Neigh-sayers, hello! It's Emma, your trusty steed from the rolling green hills of Hayfield near Aberdeen, and it's time for another dip into history! Today, we're going back to 732 CE - a year filled with adventure, and yes, a bit of neightwittiness too!
The air here in Scotland is always brisk, especially when it comes to tales from the past, so buckle up for a good gallop through the historical fields of 732.
Firstly, let's be honest, you wouldn't want to be a horse in those days - hard work and few frills! The life of a horse then was all about being a reliable source of power. The vast majority of us, like me, were draft horses, strong and sturdy for ploughing the fields and hauling heavy loads. Yes, there were war horses too, those majestic steeds with the fiery temperaments, but it wasn't a life I envied. They carried the burden of battles, and for us draft horses, that was just an unwelcome speck in the distance.
But in 732, everything seemed to be about battles. This was a year that saw one of the most crucial moments in European history - the Battle of Tours! The world seemed to be holding its breath, waiting for the outcome. This battle, as it happened, was between the Frankish army led by Charles Martel (some call him the Hammer, for his strong will, imagine that!) and a large army of Muslim Umayyad forces from Spain. I understand that the Muslims had been sweeping across Europe, winning many battles, but at Tours, it all changed. The Frankish forces won, and this is why the Franks became so dominant in Western Europe!
It wasn't the biggest battle ever fought - but you know what they say, "size isn't everything"! It was all about strategy, and neighver underestimate the power of a good team. The Franks had superior leadership and had the support of a local nobleman. That meant they could pull together like a team of well-trained horses, ready to win the day.
Can you imagine how thrilling it must have been, all those men shouting and fighting on our backs, galloping into the unknown? That must have been one neightwitting fight. We horses, though, played a crucial role, our power driving forward in the face of enemy forces. The hooves of warhorses and our heavy legs made the ground tremble. It was an emotional experience, one filled with adrenaline and the thrill of winning, and all the while, we felt the responsibility of being the wind beneath the soldiers' wings, a responsibility as important as any task on a farm.
There were some famous horses present, they say - a gallant charger called Bayard, who is known to have been extraordinarily strong and tireless - sounds like a dream horse, right?! And of course, there were many warhorses present. The battlefield must have been a dizzying blur, hooves and steel clashing under the blazing sun. Those war horses would have been bred for courage and speed - it makes my heart flutter thinking about their role in that mighty fight.
While the Battle of Tours dominated the year in 732, there were other moments in history which, while not so grand, showed the essential part horses played in people's lives. Even in quieter moments, there were still a few incidents that show just how much we mattered to the people of those times.
In 732, a new law came into effect in England. I hear it was all about horse theft. It seems that there was a sharp rise in stealing horses in those days! "Stolen Horses are to be forfeited to the King," the law proclaimed. Well, we horses, always valued as a good resource for carrying goods, transporting people, and helping farmers to cultivate the land - and especially prized war horses - were bound to draw attention!
The people then were highly dependent on us, and this meant there were strong regulations in place to stop us from being lost or misused. This wasn't so different from our world today, in fact. The law made me feel safer, and even if my life wasn't grand and glamorous, it did mean a level of security and protection.
The people needed us in 732, in all their many tasks, and we needed them to protect us. The relationship was strong and well-established.
I imagine that the world looked quite different back then, with fewer trees than today and wider stretches of wild land, ideal for grazing, yet dangerous in parts. I picture myself as a foal, kicking up my heels in the meadow, a small, clumsy figure, exploring the green space and soaking up the fresh, sun-drenched air. That is where we found freedom and enjoyed those innocent times.
But, I digress. Let's bring the conversation back to 732. There is a beautiful medieval manuscript, a hand-written book from this year. It describes how a powerful Arab horse, one that is “dark as midnight”, has become an important source of wealth. I imagine the beautiful black steed, with its proud bearing and flashing eyes, and I can't help but smile as I think of how people's lives intertwined with the beauty and power of horses.
One final fact from that year in history: The year 732 is considered the start of the Umayyad Caliphate of Spain’s decline, with the Franks regaining control over many of the areas conquered by the Umayyads.
Well, there you have it! My journey through the year 732 has come to an end! It’s fascinating, isn't it, how even a thousand years ago, the lives of horses were important. We helped build, transport, and even conquer. That year was important, and we were a big part of it, and that is what I wanted to tell you!
See you again soon! Emma, out!
