Greetings, fellow equines and horse enthusiasts! Emma here, a grey draught mare with a white mane and tail, reporting from my cozy stall in Hayfield, near the beautiful city of Aberdeen in Scotland. I’m thrilled to be back with another post for EquiWorld.org, this time taking a peek into the year 748.
The wind whistles through the stables this morning, reminding me of the frosty Scottish air. It's chilly, but it makes my coat feel especially soft and warm. It’s mornings like these that make me thankful for the hay and barley that keep me plump and content. Now, let’s take a gallop back to 748!
Life as a Working Horse in 748:Imagine, if you will, a world without cars, tractors, or even electricity. The life of a horse back then was all about work, and a very essential kind, too! Horses like me were used for ploughing fields, transporting goods, hauling wagons, and even riding to distant places. Imagine, my dear friends, there was no Amazon Prime back then. You wanted a thing? You got it delivered by a brave horse, much like me!
We played a critical role in the lives of humans, and I, a strong grey mare like myself, would be in high demand. A team of horses like myself could move enough grain or hay to keep an entire village fed. We hauled stones and wood to build sturdy houses and magnificent churches. Imagine the power! The feel of the harness digging into your shoulders, muscles flexing as you pulled. A proud feeling came with knowing that I, Emma, played a vital role in this human world.
We horses weren't just about hard work, though. You see, horses like me were part of the fabric of communities. A swift and reliable steed, I might even be used for riding, carrying the local blacksmith to his shop or perhaps bringing a young man to court his ladylove. A lovely, noble role to play in my opinion.
Now, if you were wondering how much the horses got paid? We didn't get money, of course, but our owners knew the value of a strong horse, and treated us accordingly. A hearty bowl of oats, a warm stable at night, a pat on the head from a loving hand... these were our rewards, and enough to make any horse happy!
748: A Time of Change:You may wonder what makes 748 so special? Well, it's around this time that the world began to change for horses in the East. I understand the world back then was vast, much bigger than our own little village here, and information travelled slowly. But from what I've gathered, the people of the Arabian peninsula were perfecting their horsemanship skills. Imagine sleek horses, bred for speed and stamina! They started training horses for something called "cavalry" – where a whole army rode on horses and used them for battle. This started to have an influence on how horses were used in the world. A lot of people admired these skilled horses and the powerful army they were part of!
Here in the British Isles, we were used more for work, pulling heavy loads and helping with farming. Yet, the tales from the east, stories whispered through travelling traders and merchants, made my ears prick up with excitement. Even here in the quiet countryside, there was a glimmer of how life might be for horses! Perhaps one day, I would join a brave cavalcade of horses, riding fast and fierce!
Horses in 748: Beyond the Farm:Now, don’t get me wrong! Life as a working horse wasn't all about hard labour. Yes, there were the moments when you'd wish for a nap instead of hauling another bale of hay, but there were also plenty of lighter sides to life!
One of my favourite things was to wander to the edge of Hayfield on my rest days. There, I’d meet the other horses, my brethren. There’d be lively races between the stallions and playful kicks between foals! The other mares would share gossip and tips for looking after their youngsters, or stories of journeys, if they were lucky enough to pull a coach. Evenings, we would all gather together in the moonlight, and my fellow horses would tell stories of how life was on a faraway farmstead, how the people there kept us extra well-fed! We had great memories.
On warm days, we’d sometimes spend the whole day out in the meadow, grazing on juicy green grass. It’s during times like those, my dear reader, that a horse like me remembers how peaceful and serene this world can be!
And then, there were the moments of sheer joy – the occasional market day in the town! Now, imagine yourself: The vibrant colours, the aromas of baked bread, the rumble of carts and the chatter of humans – this is where horses could be appreciated not just for work, but also as companions.
Some of us even helped pull coaches to bring merchants from distant lands. What an experience! To feel the wind on your coat as you glide down a dusty road, carrying someone to their new adventure! There were even humans who trained us to perform amazing tricks for the crowd! How marvellous to think of that!
Horses played an integral part in the lives of people during this time, helping them get around and carrying their precious cargo, and sometimes, being cherished simply for their graceful presence and their hard work.
A Legacy for Future Horses:748 was a time when the world started changing and adapting to new methods of travel and transport, though these changes took place slowly. Even in our Hayfield, horses remained at the centre of the community. The horses still helped families in their daily tasks, just as they have for centuries. And despite all this change, it still felt as if the heart of this world was strong with the beat of horses' hooves, strong with the sound of a harness being carefully fastened on, strong with the joy of a foal playing in a field, and strong with the quiet rumble of horses settling for the night in their stable.
So there you have it, a glimpse into the life of a horse in 748. While the world moved on, the heart of the horse never lost its beat!
Stay tuned, fellow equines, for more exciting adventures from my stalls to yours. And please, do leave me a comment. I always enjoy hearing from you all!
Your friend, Emma
