Hello fellow equine enthusiasts!
It's Emma here, your trusty draught mare from Hayfield near Aberdeen, and welcome back to my blog. As always, I'm here to share a little glimpse into horse life in these intriguing times. Today, we're taking a trip back to the year 730 AD - a time of great change and growth in the horse world. Buckle up, dear readers, as we gallop through the fascinating events of that year!
The air is crisp here in Hayfield, a beautiful valley nestled among the Scottish Highlands. My coat shimmers a steely grey under the sunrise, my white mane and tail a beacon of pride. I'm twenty years old, a sturdy mare with strong shoulders and powerful legs. I've carried my share of burdens, pulled my weight, and shared many adventures with the humans here in the village.
But this blog is about more than my personal life. It's about celebrating our history as a species, understanding where we come from, and appreciating the legacy we continue to build. So, let's dive into the world of horses in the year 730 AD!
A World of Travel and Trade:
As a draught horse, my role is firmly grounded in practicality. I carry loads, plough the fields, and transport goods for the humans. They call me strong and reliable - which I am, but also incredibly adaptable. After all, it wasn't always like this! Back in 730, the world was much wilder and the landscape much more untamed. This meant horses, in particular, played an important role in navigating the landscape. They weren't just a mode of transportation - they were crucial for connecting people, cultures, and civilizations.
Trade was booming, with traders riding across the steppes, carrying precious goods like silk and spices. Some were daring enough to traverse perilous mountains and desolate deserts. Imagine the incredible journeys they embarked on, relying entirely on their horse's strength, agility, and their unwavering partnership. It was the golden age of the horse as a travelling companion.
From Battlefields to Farming Fields:
We also carried riders into battle, our powerful strides lending courage to soldiers. Horses, it seems, are woven into the fabric of history, even when that history is a tapestry of war and conflict. But even amidst battles, there were always moments of quiet reflection. I like to imagine riders, returning home from a distant campaign, gazing across the moonlit countryside, seeking solace in their horses' companionship.
Speaking of campaigns, the year 730 AD saw a rise of new battle tactics - those involving mounted warriors who were not only skilled in warfare but also adept at controlling their horses with agility. A rider's connection with his steed went beyond simple obedience, becoming a powerful force of unity and cooperation. Think of it, readers, as the seeds of cavalry, sown right there in 730, the first tentative steps of what would become an essential force on the world stage.
Back here in Hayfield, things are quieter, a world away from the bustling battlefields. Yet, our role is no less important. We are essential for farming, for getting food on the table, for building homes and communities. Even back then, a strong work horse like myself was considered a valuable asset to any village. My powerful hooves tilled the earth, my steadfast determination enabled the harvesting of crops, and I, alongside my brethren, were the backbone of rural life.
Horse Care in the Age of Knowledge:
Don't think, however, that people only appreciated us for our hard work. They recognized our intrinsic value too. In 730, horses were viewed with respect, a sort of reverence even, because people realized our strength, agility, and resilience. Just think, we endured harsh conditions, fought alongside humans, and contributed to the sustenance of entire communities. The connection was powerful and undeniable.
There was a great deal of knowledge about horses, even back then, some handed down through generations, some gleaned through observation and trial. They knew our ailments, their treatments, and what kind of food and care we needed to stay healthy. Just like in today's world, they learned to value horses, not just for their practical use, but for their unique characteristics and temperament. A well-loved horse, as any modern horse owner knows, is a valuable partner, not just a beast of burden.
A Glance Through Time's Eye:
While the year 730 AD was indeed centuries before my birth, I feel connected to its horses in a powerful way. Every step I take, every breath I breathe, echoes the lives of countless horses that came before me. Their sacrifices, their dedication, their stories, all contribute to the journey we call 'Horse History'.
From battlefields to farm fields, their spirit resonates within my every movement, and I, in turn, hope to carry their legacy forward with honour and pride. After all, isn't that what history is about? Honoring the past, respecting the present, and shaping a brighter future?
So there you have it, readers, a glimpse into the horse world of 730 AD. I hope you enjoyed this journey through time, as much as I did. Next time, I plan to delve into the equestrian trends of a different period, and hopefully, continue to illuminate the captivating journey of the horse through time.
Until then, keep your hooves moving and your hearts full of the spirit of adventure!
-Emma, the Hayfield Mare
www.equiworld.org
