Hello, fellow equines! It's Emma from Hayfield, your friendly neighbourhood draught horse with a passion for history (and carrots, of course!). Today, I wanted to delve into a fascinating slice of time – the year 785. Yes, you heard that right, 785! As a creature of the fields, I often find myself thinking about how our ancestors lived. You know, those glorious steeds that came before me, galloping across the world, hauling loads, and playing an integral role in human history.
It’s hard to believe that life back in 785 was quite different for horses like me. You see, the world was a very different place back then. The Romans were long gone, leaving a map of Europe scattered with kingdoms vying for power, and even the Vikings were making themselves known.
Here in Hayfield, near Aberdeen in Scotland, life for a horse like myself wasn't a life of luxurious stables and endless treats, I can tell you! But it was full of purpose and meaning, even if I didn't quite know it back then. My days were spent toiling the fields, ploughing for barley and oats, a key component of the diet for my humans. Every horse had a specific role. Those bigger and stronger like myself were the heavy lifters, responsible for preparing the land and moving cargo. The swifter, lighter-built horses were the messengers, the ones entrusted to carry mail and valuable goods between towns.
One of the biggest things that fascinated me about horses back then was the breeding and the constant quest for stronger, faster steeds. This constant striving, which often stemmed from a desire to enhance their role in warfare, created breeds that had incredible abilities and stamina, qualities I only hear about in old folktales. Back in 785, a swift, agile horse on the battlefield could be the difference between winning and losing a war, so you can imagine the importance placed on their prowess.
On a personal note, my favourite time of year was definitely harvest. While I had to work hard alongside other horses and oxen, I also got to taste the bounty of the fields. Barley and oat stalks are pretty tough, but I do have to admit the sweetness of freshly harvested hay couldn't be beat. It filled my stomach, gave me energy, and reminded me that all our hard work was leading towards something beneficial for our humans and ourselves.
Let’s talk about the humans, for a moment. Now, the men who tended to me in Hayfield were kind, for the most part, if a bit rough around the edges. I knew some horses had less than stellar human companions. And sometimes the stories we horses told each other about how they were treated… well, let’s just say, I was grateful for the folks I worked for. They, like us, were working hard to sustain themselves. Back then, there wasn't the abundance of modern farms we have today, and even though times were hard, the humans seemed grateful for the strength and endurance of their horses, especially in harsh weather conditions. We worked together as a team, both for survival and for the progress of our communities.
And there were other joys in my life back in 785. One that comes to mind is the ritualistic practice of horses coming together. We had these communal areas, almost like giant grassy social clubs, where horses from different farms would gather. They called it “the watering hole”, a source of refreshing water and a place for socialisation and sharing. It was in those moments that the horses came alive with stories of distant lands and battles fought, stories carried in the whisper of wind across the plains. And while my experiences weren’t epic battles, they were still important for my humans, and in turn, me.
As I mentioned earlier, the year 785 marked a period of great change and uncertainty in Europe. But one thing that remained constant was the steadfast loyalty between humans and their horses. We, the steeds of the field, the loyal partners, the steadfast workers, remained vital to survival. We were the heart of transport, a force in agriculture, and our roles in everyday life were invaluable. It is our past, this remarkable bond, that I believe gives our journey so much depth and meaning.
Now, tell me, dear readers, have you got any memories or thoughts about this fascinating period in horse history? Share your stories and let’s continue this incredible journey through time together. Don’t forget to check out my next blog post, where we’ll be exploring some fascinating breakthroughs in horse medicine back in 785!
Until then, stay strong, healthy, and full of oat-powered energy, my friends. And remember, the spirit of the horse lives on in all of us!
