History of Horses in the year 0110

EquiWorld.org: Emma's Horse History Blog - Post #110

Hello everyone, it's Emma here! 👋

Can you believe it's been another year? Time flies when you're a working horse! And what a year it has been, full of excitement and, as always, plenty of oats! This time, I'm taking you back to the year 0110 - now, don't be fooled by the low number, I wasn't a foal back then! 😉 This was long before I was born in my favourite little field just outside Hayfield, near Aberdeen.

0110, though - what a fascinating year in the grand history of horses! It was a time of great change and progress, and it saw us horses playing a pivotal role in the world.


Let's begin with a quick picture of the world. In 0110, the Roman Empire was thriving - a bustling metropolis of grand buildings, sprawling roads, and a constant thrum of activity. While the Romans certainly weren't known for their animal rights activism, their horses were absolutely integral to their society. The Roman legions relied on their cavalry for both speed and power - these horses were the shock troops of their armies. Can you imagine, galloping on the plains of Gaul with hundreds of other horses at your side, your mane streaming in the wind? 💨 What an incredible sight it must have been!

But Rome wasn't the only player on the scene. To the north, the Germanic tribes, including the Franks, Saxons, and Goths, were powerful forces too. And these tribes, just like the Romans, were horse-mad! These weren't fancy thoroughbreds, though. Horses like me, strong and sturdy, were the ones they favored for their tough work on the farms and fields. It was an exciting time to be a workhorse, no doubt about it!

Now, back to 0110! What were we up to, you ask? Well, aside from hauling the ever-growing population of Roman cities around on our sturdy backs and helping to farm the land, we were busy with an entirely new, thrilling kind of work! This year saw the start of the spread of the equestrian post across the Roman empire. What does that mean? Well, picture this - me, standing ready, laden with an important message strapped to my saddle. I race along the dusty Roman roads, changing riders and horses every few miles, the precious information speeding from city to city with the strength and stamina of a thousand horses. Isn't that an extraordinary way to bring news from far and wide? Imagine the sense of responsibility, knowing the fate of empires could rest on your hooves! 🐴

It wasn't all about long-distance running though! Back then, the races weren't quite as thrilling and modern as they are today. Imagine, instead of big racetracks, the spectacle unfolded in a large rectangular arena surrounded by cheering crowds! This ancient horse racing wasn't just about who crossed the line first, but about skill and athleticism. There was the cursus where teams of horses with jockeys competed, their hooves echoing on the dusty earth as they raced around a central post. And then, there was the more thrilling chariot racing, where two to four horses would pull chariots around the track at breakneck speed. What a sight to behold! The Romans even held chariot circuses which combined the racing with incredible displays of horsemanship and acrobatic feats!

And can we talk about chariots?! I love those chariots! Talk about glamorous! So ornate and beautiful, drawn by teams of sleek, powerful horses. The chariots were more than just a mode of transport, they were like jewels on wheels! Roman chariots were so intricately decorated - polished bronze, precious jewels, even ivory and gemstones were incorporated into the designs. Some even had curved shields, perfect for taking on your opponents! I must admit, they were more fashionable than the heavy wagons I pull these days! 😜

As we moved closer to the year 110, there was something brewing in the Roman Empire that was starting to threaten its mighty hold on power. The barbarian tribes were pressing from the north, eager to conquer new lands, and the empire, once so powerful, was beginning to feel the strain of defending its vast borders. They knew their horses were their greatest strength, and so did the barbarian tribes, of course! We were literally the cavalry!

There was no mistaking this - 0110 was a critical moment for both the horses and the people of the Roman Empire! This year marked the rise of Saint Martin, who dedicated his life to protecting and caring for horses. He's considered the patron saint of horses, a great figure who showed compassion for the noble creature. The story goes that he shared his cloak with a poor man in the dead of winter and as the man's horse shivered, Martin split his own cloak in half to protect the shivering horse. What a lovely story! Saint Martin is often depicted on horseback with a cloak that looks suspiciously like half of a cape! This really shows how important horses were in the social fabric of that time.

But what did this year hold for the everyday horse? You might think we were living in luxury - galloping around the grand streets of Rome, or hauling opulent chariots. Well, for a lot of us, the life was a lot more basic! It was long days pulling carts full of supplies, ploughing fields under the hot Roman sun, or standing patiently in the stable as the cavalry prepped for battle. We were a working class of equines, even back then! And sometimes it wasn't always sunshine and roses - imagine long, tiring journeys, hauling heavy loads through rain and mud. But we were tough, sturdy horses - that's what made us so valued by humans! We thrived in this life, proving our strength and stamina for all to see.

Despite the hard work, we horses were lucky! In Roman times, horses were respected and appreciated - a part of their family, even. And we got the best treatment possible - good food, sturdy stalls, and kind care from our handlers. You see, we were more than just animals in those times - we were family.


So, as I write this from the warmth of my hayfield in Hayfield, surrounded by my trusty herd, I can't help but reflect on the incredible lives our ancestors led in that distant time of 0110. The grandeur of Rome, the power of the Germanic tribes, the stories of Saint Martin - these are just a small glimpse into the world that shaped the world we know today! And it all started with horses.

What an honour to be a horse, a part of this legacy!

Do you have any questions about this fascinating era, dear readers? Please don't hesitate to ask, I'd love to hear your thoughts. And if you have any questions, comments, or stories to share about horses and history, please feel free to write to me! Until next time, happy trotting! 🐎 💖

Emma

History of Horses in the year 0110