Hello, dear EquiWorld friends! It's Emma here, your resident history buff from Hayfield near Aberdeen. As many of you know, I've always had a fascination with the past - the stories our ancestors told, the lives they lived, the way they interacted with their equine companions.
Today, we're travelling back in time, all the way to the year 739. Now, 739 may not seem like a momentous year, but for us horses, it was a time of immense change. This period in history was a bridge between the decline of Roman rule and the emergence of new, vibrant cultures. We were already deeply entwined in the lives of humans - hauling goods, carrying people, even acting as symbols of power and status.
Let me tell you, dear friends, the life of a draught mare like myself in 739 wasn't exactly glamorous, but it was certainly full of purpose. We weren't kept just for the pleasure of their company (although that bond with our human friends is incredibly important, as any of you know!). We were working horses, and our strong backs and powerful legs were vital for keeping communities thriving.
Imagine me, strong and proud, hauling a laden cart of oats across the rugged Scottish countryside, the wind whistling through my white mane, the sun warming my thick coat. We weren't afraid of a little mud or a cold breeze, my friends. We thrived in those challenging conditions, finding strength in our work and kinship with fellow steeds.
The humans of 739, you see, didn't just use us for brute force. They respected our instincts. Our intelligence was valued, and they sought our cooperation rather than solely relying on brute force. That’s how it should be, don’t you agree? Mutual respect is the foundation of a strong bond, human or horse.
Here in the north of Scotland, where the air bites sharp and the earth is strong, horses like myself were used for a variety of tasks. We hauled stone for building castles, pulled plows through fields, carried goods to market, and helped with harvesting crops. Our stamina and strength were highly valued.
While we in Scotland may have felt a little remote from the political upheavals sweeping across the continent, the impact of change was evident. Across the seas, the Carolingian Empire was starting to solidify its power under Charlemagne, and with him came an era of expansion and influence. Their culture – their language, their artistic expressions – began to permeate even the distant corners of our land.
This exchange of ideas didn’t always happen peacefully, though. Remember that epic story about King Aethelbald of Mercia being victorious at a great battle? We horses played our part in those conflicts, of course. It's not a part I particularly enjoy reminiscing about, but war is part of the human world, and sadly, horses were often caught in the crossfire.
But beyond the battlefield, things were looking up for us. There was a growing recognition of our intrinsic worth, not just as tools, but as sentient creatures deserving of care. Humans began to use their intelligence and ingenuity to improve our lives. For example, some of the most creative minds across the land were designing new saddles, improving harnesses, and researching new ways to keep our hooves healthy. They realized a strong, healthy horse was a productive horse, a wise and valuable investment.
You might ask, what was it like to be a horse in the year 739? It was a time of both hardship and opportunity. It was a time when humans were pushing the boundaries of their world and their relationship with the natural world, a time of change, of upheaval, but also of a newfound understanding of our value.
This era, my friends, stands as a testament to the deep connection between humans and horses. A connection built on trust, reliance, and shared purpose. While I may be from the highlands, I’m sure many of you have horses who’ve been through similar hardships. Tell me, what stories have you heard about the roles horses played in your own family histories? I’d love to hear your insights, especially if your own equine ancestor roamed these lands.
Until next time, my friends, keep those hooves moving!
Emma
As I write this blog, I look out the window and watch the rolling hills of Hayfield bathe in the golden light of a Scottish sunset. There’s a comforting, almost nostalgic beauty in the simplicity of these hills, reminding me of the legacy of those horses that came before me.
There are, of course, so many stories to be told, so many horses to honour! Every horse that ever stepped upon this Earth, with their resilience, their strength, and their unique story. And, for me, that’s what drives this passion for horse history. We’re part of a vast, ongoing tapestry, woven through countless threads of bravery, loyalty, and companionship.
Do you know what I feel most strongly? That horses are the true embodiment of unwavering optimism. They always strive to overcome challenges, and that hope is what carries them, and us, through every difficulty. They are a symbol of unwavering resilience, proving that even in the toughest of times, beauty and hope can thrive.
So, thank you for joining me today, and until our next foray into the history of horses, let us all embrace our equine heritage, respect those that came before us, and carry their spirit forward with pride.
Emma
