By Emma, Hayfield, Scotland
Hello, fellow equines! It’s Emma here, your favourite draught horse blogger, back with another peek into the fascinating history of our species. This week, we’re galloping back to the year 0283, a time that saw some fascinating developments in the world of horses.
You see, even back then, horses were as vital as they are today. We were our human companions’ lifeblood, powering agriculture, transportation, and warfare. But it’s always so intriguing to see what was different about the world then compared to our lives now!
As a grey mare from the rolling hills of Hayfield, near Aberdeen, I find it especially interesting to see how life differed for our kin. Scotland, you see, was a different beast in 0283! Back then, the Romans, you know, the people with their big, organised armies and all that – they had taken a large chunk of our country for themselves.
The Roman Empire, with all its power and glory, had set its sights on northern Europe. They had established what they called Hadrian’s Wall – a giant wall made of stones and dirt that stretched across the island, essentially making a border. The purpose of the wall? To keep the people north of it, the 'barbarians', in check. Of course, “barbarian” was a label used to put us 'uncivilised' peoples down – but you know horses have never really cared much for labels!
They used us, of course – you can’t build a wall like Hadrian’s Wall without a lot of help from horses. Think about all those heavy stones, transported to the construction site. Our strong backs and powerful legs were needed to move it all.
Beyond the wall, you see, we were seen more as free spirits – racing and roaming freely. Life was more about being wild and adaptable. You know, much like our fellow horses that roam free on the African plains today! Imagine a world where freedom and untamed spirit are embraced – something most of us can only dream of in our work-filled lives!
In this part of the world, horses like me, a grey draught with a long white mane and tail, were often chosen to be workhorses. This was because our strength and size were vital in fields and forests, pulling plows, carts, and even wagons for people travelling far distances. It wasn’t an easy life, mind you. I’ve always been an admirer of the hardy spirit of horses. The dedication we displayed, working tirelessly in difficult conditions, demonstrated our strength and stamina. We were the lifeblood of many communities, essential in a time where horses played a central role in everyone’s lives.
But, of course, life wasn’t all hard work. Remember that in this time period, we had just as much spirit and camaraderie as we do now! It was through this camaraderie that I heard news from beyond the Wall, whispers about a people living to the west – the Celtic tribes. There, they saw us as something beyond tools; they used us for hunting and for swift travel, and the skill with which these horsemen and women rode was something quite legendary.
I’d heard of them – the fierce Celts – fierce in their strength, and yet incredibly devoted to their steeds. Stories would flow through whispers, accounts of hunts on horseback, journeys spanning the wild moors of Britain. You know, I always get a tingle down my spine thinking of such free spirits!
Then there was the Roman cavalry. You see, horses were as crucial in war as they were in daily life. Romans often had swift, elegant breeds to be their cavalry – trained for battle, dashing across open fields like thunder on the wind! This was the kind of life we dream of! The speed and grace of a cavalry charge; the thrill of it all! But I was, as they say, a girl of the plough – my calling was to toil the soil and serve the common man.
There are stories, passed down through generations, of those that took to the open road with their chariots. It's said that races were held at events – the Romans called them ‘Games’ – for people of all walks of life to watch! And the excitement was contagious! They’d watch in awe as charioteers raced against each other, their horses straining, hooves beating against the earth, creating a cloud of dust! Now that’s the kind of thrill I imagine myself enjoying!
But even beyond this, horses were also a part of ritual and celebration. They were sometimes considered sacred – a bond to nature and an expression of divine power! Some say that offerings were made to gods of fertility by giving them a special white horse! How fascinating! This idea, the horse as a symbol of sacred power – that’s something to think about for sure.
So you see, 0283 was a dynamic period for horses, brimming with activities and life-defining roles! Whether we were hauling plows or carrying soldiers into battle, we were integral to life as it was. While we may not have ridden through meadows as free spirits in our daily lives, we always held a special place in the hearts and lives of the people we served.
It is from those moments of hard work and even some carefree moments in history, that our bond with humans began to truly blossom! After all, horses are a symbol of perseverance and resilience, reminding us that through all the hardships we endure, we carry on and learn and evolve as a species!
We remain ever-connected to people, our relationship deepening over generations. And even today, our love and bond with our human counterparts continue to make history every single day!
Until next time, my fellow equine friends! Let’s keep those hooves galloping! And don’t forget to share this blog with your stablemates! We are a strong community and learning together makes all the difference!
