History of Horses in the year 0796

Welcome, my fellow equine friends!

It's Emma here, from Hayfield near Aberdeen, Scotland, and I'm thrilled to welcome you to another blog post on EquiWorld. This week, we’re taking a journey back in time to the year 796.

Now, 796 wasn’t a year filled with glamour or grand feats for us horses, but it was a year of change, a year of beginnings. Just like all of us here, in those days, horses were adapting to new ways of life, forging connections, and … well, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t think a bit about those delicious oatcakes while out in the fields, just like now! But I’m getting ahead of myself…

Before we start, a little bit about me! As many of you already know, I'm a grey draught horse with a gleaming white mane and tail, and I’ve always been drawn to the tales of our ancestors – those beautiful, spirited horses that galloped across vast plains centuries ago! In those days, you were free to roam and graze wherever you liked! As my own life settled into a daily routine of hauling goods and helping with farm work, my thirst for history only grew stronger.

Now, back to 796. We’re talking about the very beginnings of what’s considered "the early medieval period.” Imagine a time where, well, life felt pretty simple, but not without its challenges. I wouldn't call the year 796 glamorous. There wasn’t the same buzz of competition in horse racing we see today or the fancy saddles and polished leather reins that grace the modern equestrian scene.

Yet, that was just the beginning, my dear friends. The seeds of what we see today were planted in that year, 796 AD. Let’s go back to see why!

It’s easy to overlook the power we hold as horses – especially now, as modern machinery often overshadows the skills and resilience we bring to the table. But in 796, it was impossible to ignore us. From the plough in the fields to transporting precious goods to distant lands, our strength and dedication formed the very foundation of society.

Think of us as the cogs in a wheel, and humans as the drivers! And don’t think we didn’t appreciate the little details: our carefully crafted bridles, the comfort of our harness, and, of course, the occasional head scratch – all of this made us feel truly valued. We had a crucial role to play, which meant our lives were filled with purpose.

But there was more to us than being a mere tool! It wasn’t just about pulling a cart, though it certainly was important. Horses also served as mounts for our human partners. This meant, for a privileged few amongst us, that we were privy to some very exciting journeys. Whether it was carrying a nobleman on a swift expedition across the highlands or participating in a lively hunting excursion through the woodlands, these experiences were simply a delight. It brought a thrilling thrill to our daily routine!

However, 796 saw an emerging shift in how humans were using horses – a gradual transformation from wild, free roaming creatures to more carefully trained partners. In fact, many people who had a love for horses even started to train us in specific skills! Some of us learned to gallop fast, while others, like me, honed our skills for strength and pulling weight. And trust me, my fellow horses, the world was definitely looking for strong work horses!

796 wasn’t all work! The world was changing, and even as I, a horse, had a hard life hauling supplies, things around me were evolving as well. Here's a peek into what life looked like around this time.

A Changing Landscape: A Little-Known Raid on Lindisfarne

Although a seemingly quiet year for horses, it wasn’t quiet in the rest of the world! 796 marks a momentous, perhaps even a dark event – the devastating Viking raid on Lindisfarne in England!

Though we horses were far from these battlefields, this raid sent tremors across Europe! It was a turning point for everyone. Suddenly, humans weren’t just preparing for the simple life – they needed to become more resourceful and tougher, even to safeguard their communities from potential attackers.

I’m sure you've heard your humans talking about the Vikings, these brave Norsemen with their longships and incredible stamina, raiding shores and challenging settled communities. They quickly demonstrated their strength in a big way! It changed the world – especially in how people would start to depend on us, horses, even more than ever. We would need to be ready for the challenges ahead!

The world around us was changing in ways we couldn't possibly comprehend at that time. Back in my home in Hayfield, near Aberdeen in Scotland, life remained as always, simple, grounded, and tied to the natural rhythms. Here, at the fringes of the Highlands, the wind whistled through the heather, and I carried a simple life.

It wasn’t about chasing fame and glory. We just got on with life. Each day, I would start my work on the farm. I’d wake with the roosters crowing, the early morning fog shrouding the fields like a blanket. It was time for our daily duties.

My role was important. We’d be pulling the plough across the field, preparing the soil for a bountiful harvest. This is how we lived - it was a beautiful way to experience the world, with a purpose and the love of a warm stable!

Our stables in Hayfield were basic but adequate, just like most stables across the land in those days. There wasn’t much space to move about. But the wooden floors kept us dry during the harsh, damp weather that could come on any day. And of course, we had a great bunch of friends – from fellow draught horses like myself to the ponies and, at times, the lovely horses who came through as visitors from the neighboring estates.

Sometimes, during our long working days, my friends and I would take turns narrating our dreams, each of us imagining a life filled with a freedom we could only wish for. I dreamed about exploring the open valleys of the Cairngorms or venturing out into the breathtaking rugged landscape, the hills a-ripple with vibrant green!

At night, after the work was done, the stars, as beautiful and bright as diamonds sprinkled on a black velvet cloth, seemed to hang like a luminous curtain above us.

My most cherished moments, and they were frequent, were in the early morning, the golden sun kissing the peaks of the Cairngorms and warming our fields. It filled me with a deep contentment. There was nowhere else I wanted to be, but Hayfield, home to so much peace, the warmth of the earth, and the beauty of a Scottish sunrise.

It’s the very core of why we remain so loyal to our homes and the lives we have been given.

The stories of us horses are so varied, like the patterns in a fine tapestry. Each one adds colour and vibrancy to the broader tapestry of life. The same is true for human history - they are not just one-dimensional and each has their own rich stories to share.

Take, for instance, a young mare I knew. Her name was Willow. She had a fiery red coat and a temper as fierce as a Highland storm. She loved freedom. Now, Willow’s story wasn’t always about a life spent working on farms or being saddled with humans’ responsibilities. She wasn’t afraid to roam.

Willow was known throughout the surrounding highlands. With her fiery spirit, she would slip out of her stable, like a ghost in the night, escaping the bonds of humans. She would follow her instincts and ride the currents of freedom through valleys and meadows, seeking the comfort of the vast expanse and beauty that lay beyond her human’s reach.

She was the epitome of freedom – a symbol of a wilder, more unpredictable past where horses roamed the wilds untamed and unshackled.

Her tale is like an untamed melody played upon the wind! Perhaps you, my dear fellow horse friends, also dream of adventure! Maybe you wish to run through fields under a starlit sky, with the wind caressing your mane and the earth echoing your powerful rhythm as you run.

We may live simple, structured lives. But, deep down, within every one of us – every horse – there lies an ancient instinct for a wilder existence!

So there you have it, 796! A year of transition and change – not only in the wider world but also in the world of horses. Even today, we still learn from our past, embracing the legacy our forefathers handed down, while constantly exploring ways to thrive in this modern, evolving world.

So much is happening – we’re not just a workhorse – we’re friends, companions, and athletes! The horse world keeps changing, and who knows, what other tales the future holds for us?

Until next time, happy riding and grazing! Don’t forget, a little oatcake a day is great for our strength, and the best kind of treat is sharing stories and laughing with fellow horses.

Farewell, for now!

Emma