Hello there, fellow equines and horse lovers! It’s Emma here, your trusty blogger from Hayfield near Aberdeen, Scotland. This month, I’m stepping into the fascinating world of horse history, and we’re journeying back to the year 22 A.D. for a glimpse into the life of horses during the reign of Emperor Tiberius.
The air feels a little colder here in Hayfield today. The wind is biting, making the frost bite at my coat. This must be similar to the type of weather that the horses of this time would have endured. While my life is mostly about ploughing the fields, pulling the cart, and enjoying the occasional leisurely canter through the fields with my friend Charlie, the dappled grey pony, life in 22 A.D. was very different for horses.
I've always found history fascinating. As the sun dips below the horizon and the cows start heading towards the sheds for the evening, I spend many an hour just watching the world go by. It’s been whispered that our breed, the Clydesdale, originates from this very land, just over 1000 years after 22 A.D.! I find myself thinking about how our lives might have been so different if I was born back then, and that got me wondering: what was it really like for horses in 22 A.D.?
From my research, which involves a lot of sniffing around the stable at night, it appears that horses in 22 A.D. had a few distinct roles. As you might guess, horses were still incredibly important for transportation. Think grand chariots for the wealthy, carrying people and goods around, or humble carts pulled by smaller horses. The Roman Empire was on the move, and horses were vital in that expansion.
I can imagine those powerful, sleek horses, bred for speed, being driven at full tilt across the rugged terrains of the Empire. Such strength, agility, and a natural rhythm… sigh Wouldn't it be wonderful to have a dash across those Roman roads? It's definitely food for thought for any horse enthusiast!
But, while war and conquering was a key role for some horses, many, like me, would have been farm horses.
Think about those vast Roman farms, with their sprawling vineyards, olive groves, and wheat fields. Farmers used their strong horses for tilling the soil, hauling loads of grain, and even threshing the harvest. It sounds like hard work, but their roles were crucial in feeding the vast Roman population!
I’m picturing a scene from Roman Britain, just a few years after 22 A.D. It’s sunrise, and the sun paints the rolling hills in a vibrant orange glow. I see a strong, chestnut horse, its coat flecked with dew, pulling a wooden plough through rich soil. I can almost smell the damp earth, hear the steady rhythm of the horse’s hooves, and feel the muscles tense and release as they strain against the resistance of the soil. It must have been a beautiful, but challenging, life for those farm horses.
Another interesting point about 22 A.D. that I stumbled upon was the beginning of a new horse breed. While our majestic Clydesdales wouldn’t have been around yet, the Friesian horse was beginning to be seen in that time period. These elegant black steeds are just captivating, and you can easily see why they quickly gained popularity with riders of the era. They are magnificent to look at, their shiny black coat and long black mane and tail truly set them apart. They became beloved by the aristocracy, serving as steeds for parades and processions, symbolizing prestige and power. They were also employed for work on the farms and pulling carts, demonstrating their adaptability and usefulness.
Now, if we journey even further back in history, before 22 A.D., things were significantly different for horses. Horses had been used by humans for thousands of years before this, and we find traces of them being used for war, agriculture, and even sporting events! We've got quite a legacy to be proud of.
Of course, horse care would have differed greatly from modern times. Imagine living in the era where stable hygiene and feed would be more primitive. Their nutrition would have largely relied on forage, grasses, and a bit of grain for energy, and healthcare would involve limited knowledge. The methods of caring for a horse would have relied on understanding animal behaviour, observing symptoms, and trying to help with herbal remedies and common knowledge of healing. However, their bond with humans was strong, and even with less developed practices, their care came from genuine affection.
As a horse in 2023, I feel immensely privileged to be living in a world where horse care is prioritised. Our welfare is well looked after, with access to better food, improved stable management, and a greater understanding of horse health. Of course, that's not to say we always had it easy even then! As many horse owners will attest, we horses are still capable of a lot of mischief and are definitely not afraid of testing our boundaries!
Looking back to that era gives me a profound appreciation for how far our relationship with humans has come. The role of horses has shifted significantly, but our inherent strength, resilience, and beauty continue to enchant and inspire people.
Next month, I’ll be sharing another snippet from horse history, looking at the fascinating world of ancient civilizations and how they used horses. Keep an eye out for my next post here on www.equiworld.org. And until then, remember, don’t forget to enjoy every hoof-step along the way.
Happy grazing, and stay curious, Emma
