History of Horses in the year 0736

Hello there, fellow equines and horse-lovers! Emma here, a grey draught mare with a flowing white mane and tail, hailing from the beautiful rolling hills of Hayfield, near Aberdeen in Scotland. It's a bit nippy this time of year, but that just makes my coat shine even more. Today, I thought I'd delve into the annals of history, specifically the year 736, and share a glimpse into the world of horses during this exciting time.

As a working horse, my life is woven into the fabric of human activity. 736 saw a bustling world, even if it was a world mostly centred around human necessities. And in those necessities, we horses were crucial. We weren't just fancy steeds, we were the driving force of agriculture, transportation, and even warfare.

Most days began before sunrise, a gentle clinking of harnesses waking me from my slumber in the stable. We, the strong and sturdy draught horses, would be called upon first. It wasn't a luxurious life, but there was a rhythm, a purpose, a deep satisfaction in contributing to the daily grind. Our primary job was hauling, whether it was pulling plows in the fields, carts laden with goods to market, or wagons carrying people on long journeys.

The early morning air would carry the sweet smell of dew-kissed grass and the tang of wood smoke from the nearby village. Our human companions would be as eager as we were to begin the day. We weren't mere beasts of burden. They would speak to us, share a gentle stroke of the neck, and offer us a juicy carrot from the field.

In Hayfield, we were mainly employed by farmers who relied on our strength to cultivate their fields, pull their carts to market in nearby Aberdeen, and haul stone for building projects. Sometimes, when the need arose, we would even pull heavy timbers to build the wooden frameworks of houses, for a solid and stable foundation.

Now, 736 wasn't a particularly peaceful year for our human world. The Angles and the Saxons were busy fighting their own turf wars. While these humans battled with their swords and spears, the horses played an integral part, often acting as the vital link between strategy and action.

As you might imagine, this wasn't my cup of tea. The sounds of battle, the scent of fear, the screams and clash of metal - none of that sat well with my nature. I was bred for the farm, for honest work, not for the fury of the battlefield.

But let me be clear: warhorses, my fellow steeds, are truly brave and fearless. They charge into battle with courage and determination, often risking their lives for their human comrades. Some might think of war as a terrible thing, and I understand why. But, for those horses in that dire situation, they are following their master's call and serving their purpose to the very best of their abilities.

736 saw the continuing refinement of breeding for different purposes. While some were bred specifically for battle, many like myself, the draught horses, were selectively bred for their strength and resilience, allowing them to work long hours with a minimum of fuss. And then there were the fleet-footed steeds, bred for speed and agility, suitable for riding or hauling lighter goods. The demand for all types of horses meant that the importance of selective breeding was widely recognised. It was a common practice for horse breeders to match mares and stallions based on the desired characteristics in their offspring.

The year 736 was a busy year even for horses beyond the borders of my own little world. In distant places, horses continued to play important roles in diverse cultures. In the vast steppes of Central Asia, nomads depended heavily on horses for transportation and raiding. Their swift steeds carried them across vast distances, facilitating trade and maintaining their dominance across those lands.

While the Romans may have faded into the past, their influence remained deeply woven into the lives of horses throughout the world. From chariot races to heavy-duty pack animals, the Romans had truly understood the power and potential of the horse. In regions once conquered by Rome, their horses continued to serve various purposes.

As the sun began its westward journey, casting long shadows across the fields, we draught horses would return to our stables, weary but satisfied. We might not have a glamorous life, but we felt a deep sense of purpose.

As we chewed on hay and dozed in our stalls, the faint echo of our human world would reach our ears: children laughing, blacksmiths hammering, dogs barking, the wind whispering through the fields. We were an integral part of their world, and that was a fact I took immense pride in.

In 736, horses played a crucial role, shaping every aspect of human life from agriculture to warfare. While the world outside might be chaotic and unpredictable, within my own quiet existence, I knew one thing for sure: my life was filled with meaning. It was a simple life, a humble life, a life dedicated to working hard and contributing to my world. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Till next time, dear friends, may your oats be plentiful and your saddles well-fitted!