Hello fellow equines and human friends! It's Emma, your favourite grey mare from Hayfield, just outside Aberdeen, back with another peek into history.
This week, we're venturing way back to the year 0260, a time of bustling life in my own corner of the world. Even though the Roman Empire is still going strong, it feels a world away here in Scotland. The Picts, the hardy folks who call these highlands home, are fiercely independent and a far cry from the polished legions of the Romans.
Don't be fooled by the small size of this little corner of the world. Scotland, particularly this neck of the woods, has always been an important area for horse breeding. We Scots take our horses seriously. The kind of horse we are, a draught horse like me, was especially prized in those times. Strong, sure-footed and hardy, we could be relied upon to pull the plough, transport goods, and even carry our riders through rough terrain.
Now, 0260 saw some changes happening, although you wouldn't think much of it just by watching the fields. One major change, unseen but impactful, was the start of the Roman emperor Valerian's reign. He didn't impact the horse world in Scotland directly, mind you, but his rule had some ripple effects in our world that would impact us all, for better or for worse.
However, the world of horses is mostly about everyday things. Things like ploughing fields to ready them for crops, pulling wagons with goods to market, or pulling carriages for those lucky enough to have such a luxury.
A good part of the day in 0260 was about preparing for winter. Just like today, winters in this part of the world are harsh and long. Harvesting barley and wheat to feed us during the long winter months is a busy time.
Speaking of food, the horses in Hayfield in 0260 were enjoying a simple diet of grass, hay, and oats. Of course, the rich owners would supplement us with barley, and those in the field enjoyed a good mouthful of turnip now and again. This wasn't always enough during the harsh winter months, and the strong, but bony, mares were a testament to the struggles we sometimes had to endure.
This year, my friend, a young chestnut mare named Elara, had her first foal. I remember her anxiety - her constant worrying for the little one and her protectiveness - such a natural motherly instinct! Her foal, a chestnut colt with a blaze on his forehead, was so beautiful! It brought a lot of joy to the stable.
While the horse world might seem slow, there is still drama, and there was tragedy, too. We lost one of the older mares to a particularly severe winter, which caused a shortage of hay and grass. But despite that, 0260 was a good year overall. We saw plenty of young foals born, the harvests were plentiful, and the Picts seemed peaceful. Life moved on, and we with it.
And that, dear friends, is life in Hayfield in 0260 - simple but meaningful, with hard work, quiet companionship, and a dash of drama sprinkled throughout.
Join me again next week for another glimpse into horse history. We'll explore different parts of the world and learn about our equine ancestors who, just like us, carried on with the rhythm of life in the face of changing times.
Stay curious and neigh for more!
Emma
[www.equiworld.org]
Now, as promised, we are diving a little deeper into the history of the year 0260! While it may not seem exciting to us in our present-day horse world, this year was indeed a crucial part of our equestrian heritage.
We know the Roman Empire had been expanding for centuries by the year 0260. The empire reached its furthest point westward across Gaul (which is modern France) and all the way to Britannia (yes, that's our land, folks!), bringing horses and the ways of horsemanship from all across Europe into our country. However, their influence was less dramatic in my corner of the world, in the north of Britannia.
You see, the Roman legions were mainly in the south and east, leaving us with a degree of autonomy. The Picts and their tribes, proud warriors who knew how to live with nature's challenges, were a force to be reckoned with, and even the mighty Romans decided to hold their horses in the face of the fierce Pict warriors. They didn't quite "conquer" the Highlands. So, it was a time of distinct cultures clashing, creating a complex landscape for horses in Scotland.
We also have to acknowledge that the Romans had a strong appreciation for horses, considering their equestrian culture was built on chariot racing, cavalry, and other aspects of military prowess. So, there's an element of the Roman Empire's love for horses reflected in the breed development of the Celtic horse, a predecessor to our powerful Draught horses. It is said that they even trained horses to pull heavy war wagons for their legions, and it's a bit of Roman history that we carry forward in our lineage.
Moving back to the everyday horse world of 0260. Our work was essential, of course, especially since many of our tasks couldn't be performed by machines, which simply did not exist in this era! We're the heart and soul of rural life. That simple fact holds true, even if the technology and machinery have evolved considerably.
Horses like myself pulled ploughs and carts, ensuring the crops thrived and goods were transported for trading. While life wasn't glamorous, it was fulfilling to be a part of a community. Imagine: pulling a wagon laden with baskets of barley and wheat for our local community. Our contribution was directly contributing to their food supply, helping them live, ensuring their survival. We were their dependable, strong, and patient workhorses.
You see, the strong bond between horse and human is not just a modern idea! The Scots had an uncanny understanding of horses, harnessing our power and nurturing our wellbeing. They were our masters, our companions, and their needs were the same as our own - we depended on each other. This makes 0260 a crucial year in that beautiful relationship - a time when we, as horses, continued to build upon our unique heritage and create a story that stretches through centuries.
The story of horses in 0260 might not be about glamorous adventures, political revolutions, or military triumphs. However, the true essence of this period is embedded in the daily life of the horse – its work, its food, its interaction with humans. We may not know much about those horses, yet they were as real and crucial as we are in this moment, contributing to a community and adding value to life in their own quiet but impactful way.
They deserve recognition for that - the unsung heroes of 0260. It reminds me of my favourite poem:
“ The strength of the horse is his life's delight, The rider must trust in him day and night.”
- Old Scottish proverb.
I often reflect on these words as I step into the fields or pull a cart of vegetables for the farmer. This bond, this connection, between humans and horses, is timeless and full of magic.
See you all next week with more historical stories and explorations!
Love,
Emma
