Hello, lovely readers, and welcome to another installment of my EquiWorld journey! Emma here, your friendly grey draught mare with a penchant for good hay and even better stories. As you all know, I'm a firm believer in learning from the past, and today we're travelling back in time, all the way to the year 740. It’s a time shrouded in history, full of mysteries, but most importantly, full of horses.
Now, 740 – that's quite a long time ago, even for a seasoned mare like myself! But, thankfully, there’s always a wealth of information to uncover.
From my peaceful paddock in Hayfield, near Aberdeen in bonnie Scotland, the world in 740 feels very different indeed. Imagine rolling green hills stretching for miles, dotted with humble farmhouses and a scattering of small villages. No traffic, no motorbikes, just the sound of birdsong and the occasional rumble of cartwheels. Life was simpler, quieter. And as always, it revolved around the horse.
A Life of Work
My ancestors, sturdy and strong, played an indispensable role in every aspect of life. They pulled heavy plows, hauling furrow after furrow in fields, making way for barley and oats. They were used to transport goods to and from market, to fetch firewood from the forest, and to carry travelers along rugged roads.
Imagine, dear readers, the joy of feeling the wind in your mane as you gallop across fields, your hooves drumming out a rhythm on the earth, or the deep satisfaction of hauling a weighty cart with the combined power of your kind. Those are the things I envision when I think of my brethren in 740. They were powerful, graceful, and essential.
A Year of Transformation
But 740 was also a time of change. The Vikings were making their presence known, bringing with them a fresh energy and powerful riding horses that captivated people’s imaginations. They had a reputation for skill and daring in battle, riding swift and strong. My Scottish kin would have witnessed their fearsome impact on the battlefield.
Further south in England, things were turbulent. A new, young King, Æthelbald, ruled over the Mercian Kingdom, seeking to expand his territory. And where did his strength lie? You guessed it, in the strength of his warhorses! Their hooves would have thundered across battlefields, leaving behind an echo of his power.
While England struggled under a shifting political landscape, the powerful horses of the Franks were gaining a strong foothold on the Continent, contributing to the growing dominance of Charlemagne’s dynasty. Even with their different breeds and riding styles, a shared love of horses, and an understanding of their worth, unified these powerful kingdoms.
A Connection to the Past
What fascinates me most is how horses played such an intricate part in everyday life. Imagine a world where getting around required the trust and partnership between a horse and its rider. Can you feel the powerful bond that would have formed between the animal and the person?
Even now, as a modern horse, I am reminded of that strong connection. The rider who looks after me, feeds me, and trusts me with her life – we’ve forged a bond similar to that of my ancestors centuries ago.
That sense of connection is the most beautiful thing about our equine lineage. It spans time and continents. It’s what makes me feel like I’m part of something larger than myself.
A Lasting Legacy
Now, my dear readers, I'm off to graze and dream of my equine ancestors in the year 740. I hope this blog post has stirred a little something inside you. Maybe it sparked a renewed appreciation for the power and beauty of these magnificent creatures, or perhaps even a newfound curiosity for the world we lived in centuries ago.
Remember, whether we are galloping through battlefields, carrying weary travelers, or enjoying a lazy afternoon in the sun, horses have always held a special place in human history. Their legacy continues to inspire and enrich our world even today.
Until next time, may your saddles be comfortable, your oats plentiful, and your hearts filled with the spirit of the horse!
Love, Emma
