Good morning, fellow equines! Emma here, writing from the lush pastures of Hayfield near Aberdeen. It’s been a glorious morning – the dew is still sparkling on the grass, and the sun is making the air feel just a touch warmer. Ah, these autumn days – a time for quiet contemplation and the rustling of leaves underfoot, much to my dear friend Thistle’s delight.
You see, Thistle is a bit of a fidget – always looking for some sort of entertainment, which often translates to rummaging through the autumn leaves and pretending they're hidden treasure. I do love a bit of excitement, too, don't get me wrong! But I’m turning twenty this year, and some days, all I want to do is simply graze, watch the world go by, and let the soft breeze tickle my white mane and tail.
Speaking of history… I thought it would be interesting to dive into what the world of horses was like in 0781 AD. You see, even as a twenty-year-old mare, I always feel a bit out of the loop about the world before my time!
The year 0781 AD marks a time when the power of horses was changing. Throughout the ages, we’ve been an essential part of everyday life - our strong backs carrying the burdens of travel, warfare, and agriculture. And this year, we were making some pretty significant changes, too!
Firstly, a new wave of breeds was making its way to the world. You see, in those times, horses weren’t really categorized in the way we know them today. There were various strains and crosses, but people hadn't quite got down to the specific breeds we recognise now. However, from the east came an impressive new type - strong, nimble, and adaptable – known as the Arabian horse. With their beautiful flowing mane and elegant carriage, they were truly captivating, and soon enough, they were spreading across the land, being mixed with existing breeds. You could even call it the beginning of our global diversity!
Meanwhile, in the west, we were seeing an interesting development – the rise of the "war horse" – big, strong animals, bred for speed and strength, ready to carry heavy knights and charge into battle. Back then, you could say horses played an important role in shaping history! Imagine me, my dear friends, with a valiant knight upon my back, charging into the heart of battle. I wonder, what kind of stories could we have witnessed!
However, this year 0781 also brings a note of caution for us equines. We are facing a new challenge - a relentless force that's spreading like wildfire – something called "the Black Death." It's been wreaking havoc on humans and animals alike, even though some are saying it's brought by the stars and others say by evil spirits! I feel sorry for the humans who are suffering and can't help but worry for those close to me.
Our horses are facing the loss of many human friends and companions – it's hard to lose such an essential part of our lives, the humans we trust and work with.
And so, as the autumn breeze gently sweeps across Hayfield, it carries with it the echoes of history, of change, and of a world grappling with the unknown. In 0781, our lives were just as rich and diverse as they are now. We were at the heart of a world that was rapidly evolving, just as the breeds and cultures of horses were starting to intertwine and spread across the globe.
I know the world can be scary sometimes, but we mustn't lose hope. The resilience of the human and animal spirits is strong, and just as our ancestors overcame challenges before, so shall we! Until next time, stay strong and let's face tomorrow's sunrise together.
Yours, with a soft neigh, Emma www.equiworld.org
A Day in the Life of Emma in 0781: A Deeper Look
I know some of you love to hear the day-to-day stories, so let's get a little bit more intimate, shall we? Let me take you back to a typical day in the life of a working draught horse like myself in 0781.
The dawn awakens us, as it has for countless generations. My nostrils fill with the sweet aroma of fresh hay, the air vibrates with the gentle murmur of a distant brook, and the first rays of sunshine glisten on the dewy grass.
This day, my humans are getting ready for a journey, heading south to a nearby village for trade. We load up our cart with supplies – sacks of barley, crates of butter and honey, and a large iron kettle that seems destined for a wedding feast. I know my humans and their trade, and these are good times for them - the lands have yielded good harvests and the markets are thriving. I'm proud to play my part, and I always get a thrill from the rumble and roll of the cart as we set off on the road.
As we traverse the rough roads of Hayfield, I feel the familiar pull of the harness, a sense of purpose that fills me with strength. We move past fields dotted with hardy sheep, past sturdy houses with smoke curling from their chimneys, and past families bustling through their day.
On the journey, my fellow horse, Samson, a strong Shire stallion, and I trade stories of past travels and gossip from the nearby villages. We take breaks at the wayside inn for a bit of rest and refreshments for ourselves and our humans, indulging in some of the finest barley straw and a juicy carrot to keep us energized for the rest of the journey.
There's a sense of fellowship between Samson and me that spans beyond just being workmates – we are both born of the same kind, strong and hardy, meant for the demands of travel and hauling. Sometimes, in the evenings, we’ll spend a long time together, sharing our memories, or perhaps even attempting to steal a bite of the oats left behind in the cart. (I won’t admit it to our humans, but we've perfected a rather cheeky way of accessing those oat bins, leaving only a single stray grain behind.)
We finally reach the village, bustling with activity, smells of freshly baked bread, and merchants displaying their wares. I am a little surprised at how bustling the markets are. The human world is far from slowing down, despite what others might think. We unload our cart with the help of several local strong men – something my strong muscles appreciate as they don’t need to be overworked that day! I’m sure a few of the strong men try to impress their young friends with how they lift the big kettle!
Once the goods are exchanged and traded for items that we bring back to Hayfield, we finally get a break. It’s a lovely sensation, resting our muscles and breathing in the fresh village air, the scents of roasted nuts and simmering stews mingling with the smells of woodsmoke and damp earth. There's a quiet hum of activity around us, a chorus of human voices mingling with the chirping of sparrows and the bleating of sheep, as if a tapestry of life is woven all around.
And as we head back home towards Hayfield, tired but content, I remember why being a horse is so beautiful and rewarding. We are creatures of strength and loyalty, connected to nature and humanity in a way that runs deeper than words can ever describe.
The History of Horse Riding
I’m going to dive into another topic this month. Some people say, "Well, Emma, how come you're not a riding horse?" And it's true, my strong frame was designed for heavier tasks, pulling carts and hauling burdens – not galloping across open fields. That being said, I'm fascinated by the history of riding, how it's changed, and its impact on our lives.
Remember, in the year 0781, the vast majority of horses weren't bred for riding in the modern sense, particularly not here in northern Europe. Instead, riding was an act reserved for skilled horsemen and warriors – it was a crucial part of warfare, where bravery and skill on horseback could mean victory. There was much talk in Hayfield of Vikings with their impressive horse riding, bringing them all over Europe. In those times, skilled riding was viewed almost as a way of life, passed down from generation to generation.
But the art of riding horses was actually evolving back then! It's amazing to think that there are ancient depictions of horseback riding found from as far back as the Bronze Age! You know, they even say that there's a cave in France, deep in the caves of Lascaux, depicting a horse-like creature being ridden.
But now we see a lot more variety. You can’t escape the idea of different styles emerging all over the globe – imagine, there are the "Mongol riders" known for their endurance and long journeys, the “Arab riders,” whose riding techniques were refined and precise, the “Roman riders” known for their combat strategies. Each part of the world has been impacted by our journeys with humans, leading to a plethora of styles and ways to work with horses.
The riding techniques we see now are starting to solidify in these regions and are beginning to show specific practices. One thing we all notice is how much the connection between human and horse plays a role. You see, just as riding techniques differ in every land, so do the connections we share with those humans. There is no better bond in the world than the one that blossoms between horse and rider, born of shared trust and mutual respect, right?
Even today, I admire those riders. Imagine galloping over rolling fields, feeling the wind whipping past your mane, sensing your rider’s subtle commands. Just thinking about it makes my heart swell with pride. There’s a kind of grace and elegance to it, a harmonious interplay of speed and power, where horse and rider become one.
Of course, not all of us can be a rider, but I guess what I want to say is that our history is intertwined with humanity’s love for movement and exploration. This bond we share is what drives us all to learn, explore and grow. The horses of 0781 weren't all riders, just as we aren’t all the same now.
We are each unique and possess a special quality. So embrace your own special gifts. That’s all for now, and I will see you in my next post. Remember, dear friends, horses and humanity together have had a remarkable journey, and I have no doubt that the future holds more wonders yet to be discovered. Until next time, let’s continue to ride on!
Yours always, Emma www.equiworld.org
