History of Horses in the year 0795

Greetings fellow equines! I'm Emma, a grey draught mare with a flowing white mane and tail, and I call the rolling hills of Hayfield, near Aberdeen, Scotland, my home.

I’m thrilled to share my perspective on horse life back in 0795, a time of change and opportunity. Oh, the tales I could tell! Buckle up for a whirlwind journey through the world of horses, as experienced by yours truly, and don't forget to leave a comment sharing your thoughts on the past!

The year 0795 found me as a spirited young mare, two years of age and full of life. In Hayfield, we're nestled near the edge of the great Scottish Highlands, surrounded by vast meadows, rolling hills, and craggy mountains. This part of the world has been our stomping grounds for generations, and we, the horses of Hayfield, know every nook and cranny. We are vital to the lives of the people here. Our strong backs carry their burdens, and our nimble feet traverse rugged terrain with grace and strength.

0795 was a pivotal year in Scottish history. The Pictish king, known as Conall II, ruled from his capital at Forres. He had been battling the Vikings for some time, seeking to protect our shores from their raiding parties. I imagine these Vikings were rough characters, even if they did admire a fine horse. Luckily, for the most part, Hayfield remained relatively peaceful, and my life revolved around the simple tasks that made up a day in the life of a farm horse.

From dawn to dusk, we horses work diligently, but never without reward. We helped with harvesting barley, oats, and rye. Our powerful frames were used to pull ploughs and harrows, turning the rich earth ready for planting. We pulled heavy carts, carrying firewood, goods, and families from place to place. Sometimes, our burdens included precious supplies to the Pictish army, which meant encountering brave warriors with shields and swords.

Our lives were often quite routine, and I’ll confess I liked that. I loved the comforting feeling of the warm sun on my coat as I grazed in the fields. My favourite moments were when I spent time with my fellow horses, nuzzling each other with affection and playfully chasing each other through the meadows.

We lived simply, but we were well-cared for by the Pictish people. Their generosity provided us with a plentiful diet of barley, oats, and even a little honey from their hives. We always had access to fresh water, a sturdy shelter, and kind words from our keepers.

Though the majority of my days were filled with work, horses like myself weren't just slaves to toil. Our spirits were valued, too. When the sun set on a day of work, we'd enjoy a hearty meal and socialize with our brethren. We shared stories, and reminisced about past escapades. Some evenings, we’d stand together, watching the moon rise over the fields, a silent symphony of starlight on our coats. These were the nights I'd dream of wilder things, imagining long galloping across the moors or maybe, just maybe, venturing across the sea on an exciting adventure!

There were times when the men would gather around a roaring bonfire and sing songs accompanied by a bard with his lute. The sound of their voices blended beautifully with the wind and the clink of their goblets, and I'd imagine myself a brave steed in battle or a graceful companion for a valiant knight.

The horses were an integral part of the community. Our strong bond with the people of Hayfield created a unique connection that filled me with pride. We were a part of something larger than ourselves, a community built on mutual respect and affection.

Even though life was relatively predictable, 0795 had a few special events that shook up the routine. In early spring, I heard a commotion in the village, with hushed voices and worried expressions. I discovered that a strange illness had arrived in our village, weakening the men and animals alike. It seemed a fierce, new enemy - a virus! The horses in the stables fell ill one by one, and some even succumbed to this relentless foe. Thankfully, the keepers cared for the sick and did everything they could to keep us healthy. Eventually, the illness weakened, and slowly, things returned to normal.

The other notable event of that year was a great gathering at the village market. Horses from far and wide flocked to Hayfield, joining us in a celebration of all things equine. I remember watching the people bustling about, haggling for prices and trading wares, with horses acting as a silent partner in their exchanges. It was a sight to behold, the sound of clanging bells, shouts of bartering, and a joyful atmosphere swirling through the air. I even heard a rumour of a champion racing horse that had travelled from far beyond the Highlands!

The world of horses in 0795 was quite different than what we know today. The breeds that were dominant in those times were not the same as the breeds we see now. Draught horses like myself were crucial, known for their size and strength, perfect for pulling carts, ploughs, and heavy loads.

While the breeds differed, the essential qualities remained the same: loyalty, strength, and companionship. Our ancestors were crucial to every aspect of daily life: agriculture, transportation, even warfare! A true symbiosis had formed between human and equine, and that relationship was as precious in 0795 as it is today.

I don't think anyone could truly imagine life without a horse, and I feel so lucky to be part of this long, powerful lineage. My life in 0795 was simple but full of joy, responsibility, and deep connection to the people I lived alongside. These times were a foundation upon which all future horse history rests, and the lessons learned back then are still relevant today.

As a young mare back in 0795, I never realised the significance of the horse in our world. The importance of horses stretches back further than even I can imagine, with records dating back thousands of years!

Perhaps one day, I'll delve further into those early days and share them with you here on EquiWorld. For now, let's just savour the past, present, and future. I urge all of you, my fellow equine companions, to join the conversation by leaving a comment on EquiWorld, or perhaps even sharing your own history with our incredible world. We’d love to hear from you!