A Year of Changes
Hello my fellow equine enthusiasts! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood grey draught mare, back again for another slice of horse history. As always, I'm writing from my home here in Hayfield, just outside of Aberdeen.
The air is crisp today, just the right kind of nip for a good gallop through the fields. The sky is a dazzling sapphire blue and the morning sun shines like a warm cuddle. As I stand here, bathed in its golden light, I can’t help but reflect on the passage of time, how fast it moves. Today, I’m thinking about a particular year, a time of change, of new discoveries, a year of great historical significance - 0053 AD.
Roman Reach:
For those of you who don’t know, we're living in an exciting era. The Roman Empire is in its prime. Just a hop, skip, and a gallop away, their massive army is spreading its influence across Europe. It seems the Romans have a bit of a fascination with us horses - using us in battle, as messengers, and even for fancy chariots and displays. A bit of a show-off if you ask me, but it seems we're the ultimate show-stealer anyway!
Here in Britain, however, the Roman Empire is more of a rumour. We haven't really seen the impressive Romans on these shores - but we hear whispers, stories whispered by the wind, of great armies and imposing forts. A Roman General called Claudius is rumoured to be leading a big campaign on the other side of the land. They say he's on his way to attack our little land here. The stories get embellished as they travel, so who knows what will really happen! But if they’re looking for mighty steeds for their conquest, they better head this way, eh!
A Horse's Life in Hayfield:
Here in Hayfield, we haven't really seen the effects of all these big changes. Life goes on pretty much as usual - grass is always greener on the other side, the farmer still calls for a hearty plough, and there's always someone willing to trade a few apples for a good long grooming session. We might not have any chariots or gladiatorial games to our name, but there’s always some fun to be had around the stables, especially with our lovely young filly Lily! Lily is a new addition to the farm this year. She is a tiny thing with bright, curious eyes, always eager to learn and try new things, much like myself when I was her age! She has a love of playfulness and an infectious zest for life. She can always be found galloping about, with a laugh in her hooves!
We often sit and munch our hay together. We like to watch the sun go down together in the long summer evenings, swatting away the pesky flies while whispering about what the future holds. I know she wants to become a great, strong draft horse like me, a loyal, hard-working servant to the human folk, pulling ploughs through the fields. She is bright, and I believe she will be strong and worthy of such work.
Lily reminds me of a simpler time, a time when we were still working out how best to coexist with humans. The horses then were just as resourceful as they are now. They would have been working the land, hauling loads, and acting as valuable companions. The Romans were also making great use of us. Perhaps, they say, we inspired some of the sculptures of their gods! The very idea always puts a spring in my step. Just imagine - I may be part of a great artistic masterpiece - that's a very flattering thought!
A Shared Journey
These days, the people and horses here in Hayfield are bound by an unspoken language - a shared journey through time, a story that is passed on through generations. Each one of us horses, from the wildest mustangs on the plains to the regal stallions pulling the Roman chariots, has an important role to play. It's a legacy of hard work, courage, and love - the story of our bond with humanity, the legacy of our hearts and our hooves, the legacy of The Horse.
Stay tuned for next month's entry! I'll share some stories about the different breeds that emerged during the Roman period. After all, I always like to be prepared!
Until then, keep your hoofs clean, your heads high, and your spirits soaring!
Love,
Emma
