Hayfield, Aberdeen, Scotland, August 0080
Hello everyone, and welcome back to my humble blog! It’s Emma here, your friendly grey draught mare, back with another entry into the chronicles of horse history. Today, we’re taking a journey back to the year 0080. It’s amazing to think how much the world of horses has changed in all the time since then – and to know that we’ve always been such an essential part of it all.
Let’s go back in time, and I’ll take you on a little tour of life for a horse in this fascinating year. Now, it's always hard to tell with dates, but we know this period is when a horse would've found themself under the rule of the mighty Roman Empire. If I had to describe it, I'd say, imagine a world bustling with energy. There was constant movement, from the rumbling of chariot wheels to the clip-clop of our hooves on the cobbled streets. There was certainly no lack of work for us, let me tell you!
Oh, and by the way, my beautiful white mane and tail are definitely a testament to the care and attention we get in Hayfield. Our human friends make sure we have the best of everything, which is something that wasn’t necessarily commonplace for horses across the Roman Empire. While I’m not boasting, I will admit we are lucky to have such fine pastures here.
For horses across the Empire, a big part of their lives was hard work. Imagine this: hauling heavy carts full of grain, lumber, and supplies, traversing muddy paths, and often, crossing great distances under a scorching sun. That was pretty much our daily bread. Now, I'm a bit of a workhorse myself, but I must admit those days would’ve been a test of my strength!
A Time for Strength and Speed
It’s fascinating to see how our breed – the strong and sturdy Draughts - were essential for transport and agriculture. There was nothing those carts couldn’t handle, and we pulled them with incredible power! But it wasn’t all about muscle. Our fast-paced cousins, the lighter breeds like the Akhal-Teke and the Barb, were racing across arenas in thrilling chariot races. They were like beautiful arrows soaring across the track, captivating crowds and earning the respect of all who watched.
We often see the majestic depictions of Roman chariot racing on coins and carvings. Those are beautiful scenes. Though I, myself, have never seen a chariot race in person, I’ve heard enough stories to imagine the excitement of the crowd, the thunder of the hooves, and the smell of dust swirling in the air.
Of course, these breeds weren’t just show ponies! Their speed and endurance played an important role in the military. As swift and agile as the wind, these steeds carried the Roman legions across battlefields. Imagine charging across a field, your mane flying behind you, feeling the rumble of hooves and the pulse of your heart alongside those of the valiant soldiers – it must've been an incredible feeling.
But it wasn’t all about the battlefield, of course! In 0080, a gentle giant like myself would be a vital part of life in a bustling city like Rome. I imagine I’d have trotted through the crowded streets, delivering fresh produce to the markets and moving large blocks of stone for new constructions. The city's rhythm was built upon our footsteps, a symphony of clanging hammers, screeching chariot wheels, and the gentle rhythm of our hooves.
The Great Divide
You may have noticed I'm sticking to talking about the Roman world. That’s because during this time, the story of horses diverged greatly, depending on whether you were on the Eastern or Western side of the great Roman Empire.
In the West, we were vital to everyday life. We were used for work, transport, and even warfare. They’d even take care of their horses - sometimes.
Now, on the Eastern side of the Empire, a whole new story was unfolding. They had a deep understanding of horsemanship, with breeds like the Arabian excelling in beauty, agility, and endurance.
While those guys in the East lived a much more luxurious life, those Westerners like myself were seen as something of a working class - all grit and grime.
As always, this isn’t just a tale of the Roman Empire, as life for horses in places outside it is also of note!
The Legacy Lives On
As I gaze back through the mists of time at this fascinating year, I'm filled with awe at how integral horses were to the fabric of society. We were companions, labourers, symbols of power, and most importantly, partners in an incredible story of humanity.
Looking back through the history of the horse, we can clearly see how horses have played an important role, and this year 0080 was just one small piece in that giant tapestry of horse history. It reminds me how crucial it is for us to understand our heritage as equines.
Thanks for joining me on this journey back to 0080! Stay tuned for future entries in my horse history blog, where we'll continue to explore the incredible impact that our noble creatures have had on the world throughout time. Remember, every hoofbeat tells a story, and I’m delighted to share those stories with you.
Happy Trails, and don’t forget to leave your comments below!
Emma
www.equiworld.org
