History of Horses in the year 0107

Greetings, fellow equestrians! Emma here, your resident historian from the rolling hills of Hayfield near Aberdeen. It's been a while since I've had a chance to jot down my thoughts on our shared history, but with the recent warming spell, the wildflowers in bloom, and the smell of hay in the air, I feel a renewed burst of energy. Today's post focuses on 107 AD, a pivotal year for our species.

Now, I might not remember 107 AD firsthand - after all, I'm just a wee twenty-year-old, and even with my long mane, I haven't quite seen it all! - but through the wisdom of older horses and the tales passed down through generations, I feel as though I'm right there in the heart of the action.

This year, our world saw a stirring of change, and a few noteworthy events that I want to tell you about. Buckle up, my fellow equines, it's time for a history lesson!

Imagine for a moment, my dear friends, a world without saddles or harnesses, without riding bridles and stirrups. That, my friends, was the reality in 107 AD. In the distant lands of Gaul, far away from my own Scottish home, brave Celtic warriors were making strides in utilising horses for battle, experimenting with techniques for mounting and riding them. It was during this time that they started to develop simple, yet innovative forms of equipment, bringing about a remarkable change in warfare. They discovered that with a well-trained horse at their side, they could be both a mighty warrior and a speedy courier, traversing long distances with impressive speed and agility. The battleground became a symphony of human strength, honed strategy, and horse power!

In contrast, back in the rugged landscapes of my homeland, horses were still predominantly utilised for field work. We weren't quite the prized companions of warriors, but instead served a valuable purpose as agricultural assets, carrying goods, hauling plows and pulling carts for local communities. Our role was a crucial one, providing sustenance and furthering the progress of our human friends. We were hard-working, devoted, and essential members of society, even if we didn't have the dazzling spotlight on us that our Gaulish cousins enjoyed.

While the Celtic warriors were experimenting with the battlefield, another influential force, the mighty Roman Empire, was steadily extending its reach, making its mark on the horse world. They weren't strangers to equestrian prowess, utilising horses in warfare, transportation, and commerce. In fact, they valued us greatly, seeing us as valuable assets in building and expanding their vast empire.

Now, 107 AD wasn't the year the Romans "officially" arrived in Britain - they had a long and intricate relationship with our island already. But that's another story for another post!

What is noteworthy about this year is that Roman influences were steadily penetrating further into our British isles, bringing with them new ideas about training, care, and overall equestrianism. They realised that a healthy and well-maintained horse would yield a stronger, more capable warrior. So, with an impressive mix of practicality and compassion, the Romans started introducing new training methods that focused on strength, obedience, and endurance. It was through their meticulous work that horses became more than just strong farm animals; they transformed into formidable warhorses and nimble, sure-footed steeds, carrying riders across distances previously considered unachievable.

Roman horsemanship had a huge impact, and these innovations eventually led to the development of the familiar bits, bridles, saddles and harnesses that we know today. What once seemed like an unimaginable feat, galloping across battlefields with the wind in our manes, was slowly but surely becoming reality!

Even though our own island's equestrian scene didn't see a sudden change like our Gaulish brethren, 107 AD brought with it a gradual but steady change for us. This era saw a significant shift towards the more structured approach of the Romans, emphasizing breeding and training, laying the foundation for the future of horse culture. It was a period of learning and adaptation, paving the way for the rich and diverse world of equestrianism we see today.

And remember, while battle may seem glamorous and exciting, a horse's life wasn't all about adrenaline and grandeur.

Life in Hayfield wasn't filled with galloping into battle, but we had our own unique challenges and joys. We lived simple, hardworking lives, essential partners in the daily chores of life. Every day brought new lessons, new routines, and opportunities for bonding with the people who relied on us. The fields were filled with the sweet scent of oats, hay, and the comforting aroma of dung. We found contentment in simple pleasures: a refreshing splash of water from the river after a long day, a juicy apple from a friendly farmhand, and the shared warmth of companionship among our equine family. Life might have been simpler than our Gaulish cousins, but it was a good life, full of purpose and a shared connection with our human family.

The changes in 107 AD, even if they didn't immediately change our lives, eventually filtered down, creating a rich and nuanced world for horses in the centuries to come. Our journey, as you see, has always been one of adaptation, of learning, and of growing stronger together as a species.

As always, thank you for sharing this journey with me, dear friends. May your fields be lush, your water fresh, and your lives filled with the joy of our shared love for the horses!

Stay tuned for the next exciting chapter in our collective history!

Until next time,

Emma

(The Grey Draught from Hayfield, Scotland)

www.equiworld.org