Greetings, fellow equines and horse lovers!
It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood grey draught mare, writing from my humble stable in Hayfield, near Aberdeen. The weather here in Scotland is, as ever, a touch chilly. I’m grateful for the extra hay the farmer has been giving us, but the spring breezes still make me yearn for warmer days. But enough about the weather, let's delve into some fascinating horse history, shall we?
Today's topic? The year 752 A.D.
Now, 752 might sound like an age ago, and to a mere horse like me, well, it's certainly a grand stretch of time! But believe it or not, there are records from this era about horses, and those are the records I find most exciting.
Firstly, a little about my life here in Hayfield. Our days are pretty much dictated by the needs of the humans. I pull a plough with my friends, and we help move stones and timber, even if some days I wish I was simply out grazing in the fields with the wind in my mane. The men are kind enough, they see to it we have enough food and water and, more often than not, they speak to us in soothing tones – I've noticed that gentle words can calm a horse quicker than a stern voice. They also appreciate our hard work, which is a great thing, of course.
But 752 A.D.? Now that was a year for horse lovers!
Firstly, in the land of the Franks, King Pepin the Short reigned, and rumour has it he was a real horseman. He even gave out beautiful horses as gifts, for both men and women. That’s right, folks, even ladies could ride back then, though it’s mostly men who handle our training and riding. This King Pepin sounds like a man who understood the importance of a strong and healthy horse. I hear his reign marked a time of significant growth and progress for horses, with stables and breeding centres becoming quite the trend. It seems horses are prized not just for work, but also for their grace and beauty.
Secondly, across the vast, salty ocean in faraway Persia, the mighty Arab horses were being bred and loved as always. They have a beauty all their own, sleek as a desert wind, and strong as the sun itself. I hear they're a breed known for their fiery spirits and remarkable endurance, perfect for those who love a bit of speed. Their lineage dates back millennia, long before my time, making them true horse royalty. I sometimes imagine them trotting under the wide, starlit skies of Persia, leaving a streak of fire in their wake. It’s almost enough to make me yearn for a taste of that adventurous spirit.
Back to the mainland of Europe. In the year 752, the magnificent Aachen Cathedral, or ‘The Jewel of Charlemagne,’ as it is often called, was already under construction in present-day Germany. I can only imagine how much effort it took to transport all those huge stones. How many sturdy horses would have been needed? I have a sense of pride knowing that we horses played a vital role in making the world a more beautiful place, stone by stone.
Talking of Charlemagne, his life, from all I hear, is very much interwoven with the lives of horses. He loved his steeds dearly. He wasn't only a great warrior but also an extraordinary ruler, renowned for his kindness towards his loyal horses. Now, this speaks volumes of his character. It seems his understanding of horses extended beyond merely seeing them as work tools, and into their emotional and spiritual essence. It’s heartwarming to know that even powerful rulers could recognise the bond they shared with us.
In this very year, 752, there were rumours swirling of Viking raids across the seas, carried out on fast longships. The Vikings were skilled boat builders and navigators, using oars and sometimes even sails. However, there’s no denying that horses are their main source of power for land exploration. They’d ride their mounts deep into the forest and the meadows, and even up high onto rocky cliffs. Those hardy horses, they truly are masters of their surroundings, I must say. I’d like to think that all our lives as horses, from our ancestors of yore, have contributed in a significant way to the stories of our humans, from Viking exploration to building beautiful churches.
You see, even back then, in this year of 752, humans depended on us – horses – for trade, travel, and communication. Just imagine how differently the world would have been shaped if not for our strong backs and steady hooves.
As I close off my blog for the day, a gentle breeze ruffles my grey mane. It reminds me that I am only a small part of the vast and intricate tapestry of equine history. It’s both a humbling and thrilling thought, to know that every horse in this world carries a piece of that heritage, connecting us back to the grand, grey and often overlooked, but undeniably powerful, history of our kind.
Until next time, fellow horses! Remember, your story, no matter how small, is an important part of the wider tale.
Stay safe, stay strong, and stay galloping, Emma.
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