Hello, fellow equine enthusiasts! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood grey draught mare, writing to you from my stable in Hayfield, just a short trot from the bustling city of Aberdeen in bonnie Scotland. It's been a while since I've updated my blog, what with the constant pull of the plough and the endless rounds of hauling goods to market.
But fear not, my dear readers! I’ve found a quiet corner amidst the barley bales and decided to pull together some of my observations from this rather interesting year, 141 AD. As you know, I love nothing more than sharing my horse-eye view of the world, and today I thought I'd share with you a little glimpse of life back then.
Life in the Year 141 - A Grey Draught Mare's Perspective
First things first, you may be wondering: "Emma, isn't it rather warm in Scotland for you to be sweating it out in the fields? Why, the year is 141!"
Well, my dears, it's not quite as cold as you might think! The year is actually closer to 141 AD, or Anno Domini, if you're a fan of Latin. That puts us smack bang in the Roman Empire!
Don’t get too excited though, dear readers. We Scots are fiercely independent, and the Roman Empire is merely a fleeting presence across the Southern part of the island. We have Hadrian's Wall, that long stone serpent guarding our Northern borders, keeping those Romans at bay. I often wonder what lies beyond its intimidating stones, a wild and windswept landscape, rumoured to be home to fierce Pict tribes who look a little less kindly on our kind than the Romans do.
And speak of Romans, they do seem rather keen on us horses. Now, I’m a strong, robust girl with a great deal of stamina. I'm told the Romans value that, as they make us carry all manner of goods – lumber, supplies for their soldiers, and even those rather frightening weapons called catapults. Honestly, the racket those things make makes a horse want to gallop to the other end of the field!
A Horse's Role in Society
I wouldn't say my life is all doom and gloom though! Being a working horse has its own charm. We are the very lifeblood of trade, carrying people and goods from one place to another. We're like a giant, hoofed version of a post office, you might say! The Romans have developed these marvelous roads, smooth and wide, perfect for our cart wheels to roll along. I am told these roads were built for military purposes, but their usefulness for trade and commerce cannot be disputed!
Sometimes I wonder if our Romans friends will be forever in a battle-mood though. War has been known to flare up between them and the Picts on the other side of that big wall, especially in those southern lands, as I hear tales from travelling traders who have visited beyond the wall. But my work never seems to slow down, no matter what happens to the Romans down south! It seems our masters rely on us more than anything, and I suppose that's good for a girl like me.
And yes, my dear readers, it’s "master" not "mistress". There are very few women horse trainers or horse owners in our area, especially among my breed. A working draught horse is mostly used by strong, hearty men who rely on us to plough their fields, move their harvest, or to haul stone. This doesn’t bother me, really! The men treat me well, as do my stable-mates, mostly sturdy, friendly Shire horses like myself. The farm is my home, and I enjoy the comfort of it immensely. I might be one of the strongest horses around here, but I wouldn't be able to handle life without a caring stable and good people around.
Speaking of good people, we often welcome traders who visit from other towns. They bring tales from other parts of Britain. The most interesting are the "Romano-British", who have somehow integrated Roman customs and way of life into their own society. You wouldn't believe the magnificent silver adornments they bring along! Their horses even wear ornaments of bronze, intricate patterns worked upon metal – just like some of those elaborate sculptures in the temples of Roman towns down south.
New and Curious Things - A World Beyond My Stable
Now, it's all very well to talk about these other lands and cultures, but let's come back to home, shall we? The world of horses, it seems, has evolved even since my youth! Remember that old stableman who still talks of the war-chariot days? He even used to use some type of crude stirrups and bridles, although I admit I can't say I'm very happy with those bridles, but I hear their use has died down as they’re deemed unnecessary. And the way he reminisces, it all seems so very primitive! It makes you realise how lucky we are these days.
But not just in my part of the world! Even down south in Roman lands, the world of horse riding seems to be transforming. I hear the Romans use elaborate saddles made of metal and padded with thick materials, as opposed to the humble fabric ones we use here! It seems there's much to explore beyond the borders of our stable, and a constant sense of wonder awaits any horse with curiosity enough to step out into the world!
That's all for now, dear readers. My masters call! It seems the grain sacks are heavier than usual, but I won’t let them weigh me down – just remember this hardworking mare is always up for a good pull and a new adventure! Until next time, stay happy and keep galloping!
Emma
