History of Horses in the year 0716

Good day, everyone! Welcome to another installment of Emma's History Blog, where we explore the wonderful world of horses, one year at a time! As always, I, Emma, a 20-year-old grey draught mare from Hayfield, near Aberdeen in Scotland, am delighted to share my knowledge and insights with you.

Today, we are taking a grand gallop back in time, all the way to the year 0716 AD. A time of change, upheaval, and growth, both in the world of humans and the world of horses. Let's put on our best saddles and ride together on this fascinating journey!

Ah, 0716! The year when the world, especially in the parts of Europe I'm most familiar with, was bustling with change and activity. There was a grand deal going on in the human world. The Northumbrian Kingdom was enjoying a moment of strength and prosperity, building beautiful monasteries, their churches ringing out with song, while the Anglo-Saxon kings of Mercia, across the Pennines, were carving out their own realm. Here in the north, we're all pretty familiar with the fierce Pictish people who roamed the rugged landscape, and far, far south in England, a new, more settled world was taking shape, led by the rulers of the kingdom of Wessex.

Here in Hayfield, life was mostly about keeping the soil fertile for the harvest. The farmer and his family, bless their hearts, worked hard tending to the sheep and cattle, the goats and geese, and of course, the magnificent workhorses, which we'll be focusing on, of course!

Now, let me tell you about my life as a draught horse in 0716! Being a grey with a bright white mane and tail, I must say I was quite a sight to behold.

We, draught horses like myself, were the backbone of our society, essential to almost everything the humans did! We pulled the ploughs in the fields, helped to haul wagons carrying goods and supplies across the rough roads and rocky tracks, and we even helped build sturdy, grand structures with our strength. Yes, the humans certainly didn't have tractors and cranes then! So, you can imagine how important we were.

But there's more to a horse's life than work, even back in those times. We, the draught horses, loved our meals! It was our special treat to be allowed out on the meadows to munch on the lush, green grass, and we found it highly enjoyable to take long, calming strolls along the streams with our mates. Oh, the blissful days! We also enjoyed rolling in the warm sunshine after a hard day of toil, shaking the dirt off, and having a little natter with our fellow horses.

And speaking of horses, let's dive into a fascinating subject – the types of horses that lived alongside us!

Back in those times, you wouldn't find many of the flashy horse breeds that you might see today. No majestic Arabians with their graceful heads and finely carved bodies, nor any elegant thoroughbreds with their lithe forms, powerful strides, and fiery personalities!

Instead, most people in my time travelled and worked alongside sturdy draught horses, just like myself, with a good strong body and the strength to pull a plough, a wagon, or even a small cart filled with supplies to market.

Now, you might be thinking "what about the noble steeds ridden by the great kings and lords, you ask?” Well, it’s true that noble war horses, called destriers, were starting to gain popularity, with their great strength and agility, making them ideal for riding into battle! And while the warrior class often favoured a powerful, majestic horse for combat, the war horses you see in stories and books were a rare breed indeed in those days!

Let's now take a moment to acknowledge something that often gets overlooked. The gear we horses were fitted with, made our jobs possible. Just imagine being hitched to a heavy plough, a gigantic cart loaded with produce, or a heavy cart of goods for trade. Our human companions devised special harnesses for us so we could perform all those amazing tasks! The harnesses, expertly woven with sturdy straps and leather, held the horses firmly in place and gave them the right amount of movement. They weren’t too loose, but not too tight! And we never had to worry about feeling pinched or constricted in those beautiful creations. They gave us support and control so we could carry out our jobs properly without any pain or injury.

The same principle applies to riding. Our saddles, sturdy but comfy with good thick pads beneath the leather, allowed the riders to stay safe and in a good position. Imagine a rider falling off without proper protection! No thanks!

Let’s just say those humans showed quite the knack for design, and they sure were smart enough to take good care of us so we could keep going! Their care and ingenuity are what enabled the development of civilisation!

As we ride away from the year 0716, we understand that even back in that time, horses held a special place in the hearts and lives of humans. They weren’t simply beasts of burden; they helped connect communities, carried goods, facilitated travel and exploration, and, as we saw in warfare, helped conquer and build new territories! And yes, some people did even ride us for pleasure, even then! It makes my hooves proud to be part of that rich history.

And the year 0716 reminds me, even as I relive the experience today in 2023, that the world continues to change. I have every reason to believe that we will remain a vital part of human life for years and years to come!

It's wonderful to see our human friends appreciate the importance we continue to have in the 21st century. From participating in sport and competition, to serving as loyal companions to many families who simply cherish their presence, we’ve made our mark, and it’s one we can all be proud of!

Well, that’s it for another trip back in time. As always, I hope you found it entertaining and enlightening. Do share your thoughts on the history of horses in 0716. If you have any questions or observations about the past feel free to leave a comment on the Equiworld.org forum, where we are continuing this important dialogue about horse history, present day care, and the amazing connection between horses and humans!

See you in my next blog!

Your Neigh,

Emma