear there are a few other horses, who live a much less glamorous life. Horses, in countries like the Byzantine Empire, might be in high demand, pulling wagons for their Emperor. That would be stressful… not as peaceful and beautiful as my rolling hills and the clear streams where we bathe!

My favourite part of the day, you ask? That would definitely have to be the evening. We enjoy grazing under the breathtaking Scottish sky, the soft breeze through our mane. It’s just perfect! Then there’s that incredible sense of calm. My fellow equines can understand - that special equine peace and understanding with our herd… it’s magical.

Of course, not everything is idyllic. We have to be aware of the political situation of the day. For example, there was a period, a few years before my time, when everyone was talking about this ‘Great War’ going on between Britain and the Franks! I wasn't there, but from what I hear, this conflict shook up the very foundation of life here. My father used to tell me about how he'd never experienced so much chaos and disruption, but the farmers here in Hayfield didn’t seem to be impacted too badly by this. They didn't seem to notice much of a difference - just a few more troops riding through on their stallions!

So, while the war was raging, they tell me we carried on in Hayfield - with our lives relatively peaceful - providing support and services to local people. Thank goodness it was a time for strong and capable steeds like ourselves! It definitely shows the importance of our resilience in uncertain times.

Did you know? 705 was also an important year for our equine family across the world! That's when the great Saint-Pierre de Marmoutier stud, a very significant horse-breeding establishment in France, gained a massive reputation across Europe! It was this stud that gave rise to a powerful new breed – the Percheron!

Of course, I must also mention our hardy little friends – the ponies! The hardy mountain ponies are thriving, particularly in the areas around here, including our rugged mountains! Not as big and imposing as me, these little ponies are incredibly tough and are often found roaming in the highlands.

I do think our small equine friends make an incredible difference in society! Their small size and surefootedness allow them to transport goods over steep mountain passes! And with that ability, you guessed it! They bring all kinds of resources and food back down to the villages - supplying all the essential items for the villagers and families, keeping everyone well-fed! They may be little, but these mountain ponies certainly punch above their weight!

From what I hear, the world is going to be more and more demanding of horses as time moves forward! Just think - I am starting to see more people travelling about on their horses! I can't wait to watch them charge on horseback, dressed in shining armour, carrying long swords! Who knows what amazing battles they will take part in. And even more exciting, I might even see a Knight and his warhorse… or two, passing through my homeland. It's very likely they'll be passing through, on their way to England! My human family tell me they will likely be helping King Æthelbald defend the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of Britain from the invading Vikings! They’ve been quite busy in recent years! It will be thrilling, if it happens. Who knows? Perhaps one day I will see it with my own eyes…

So, my dear fellow equines, we’ve come a long way since the year 705. Horses remain vital members of society, supporting farmers, warriors and carrying travelers across vast distances. In the years ahead, it’s sure to get more exciting for our species… Just think, my dear readers - we’re going to be on the cutting edge of civilization, bringing goods to the masses! Perhaps our legacy will be woven into history too… perhaps it already is?

As for me, I am perfectly happy enjoying my life, on my farm in Scotland! The life of a horse… the work, the fresh air… and that warm sense of camaraderie we all have with each other - It’s enough to bring joy to any horse’s heart! I have much to look forward to. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Thank you for joining me today for this look back through time! Until next time, dear friends!

Emma, a Grey Draught Mare, writing for EquiWorld from Hayfield near Aberdeen, Scotland, 705 AD