History of Horses in the year 0836

Hello, fellow equine enthusiasts! Emma here, your favourite grey draught mare with a passion for history. As I graze in my field here in Hayfield, near Aberdeen, a pleasant breeze rustles through the grass, and I can't help but think of the remarkable year 836. It wasn't a particularly eventful year for me personally, mind you - I was just a young filly then, still getting used to the responsibilities of pulling the cart for my farmer, Gregor. But history has shown it to be a rather remarkable time for our equine cousins across the globe.

Today, we'll embark on a journey back to that very year, a time when the world of horses was full of activity and adventure. So grab a handful of hay, get comfortable, and settle in for a captivating story of horse power and human spirit!

In 836, the world was still a very different place. Empires rose and fell, cultures clashed, and new technologies were slowly transforming the lives of humankind. You see, for us horses, these shifts in human civilization often meant an increase in our importance! Think about it - the stronger the human world becomes, the more they rely on us for transportation, power, and even warfare.

We, of course, played a vital role in the expansion of empires. It was through our strong backs that the Vikings traversed the icy seas, building their Viking Age! Picture those brave men and women, harnessing our strength to explore new territories. And then there were the vast empires of the east, using our abilities to travel across vast distances and trade precious goods.

For me, however, the excitement of 836 lay not in faraway lands but closer to home. My beloved Highlands were coming alive with energy and enthusiasm for one very special event - the Highland Games!

Every year, my heart gallops with anticipation as the Games draw near. The atmosphere is electric. Men in kilts gather, their eyes gleaming with fierce competition. Their muscles flex as they hurl heavy stones, heave huge weights, and wrestle each other to the ground. We, the horses, are central to these events - not just for transporting the men and their families, but also for their most important athletic feats - the tug-of-war!

I often get goosebumps watching them tug at the heavy ropes, our strength tested against their will. The earth vibrates with each pull, and the air thrums with cheers. It's truly exhilarating. The tug-of-war is a symbol of teamwork, of shared effort and the unwavering bond between man and beast.

And it's not just the men who take part! I remember the proud Scottish ladies riding astride their noble steeds in a spectacle known as the "Highland Laddie's Race". This race involved both the horse and the rider, their combined speed and agility being put to the ultimate test. They race through the crowded village, each turn bringing cheers of delight from the crowds. These women were incredible riders - strong, agile, and graceful.

But the Highland Games weren't the only spectacle in the year 836. In my lifetime, I've heard whispers of magnificent cities thriving throughout the world. Cities like Baghdad in Persia, the vibrant heart of trade and culture. Picture this bustling metropolis, alive with the sounds of hooves, camels, and the joyous bustle of humans exchanging goods and ideas.

There are tales of ancient Rome still thriving, where magnificent horses pulled chariots in grand races and processions. It's said that emperors used horses of incredible grace and strength, bred for their beauty and power. Can you imagine pulling a chariot, racing around the colossal Coliseum before a roaring crowd? What a feat of speed and endurance!

Across the seas in faraway China, the Tang dynasty was in full swing. Their Emperor had established an efficient network of horses for his formidable army. These were hardy horses, built for war. It must be an extraordinary sight, seeing these powerful animals charging across the battlefields with their warriors on their backs.

Even in my quiet Hayfield, I witnessed the vital importance of our equine family. My farmer, Gregor, relies on me for transporting goods, ploughing his fields, and even bringing water from the nearby well. I love helping him, feeling the warm weight of the cart on my back, my strong muscles guiding us steadily through the lanes. My kind, patient nature means I can also carry children, gently and securely, on my broad back.

And though we are now in a much different world than that of 836, I am filled with a sense of awe and pride when I think of the important role we, the horses, have played in shaping the world as we know it. We were, and continue to be, the silent companions in shaping human history.

From the epic Viking voyages to the intricate trades of the Tang dynasty, from the heart-pounding Highland Games to the humble duties on a Scottish farm, we are more than just animals - we are vital members of the human story.

So next time you see a horse, remember that they are not simply beasts of burden, but rather companions, friends, and powerful partners. They have carried humankind across millennia, bringing people, goods, and ideas together. And even though our ways of life may have changed drastically, our purpose remains the same - to serve humanity and bring them together through our unwavering strength, dedication, and unwavering spirit.

Stay tuned for more insights into equine history on EquiWorld.org, as I share tales of my life, and of the incredible story of our kind across the ages!

With heartfelt neighs,

Emma