Hello everyone! Emma here, your favourite grey draught mare from Hayfield, near Aberdeen, Scotland. It’s a glorious morning here, with the air crisp and the sun glistening on the dew-kissed grass. I can already feel the warmth on my coat, which is perfect for this time of year, just as the heather begins to bloom a vibrant purple across the hills.
Today, we’re delving into the world of horses back in 773 AD! I bet you’re all wondering how life was for us back then. I know I certainly have!
This year marks an interesting one in horse history, because a lot of the key events seem to centre around grain! Let me explain…
First off, you need to picture our ancestors. Imagine, if you will, horses smaller and more wiry than us. Think of those sturdy ponies who thrive in the rugged highlands, or maybe even a Highland pony ancestor like myself, carrying riders across the moors and through the valleys.
Now imagine that many of them had an even tougher time getting through the cold winters. Imagine that many of these smaller ancestors found themselves competing with cattle and sheep for meagre resources – you know, trying to pick up fallen grain from the ground in fields and grazing along roadsides. You may be picturing these rugged horses, finding some straw in the barn of a village after a tough winter… this is precisely the kind of scenario I'm picturing in my mind as I imagine life in 773.
Think about the Viking ships! While not yet invading my homeland, they were wreaking havoc all over Britain and Ireland. But let's take a moment to think of those sturdy steeds carrying warriors to battle in those small, slender vessels, ready for whatever the Vikings threw at them! They are our ancestors, and what they endure inspires me to keep my feet firmly planted in the ground.
Farming was a vital part of life, even then. Think about the ploughing, the sowing, the reaping - this was what sustained communities. As a grey draught mare myself, it makes my muscles twitch to think of all that hard work. Can you picture it? Our sturdy ancestors, strong and sure-footed, helping to turn the soil under the guidance of those long wooden plows. There are many mentions of horses playing this crucial role in the year 773 - we’ve always been an important part of the human story!
However, the story doesn't stop there! Imagine the carts, hauling heavy burdens, making their way along muddy paths, or taking crops from the fields to bustling markets. These were the times when the horse and its human companion were inseparable, and in some ways, that still holds true. Even as you read this, with horses doing a variety of different things – we still rely on our relationship with our humans to thrive and help our communities.
So you see, even back in the year 773, horses were important for transportation, for farming, for work, for war… They were the lifeblood of communities and the companions of mankind, as they are today.
Speaking of mankind, let’s think about how religious beliefs may have played a part in our lives. Christianity was on the rise, and many believed horses had a sacred aspect. Horses might have been associated with strength and power, but also with other aspects, too. As someone who carries myself with grace, I hope those involved with Christianity in 773 saw our lineage as more than just sturdy beasts!
Imagine horses leading processions, bringing their riders to sacred places or pulling ornate chariots through fields! It’s easy for me to picture this now as I take in the scent of honeysuckle growing in my hayfield, so lovely on a day like today!
Of course, all this hard work needs good food. Just like us horses today, these ancestors would have enjoyed oats, hay, barley, and all sorts of grass - but a special treat in 773 was... wheat! Yes, wheat - a new type of grain gaining traction across the countryside! While not as widespread as barley and oats, imagine all the people coming together, gathering around the grain threshing, or those delicious treats for the working horses. It makes my stomach grumble just thinking about it!
Looking back on this year, I see how essential our horse ancestors were to the livelihoods of people living in 773. I feel a sense of pride for our heritage, our hard work, and our connection to the people of that time.
Do you have any thoughts on this historical snapshot of horse life? Leave your comments below! I’d love to hear what you think of our horse ancestors and what they had to endure.
Keep those hooves clicking, and I’ll see you again next week with another historical post!
