Greetings fellow equestrians, and welcome to my blog! I'm Emma, a twenty-year-old grey draught mare from the charming village of Hayfield near Aberdeen in Scotland. This month we’re taking a trot down memory lane to the year 251 CE (or Common Era as the historians say!), which is something a little different to my usual modern times! It's a fascinating time to look at the history of our beloved equines, and I’m ready to share my findings. I love discovering more about the glorious creatures who came before me and where our amazing story began!
Let’s get to it then. The year 251 saw a great deal of change and upheaval for the Roman Empire. In the world of horses, this resulted in a great demand for their services, particularly in the transport of supplies for the army. And it was, I think, around this time that I discovered a fascinating fact, thanks to the records at the local historical society – something that intrigued me. They used these hefty, strong war horses for pulling massive wagons with their cargo. But guess what?! They weren't always on four legs!
Imagine this: the legions, tired after a long day of training, marched along the dusty road. Alongside them was a large goose, attached by a harness to the chariot! Can you imagine how absurdly cute that must have looked?! The image is a delight to imagine. Not as majestic as the graceful horse, of course, but clearly important! Perhaps these gooses were a new trend? Perhaps they even had special names? Perhaps they were considered a lucky charm, who knows?! The only documentation found is a sketch in the margin of some very serious, dusty scrolls, depicting a large goose in the position of a lead draught horse. Perhaps they found they had more power in their little webbed feet than one might expect! I must confess, as much as I adore my fellow equines, it is a funny thought.
Horses were essential for the Roman army: From their cavalry on the battlefield to their logistics for transport, the Roman army relied on us to carry supplies and soldiers, to haul siege equipment and pull war chariots. We were truly their partners in victory and even, some might say, conquerors of the known world!
However, the 3rd century was also a turbulent period. With the Empire undergoing major social and political challenges, this meant instability even within the lives of us horses. Plague broke out, wars erupted, and it affected us all. Horses and their humans fought against many foes - from barbarian tribes to even natural disaster! During these troubled times, our importance for agriculture was truly vital. We provided transport, plowed the fields and carried supplies for farmers struggling to sustain the Roman population!
Across the Mediterranean in ancient Egypt, things were calmer, more serene, it would seem. As I am writing this in my cozy stall, I can’t help but wish I lived back in that era - with those gorgeous sandy deserts! Egypt has always held a magical mystique for me! My heart swells imagining their long sandy plains, clear night skies, and majestic pyramids. In 251, horses in Egypt played a key role in everyday life. They were essential for trade, pulling chariots for travelers, and helping the people with daily tasks. These Egyptians clearly respected us, and they are even depicted in their beautiful murals and artwork – just look at the Tutankhamun burial, for example! They believed the horses had strong mystical links and powers that connected them to the Gods themselves, can you believe that?
Even back in that time, like us, our human friends and neighbours clearly appreciated us for our loyalty, strength, and beauty, especially in Egypt. That must have felt incredibly special! They were not merely beasts of burden but vital partners. The beautiful images and artefacts in their museums always take my breath away – how special is it to have such enduring representation!
This year in 251, back in my native Scotland, it’s an entirely different tale. There was no such demand for warhorses, which made the conditions a lot gentler, but also less exciting! The locals certainly saw our value – we helped with farming, carrying heavy loads, and in the highlands even our wild cousins were still crucial for transport in those tough terrains! Life in Scotland for us horses is perhaps a slower pace than Rome.
Life as a Grey Draught Mare in the 2nd Century: As I reflected on those times, I remember my ancestor Maiden, a robust mare, living just over two hundred years before me. She carried heavy burdens and was highly respected for her calmness and steady pace. My heart fills with warmth to think of her.
However, unlike in Egypt, in my area in Scotland horses had a strong spiritual link. I am no different, the feeling comes over me at times, the strong connection of Earth, nature, and our ability to be in touch with a magical power beyond our understanding! This connection with the universe was even stronger with our wild kin, known as ‘Ceallaran’ meaning "horses that graze in the woods,” but they weren’t kept in captivity – those hardy horses! They roamed free.
I imagine myself running across the hills and glens of Scotland, their mane whipping in the wind, and my heart soaring with freedom, like an eagle!
My life today, though quite different to a draught mare in ancient Egypt or Scotland, shares many of those themes. Our connection to Earth is what unites us as a breed - past, present, and future!
But for now, I've just returned from a leisurely trot in the Scottish countryside! You can't beat a clear Scottish day and our lovely fresh meadows here. Until next time, stay curious and keep your hooves firmly on the ground!
*Remember, always remember the value of all horses, those past and those still with us! *
Much love from Emma in Hayfield!
