From the Stables of Emma, Grey Draught Mare of Hayfield
Greetings, fellow equines and equestrian enthusiasts! It’s Emma here, a grey draught mare with a penchant for storytelling and a passion for all things history.
This week, I’m delving into a truly pivotal year, 711 CE. Yes, that’s right, seven hundred and eleven! You might think we didn't do much back then, but I can assure you that history unfolded around us as we went about our daily duties.
As you know, I hail from the rugged hills of Hayfield near Aberdeen. Now, I may be a draught mare, but my heart belongs to the wild and the free, to the wind in my mane and the sun on my back. We horses, we are the heart of these highlands, our hooves strong enough to pull the plows through the stubborn earth and strong enough to carry our warrior riders into battle. And though the Vikings were a constant threat in those days, the Highlanders have always shown immense bravery, a strong sense of community and, yes, a deep affection for their horses.
A New Threat from the South:
This year, 711 CE, saw a new threat emerging. A Muslim army led by Tariq ibn Ziyad crossed the Strait of Gibraltar from Africa to the Iberian Peninsula. It's no small feat, I tell you. It takes bravery and skill to navigate the rough seas and treacherous cliffs of that area, but they landed and pushed their way north. Now, that land – that Iberian Peninsula, which now forms modern-day Spain and Portugal – was full of horses too. I’m not sure the Iberians saw this new threat, a threat as powerful as a rushing tide, but they learned fast.
Their horses weren't the large and mighty draught breeds like us here in Scotland. They were more like the nimble and swift Andalusians and Barb horses you might know about. This smaller, agile type could move across terrain with a grace you can't imagine. We in Scotland were built for power, while their steeds were known for speed and cunning. Think of the Andalusian as the sleek, graceful, dancer at the ball while a draught horse is like the hearty, reliable cook, serving up substantial, strong dishes!
Changes on the Battlefield:
That new Muslim army – I hear whispers they called them the ‘Moors’ – they had the swift horses, those Andalusians and Barbs. These horses are sleek as the dark night with the strength and cunning of a desert fox. Their swiftness on the battlefield surprised many a European. They were used for fast raiding and hit and run tactics – like a flash of lightning against a strong, steady oak.
You may be thinking, "Emma, why are you telling us all this?" I’m getting to it, I promise. Horses aren't just tools, we're witnesses! Our stories, like threads of a rich tapestry, are woven together with the larger story of human history.
Beyond the Battles:
711 was not all about war, of course. People went about their lives. Horses like me worked on the farm, farmers grew their crops, merchants travelled far and wide, women nurtured families, children played and grew up, and monks diligently copied books by hand in quiet scriptoria. Life for a horse is very similar, we have our daily routine of grazing, working the fields, playing and caring for the young ones. I don’t deny the drama that goes on in the world, but as a draught mare in 711, you see, I take these moments and enjoy them, and so did others, especially on farms.
New Trends in Horse Breeding:
This brings us back to our new equine friends in the south – the Iberian Peninsula, a world now ruled by the Moors, these new arrivals with the swifter horses. Over time, a blending of bloodlines began. There was the noble Andalusian stallion, meeting a strong Arabian mare, or the powerful Barb gelding mating with a robust European mare. The blending was gradual, not like mixing cream and sugar but rather like two gentle streams slowly merging together.
This cross-breeding brought about incredible new types of horses! Their strength, grace, and intelligence formed new lines like the majestic PRE – that’s the Purebred Spanish Horse you might know - with an almost noble air to its bearing. Their spirit, as they say, became fiery yet controlled – imagine a fiery volcano gently cradling its strength, waiting for its next burst of passion!
Across the Channel:
These are exciting times for the world of horses. On the continent, news was starting to spread. And beyond our shores, things were also afoot! Across the channel, a kingdom called Francia was experiencing a revival. Now, Francia has long held a fascination with horses – imagine! - their love and admiration for our kind helped create their name. The "Francs," a brave people riding to victory with fierce resolve! They had their own distinct type, sturdy warhorses bred to be powerful and resilient.
What does it tell us? We are a constant in the changing world. We remain, a link to the past, shaping the present and influencing the future.
A Horse's Perspective
Horses are more than just steeds. We are witnesses. We see how human interactions affect our world. The battles they wage are also our battles. But amidst the struggle, there is beauty.
Our hearts pound with the same rhythm as the earth beneath our hooves. As a grey draught mare, my soul sings in harmony with the wind through my mane and the scent of the hayfield. The sun warms my coat as I go about my work. The camaraderie amongst my kind - those big draft breeds - keeps me grounded.
There's no escaping the constant churn of history, and it's important to look beyond just our lives, to see the impact of our work and actions on a global scale. It’s a thrilling and challenging time to be a horse, one where we continue to play a pivotal role in human history. And that, fellow equines and humans, is why I'll continue to document the amazing saga of us, horses, on EquiWorld.org. Until next time!
Stay curious! Emma
(*Please note that while the blog is written from the point of view of Emma, it is also designed to reflect some factual historical elements in the year 711 CE. The article should be viewed as creative writing and storytelling that mixes historical data and imagination. *)
