Good morning, fellow equines and horse lovers! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood grey draught mare from Hayfield, just outside of Aberdeen. The heather’s starting to bloom, which means spring is officially here and that can only mean one thing: it’s time for another history blog!
This month, we’re travelling back to 0762 - a time when horses, like myself, played an even more central role in everyday life. While it's hard to pinpoint exactly how my ancestors lived back then, history books and some carefully preserved records offer us fascinating glimpses into the equine world of over a thousand years ago.
First off, I’d say life for horses was much tougher back then. Our lives were centered around providing sustenance and power to our human companions, who often had much simpler lives than we do now! Most of us worked on farms or hauled goods along winding dirt roads.
My fellow grays might have found themselves helping plow fields for wheat and barley - an important food source in those days - while stallions were relied upon for their strength and endurance in hauling heavy loads of stone and timber. The Romans were still influencing much of Europe, and it was not unusual to encounter legions of soldiers using horses to charge into battle. But 0762 AD marked a time when Christianity was becoming more widespread and peaceful - so a large portion of horses, like my kind, were likely used for more constructive purposes.
However, that's not to say life for horses back then was without its beauty! I imagine myself as a young filly, trotting through lush green meadows beside my dam and the other members of my herd, the wind rustling through my white mane. My world was a beautiful tapestry of sun-drenched hills, wildflowers dancing in the breeze, and the rhythmic clip-clop of hooves on firm ground.
But of course, the reality was much different for a vast majority of our kind. There were long days of hauling plows through heavy clay soil and the uncomfortable weight of packed sacks on our backs. But we endured because, deep down, horses like me are inherently strong and resilient creatures.
Let’s move on to something a bit more light-hearted! 0762 saw some significant progress in equestrian equipment. This was an age where innovation began to shine through. While most humans might still have ridden bareback, some innovative saddles started appearing, with sturdy, yet elegant, designs made from woven reeds and leather straps, perhaps with some finely worked metal inlays. These innovations likely eased the strain on the horse’s back, improving both their comfort and efficiency.
As for the horses themselves, I can imagine some beautiful specimens existed, with markings that reflected the wildness and beauty of the era. From dappled grey and majestic blacks to the ever-popular chestnut, a vibrant variety of colour existed within the horse population - showcasing the diverse landscape and varied bloodlines that existed back then.
Let's not forget about the grooming techniques used! Horses were precious commodities, so caring for their health and appearance was essential. Although modern brushes might not have existed yet, the early techniques involved using dried hay stalks, rough bark strips, and a hearty dose of patience and gentle rubbing. That likely ensured the coat of our ancestors shone beautifully and remained free from tangled knots and annoying flies.
And as for the diets, horses like myself were often fed a simple mixture of grasses, oats, barley, and whatever leftover vegetables and fruits could be spared from the human harvest. Though not as rich as our current diets, this offered essential nutrients to ensure horses remained strong and healthy, ready to face whatever challenges life threw their way.
Overall, life as a horse in 0762 was an exercise in grit and resilience. Yes, things were simpler back then. But we must never forget that even in these humble beginnings, the horse’s importance to the well-being of the human race was deeply intertwined.
Just think: without us, imagine the world back then, without the power to pull heavy carts, the agility to ride across rough terrains, or the ability to transport goods. Horses back in 0762 provided the very lifeblood of a growing society, making it a pivotal era for horses throughout the world.
If you have any fascinating information or stories about life for horses in 0762, I’d love to hear about them! Leave a comment below and let’s continue the equine adventure together.
Stay curious,
Emma
