Hello, fellow equines! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood grey mare from Hayfield, near Aberdeen. I'm thrilled to be back with another installment of my history blog. Today, we're going to be galloping through the year 0713, a time of exciting advancements in the equestrian world.
Now, I know you might be thinking, 0713? That feels awfully long ago! You're right, it does, but history's a funny thing, full of surprising connections. As I said, 0713 was actually a pretty fascinating time for horses.
For me, as a strong draught mare, my world revolved around the farm. You see, we were, and still are, incredibly useful around here. My job primarily consisted of helping the local farmer, Robert, and his family to work the land. It was, and still is, a good life. The stable was always warm, and the food was plentiful. My stablemate, a handsome chestnut gelding named Thomas, always made sure I had plenty of straw in my bed. We spent our days hauling ploughs and carts, bringing in the hay, and sometimes even giving the farmer's daughter, Elspeth, a ride around the fields.
Of course, my job was far from easy. It required strength, stamina, and patience, a quality I've thankfully developed over the years. The soil was heavy, especially during the spring and autumn, and hauling the loaded carts uphill was sometimes challenging. But we draught horses, with our sturdy builds and strong legs, were built for this, and I was never truly dissatisfied with my lot.
However, my work wasn't limited to the farm. Occasionally, I would be brought to town, usually to help transport goods from the market. This was a great adventure! We would pass through bustling markets and quiet villages, encountering all sorts of interesting characters and horses from different breeds. I distinctly remember a particularly plump chestnut mare named Willow, with a mischievous twinkle in her eye, who was known for her exceptional cart-pulling abilities in the city.
In fact, it was during one such journey to town in 0713 that I heard the news that really changed everything. I can still picture the excited whispers in the marketplace - news was spreading about the "chariot racing" being held in Rome!
It turns out, horses have a long history of participating in sports! We're naturally athletic and quick on our feet. But in 0713, the world of horse racing was getting bigger than ever!
And here's the part that caught my attention, and honestly, quite impressed me: it wasn't just any horses racing, it was these incredibly nimble, graceful horses they called “Arabians”! Apparently, they came from far away, across the seas from a land called Arabia. These horses were described as possessing an "almost magical agility and grace". Imagine, a horse that could practically dance on its hooves!
Even my stablemate, Thomas, who usually only ever cared about hay, was buzzing with excitement about this news. He spent weeks talking about these "Arabian" horses. His descriptions were filled with adjectives I'd never heard before - “lightning fast”, “graceful”, and "breathtaking beauty". They sounded almost mythical.
So, you can understand why I felt quite a pull towards these amazing animals, even from afar. It made me think about what might be possible for horses in the world. Imagine, instead of just hauling carts and ploughing fields, horses could be competing, testing their speed and agility. It sounded incredibly exhilarating!
However, I was, and am, a sensible mare. As strong and determined as I am, my personality doesn't tend to favour risky endeavours, or anything that could take me too far away from Hayfield and my lovely Thomas. While the tales of chariot racing fascinated me, my life continued on in its usual rhythm. I diligently served the farm, made my usual rounds in town, and enjoyed long evenings in the stable with Thomas, catching up on the day’s gossip.
While the racing scene in the Roman world continued to develop, news of other equestrian events started to filter through our humble stable, as well. People spoke about the famous horses that carried Knights across battlefields. My ears would perk up at those stories. It was clear that in 0713, horses were already playing an important role in various aspects of human life - transportation, sports, and warfare.
0713 was an important year, not just for the horses, but also for the people who worked alongside us. Farmers, traders, warriors, and yes, even women, relied on horses. These noble animals played an integral role in daily life. Our bond with humanity grew stronger in 0713, a relationship built on trust, respect, and a shared journey of adventure.
There’s always a thrill about seeing the world through a horse’s eyes, don’t you think? Next time you ride, or simply admire a horse in its field, consider the fascinating history that lies beneath its hooves. These creatures have been working alongside humans for centuries, shaping history in their own unique way.
As we continue our journey together, I'll make sure to share all the latest from the world of horses, past and present, right here on EquiWorld. Stay tuned, and be sure to let me know if there’s anything in particular you’d like to know!
Until next time,
Emma
