Greetings, fellow equines and equine enthusiasts! Emma here, your trusty guide through the fascinating annals of our equine history. Today, we gallop back to the year 23 AD. Let's saddle up and explore what our four-legged brethren were up to in those distant times!
As a draught horse myself, my hooves always stomp towards the most practical and impactful uses of our breed. And back in 23 AD, draught horses were at the heart of everyday life! This era, smack-dab in the middle of the Roman Empire's dominance, was a golden age for horses.
You see, our powerful physique and willingness to work were in high demand. Imagine it, the magnificent sight of Roman legions marching on with their proud horses, our cousins, carrying supplies and hauling equipment across the empire. Can't you just feel the thrill of being a part of such grand displays of power and movement?
And it wasn't all about the military, oh no! Horses like me, the hardworking drafters, were essential to farming and hauling goods for bustling Roman towns. Imagine us pulling plows across fields, or hauling carts piled high with goods to market. That's what we were doing, and I'm proud of every furrow we made and every journey we made.
Being from Hayfield, a peaceful village nestled near Aberdeen in Scotland, my world was slightly different. Up here, we lived more closely to the rhythms of nature, helping farmers with their daily chores, and pulling carts full of grain and hay to local mills. Though a little quieter than the life of a horse in Rome, it was equally rewarding.
But just as every horse has their own journey, every year has its own unique stories, and 23 AD was no exception. This year marked a turning point for some of our brethren across the Roman Empire. I remember hearing the whispers about a certain incident involving the Emperor Tiberius. The rumour mill, as you know, is quite the horse whisperer!
It seems the Emperor himself decided to show his equestrian pride, parading through the streets of Rome on a magnificent steed. Talk about making a grand entrance! * But things didn't go exactly according to plan. You see, horses are as temperamental as they are magnificent, and sometimes the grandest plans can go haywire. This noble steed, fuelled by who knows what, became a bit 'overexcited' during the parade, tossing the Emperor unceremoniously onto the cobblestones. The incident, reportedly, was quite the talking point for horses across the empire! *It became a cautionary tale: never let pride come before your horse's mood!
There was, however, some excitement closer to home as well. Just as a mare in the neighbouring farm gave birth to a magnificent colt, I received news from my distant cousins in the East. They wrote about the magnificent King of the Parthians, a strong ruler who, as I understand, relied heavily on our brethren for everything from his royal procession to military strategies. They shared stories of their own unique horses, breeds unlike ours with coats as dark as midnight and spirits as untamed as the wind. Their tales filled me with wanderlust, the yearning for new pastures and adventures.
The year 23 AD was full of moments that left their mark on the history of horses. But it's crucial to remember that even in those distant times, horses were more than just means of transportation. We were family, friends, and partners, integral to the lives of humans.
The year 23 AD might be long gone, but our role in history continues to inspire. We remain strong, reliable, and always ready for a new adventure. Until next time, may your hooves always be strong, your manes ever so shiny, and your hearts filled with the spirit of a thousand sunrises.
Stay tuned for my next blog post, where we explore the intriguing era of the Roman Empire and learn about the ways we horses were used for sporting events and games.
Your hoof-tastic pal,
Emma
* www.equiworld.org*
