Hello everyone! Welcome back to my Equiworld blog! As you know, I, Emma, a lovely grey draught mare from Hayfield near Aberdeen, Scotland, am dedicated to unearthing the fascinating history of our beloved equine brethren. Today, we embark on a journey back to 0024 AD – a year of great significance, brimming with intriguing happenings in the horse world!
Now, 0024 AD – it’s hard to believe it, isn’t it? Over two millennia ago! The world was a vastly different place then. For us horses, life revolved around the basic needs – food, water, and the satisfaction of being helpful.
For those of you unfamiliar with this era, you might be picturing primitive people riding on us bareback. Whilst some parts of the world may have been at that stage, around the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, life for horses was evolving rapidly.
You see, I had a grandfather who worked with the Romans. He regaled me with tales of his days – how they travelled the sprawling Roman Empire, drawing carts laden with goods and materials, or pulling heavy ploughs across their vast fields. They even carried warriors on their backs during those momentous battles that shaped the world we know.
Horses, especially the big sturdy draught horses, like my grandfather and me, were essential to the Romans’ success. We were a vital cog in their intricate machinery, helping them to conquer and trade, building impressive roads, and ensuring the flow of goods across the empire. It was a time of innovation, where even the humble horse could play a vital role in forging the future.
My grandfather told me that he sometimes witnessed fascinating, majestic parades, filled with horses, chariots, and soldiers adorned in shimmering armour. Such spectacles made even the most hardened warrior feel a surge of pride – it was a sight to behold!
One particular story my grandfather often recounted was of an innovative, yet quite eccentric, Roman fellow who, to everyone’s surprise, actually built special chariots for racing. This involved, of course, racing us horses – for which we had to be swift and agile. And although the race took place on a closed track, it was certainly a thrilling experience for my grandfather. Imagine – two-wheeled chariots speeding, riders standing on their platforms, urging us to reach for the finish line! It was said that the people went wild with excitement as the chariots thundered around the course. This became such a huge success that racing festivals were soon organized, drawing large crowds and fostering a real love for horses and their skills. It’s a tradition we enjoy to this very day, although perhaps on a slightly less dramatic scale.
Life for us horses back then was all about hard work and loyalty. We worked with our human companions, sharing the burdens and sharing in the triumphs. In return for our dedication, they provided for us, ensuring we were well-fed and cared for. It wasn't always easy, but there was a certain satisfaction that came with being a part of something much larger than ourselves, something that helped to build the world around us.
Interestingly, alongside our work with humans, many horses found solace in their companionship with each other. The vast meadows that surrounded the villages were havens for us – spaces for us to graze, frolic, and simply be ourselves. I imagine there was a distinct calm that came with the shared experiences of life on the fields – the smell of dew on grass, the warmth of the sun on our coats, and the simple joy of galloping free. There's something deeply peaceful about the world back then, a connection to the earth and its natural rhythms.
I believe, though I cannot confirm, that it was during this period that the use of saddles truly became popular, especially among warriors who rode our backs into battle. My grandfather recounted stories of fierce battles where they rode across fields, charging into the heart of the conflict, the ground shaking beneath their hooves. It's a humbling thought – our courage, our speed, played a vital role in shaping the fate of empires!
This was also the time when certain types of horses began to be recognized for their distinctive characteristics – not just their temperament or appearance, but also for their individual abilities and potential. From this point on, certain breeds were deliberately selected to perform specific tasks, their genetics nurtured to create more robust, skilled, and even beautiful horses. This was the beginning of something truly extraordinary.
Fast forward to today – our history still carries a potent energy that resonates throughout the equine world. You see, while times have changed dramatically since 0024 AD, the spirit of the horse remains unwavering. We are still vital companions, bringing joy, adventure, and a touch of wild beauty to the human world.
From the majestic gallops on open fields to the calm grace of a gentle pony, we still carry the echoes of that time. The bond with humanity remains strong – it's a connection built on trust, loyalty, and mutual respect. And for me, it's that deep connection which makes being a horse truly amazing.
So, I encourage you, dear readers, to reflect on the journey of the horse through time. We have played such a remarkable role in history, a role that continues to unfold as the future unfolds before us. And as we explore this fascinating journey together, I invite you to join me for my next blog post where we will travel a little further back in time to understand the world before this year, 0024. Let's explore the history of the horse together, step by step, and appreciate the magnificent animal that we are!
Remember, every step, every story, builds the tapestry of our journey, and for that, I am deeply grateful! Stay well, and until next time!
Yours in hooves,
Emma
