History of Horses in the year 0719

The Year of the Wild Oats: A Horse's Tale from Hayfield, 0719 AD

Greetings, fellow equines and horse enthusiasts! Emma here, a proud grey mare with a penchant for wild oats (they truly are irresistible!) and a heart full of history. I'm writing to you today from the heart of Scotland, my home in a little village called Hayfield, nestled near the bustling city of Aberdeen.

It's 0719 AD, a year of great change, both in the human world and in the world of horses. Today, I'll be sharing some of the observations and stories I've gathered this year, from the bustling streets of Aberdeen to the wild, rolling hills of the Scottish highlands. I hope it provides a glimpse into the lives of horses like me, in a time long before saddles and bridles became commonplace.

The most crucial role horses like me played this year, and likely every year, is the backbreaking work of agriculture. We, the draught horses, are the engine that powers the farms, hauling plows, transporting grain, and delivering supplies to nearby villages. I wouldn't trade the feeling of muscles flexing under the yoke, the earthy scent of tilled soil, for anything.

In the highlands, life is a little wilder. I hear tales from the hardy ponies who live there, roaming freely in the high valleys, enduring snow and biting winds, unbound by the heavy yoke. These horses are sturdy, adaptable, their lineage passed down for generations, the descendants of those that have tamed this unforgiving land. They graze on heather and thistles, their coats thick against the harsh weather, their spirits untamed. It's a life of freedom, but with challenges unlike anything I face here in Hayfield.

This year has brought news from the south of a new ruler, the one called Charlemagne. His might is legendary, built not just on skilled men, but on the strength of a powerful army on horseback. They call them "Knights", with armor like shining shells and swords gleaming like sunlight. While I haven't seen these warriors myself, I hear they are skilled and swift, their horses their most trusted companions. This bond, between a horse and its rider, fascinates me. The stories from Aberdeen are whispers of battles fought, of courage and loyalty in the face of danger. I hope those warriors treat their horses well. Their strength is our strength, their lives depend on our speed.

The coming and going of merchants from the east brought new and fascinating goods, a whirlwind of sights and smells in the busy marketplace in Aberdeen. One of the merchants from Spain, with a thick black mane and beard like a lion, spoke of the "Caballo" - a horse of exceptional strength and speed, used by the Moors in their homeland. I haven't seen a Caballo yet, but the tales suggest their agility is unmatched, and their coat, black and sleek, resembles night itself. To think, there are breeds out there that I've never seen, different sizes, colors, and temperaments!

Perhaps, in another time, I could be traded to another land, experience a new life, a different world entirely! I don't know if I would trade the comfortable life of Hayfield for something new, but it does ignite a flicker of curiosity within me.

As the days shorten, and the air takes on a crisp, wintry bite, 0719 comes to an end. I’m feeling a wave of reflection as I watch the farmers gather the last of the harvest, the bounty of the earth filling their barns and wagons. A warmth fills me, not just from the lingering summer heat, but also from the feeling of satisfaction that comes with knowing we've played a vital part in providing sustenance for our human neighbors.

0719 has been a year of quiet contemplation and a deep appreciation for the life I lead. It's taught me that even in a time of change, horses remain crucial to the world around us. We're more than just beasts of burden; we are companions, sources of strength, and symbols of freedom and adaptability.

This year, I feel a burgeoning awareness of our own story, the story of horses across the land. And so, I will continue to share my tales, my thoughts, my journey here on Equiworld, hoping to spark an interest in horse history among all of you, human and equine alike. Until next time, fellow equines, may your hooves be steady, and your spirits bright.