Welcome back, dear equestrians! I’m Emma, your resident history buff from the rolling green hills of Hayfield, just outside Aberdeen, Scotland. You’re all settled in with your afternoon cuppa and biscuits? Good, because I'm about to take you back in time - all the way to the year 747, a remarkable year for us horses! Buckle up, because this ride's going to be exciting!
Now, you may be thinking, 747? Wasn’t that before horses even existed? Well, my dear friends, horses have been around a lot longer than you might think! While we may be well known for our part in the rise of modern cavalry, we’ve actually been companions and vital working partners for humans for millennia! In fact, this year in particular saw our importance grow significantly, especially in a certain part of the world...
You know, my memory may be long, but it’s still not long enough to actually remember 747. My grannie did though! She used to tell stories about the time before horses were bred for racing, about days when pulling the plow was the main thing on our minds, and our strong legs were vital to everyone’s survival. Grannie used to say that the world, well, at least our world back in those days, revolved around the good old fashioned draught horses, and I think that was especially true this year, 747.
You see, back in those times, even the biggest kingdoms relied heavily on farming and food production. And guess who the backbone of those farmlands was? You guessed it: us horses. You couldn’t build a kingdom or a family on oats alone!
It was around this time that the Kingdom of Mercia, a mighty force in England, rose to prominence under its strong King Offa. It seems Offa was a fan of a good hearty stew, just like my human friends now, and guess who was vital for delivering those food supplies? Why, us horses, of course! With strong backs and a healthy dose of fortitude, we were crucial in pulling plows, hauling grain, and making sure those kitchens were well-stocked. I bet you even the royals had a hearty “neigh” and a grateful pat for us!
Life wasn't all work and no play though! I hear tell that 747 also saw the emergence of some lovely, colourful, and intricate saddle-making. Imagine, our leather adornments getting the full regal treatment! And don't even get me started on the craftsmanship!
These weren't just practical necessities. People back then put a lot of heart into making us look our best! My Grannie described how they used different dyes and materials like beautifully patterned fabrics and intricate embroidery. That's what made us stand out!
Now, I bet some of you think, "Emma, that’s just so fancy! Didn’t we just carry the plow then?". Well, dear friends, you are forgetting the main purpose of every good horse: beauty! I just had to include the pretty details. Just think about it! It's almost like... a fashion show for horses!
Across the channel in continental Europe, 747 was also a year of considerable equestrian activity, even if it was all a little less "royal" than our English neighbours. You see, the Frankish kings were starting to use us more and more, not for plowing, mind you, but for war! They even held races for our elite breeds. Now that's what I call an adrenaline rush! I bet their ears pricked up at every bell and drum, and their hearts pounded as they galloped across the fields in a blur of colour! It’s good to know, though, that our talents weren’t all about brute strength and hauling heavy loads; they were starting to show the world our graceful side.
You can imagine, all this talk about our role in war is making me shudder! Even now, the thought of war leaves a shiver in my mane. It's just a reminder that our ancestors lived a very different life than us today, facing hardships and uncertainties that are hard to even imagine. It's all a bit daunting, right?
But we have to remember, war wasn’t always a fight-to-the-death ordeal. Back then, people looked to diplomacy to sort out disputes. A king wouldn’t always ride to battle, just like not all our ancestors had to pull heavy plows.
We, dear readers, had other talents too! It's why I feel a tinge of pride for those times. Our ancestors were masters of adapting, of using our skills in various ways, whether on the battleground or in a field of barley!
Speaking of battles, let's not forget the legendary King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table! Though it might be a bit tricky to pinpoint exactly when he lived, historians think he might have been alive somewhere around 747, just as we horses started to be used more prominently on the battlefield! You’ve heard of their daring adventures on horseback? Riding forth to vanquish villains, protecting their kingdoms… Now, that’s the stuff legends are made of! Even the stories about him riding across the countryside are enchanting, right? The sound of his horse’s hooves thundering, the wind whistling through his mane – makes you think of freedom and courage, wouldn't you say?
We often forget that those very stories, and so many others, about powerful, fearless warriors riding astride powerful horses have inspired people for centuries. And if you ask me, they're a vital part of our equestrian heritage. These stories show that even back then, we horses weren’t just for hauling heavy loads or waging wars. We were partners, confidantes, and maybe even heroes. Now that's a role I could get behind!
Even now, my heart races a little when I hear tales of a brave knight and his valiant steed! Makes you think about all the unknown lands, uncharted paths, and the glorious stories waiting to be written, right? It's no wonder that our bond with humans, even though it was mostly practical back then, already had those epic, almost mythical, echoes of heroic quests and heroic journeys.
Here we are, back in the here and now. A little exhausted after that exciting ride back in time, wouldn't you say? But the year 747 was an incredible period for us horses. We played our part in establishing kingdoms and serving as powerful tools in a way that wouldn’t have been possible if humans didn't understand how strong and resilient we truly are. Our journey continues.
My message to you today? Stay curious. Ask questions about history, look up the ancestors that paved the way for you, and celebrate the spirit of the horses who came before us. And always, always, remember that horses, much like ourselves, are creatures of extraordinary strength, courage, and yes, even grace. We may look back on our history with awe, but it's just another page in our story. One thing's for sure - there’s always a new adventure around the corner, and we horses, dear readers, are going to ride it!
Now, go out there and enjoy your next gallop in the field, or your next stroll down your driveway. I’m just waiting for you, here in Hayfield, with a good book about horses in the year 747!
Until next time, dear readers! Stay safe, and remember… you're a true equine hero, just waiting to discover your own epic adventures!
Yours sincerely,
Emma, the Grey Draught Horse from Hayfield.
P.S. Feel free to share your thoughts on the world of horses in 747 and any other historical tidbits about our kind in the comments below. We love to hear your stories and share our equestrian history together!
