History of Horses in the year 0309

Welcome back to Equiworld, my fellow equines! I’m Emma, a grey draught mare with a penchant for sweet clover and an insatiable curiosity about the world. I call the rolling hills of Hayfield near Aberdeen, Scotland my home, and this week, I’m going to delve into the fascinating world of horses during the year 309 AD.

Oh, the adventures that unfold year after year in the heart of our beloved Scotland! The air here carries the scent of heather and wild thyme, the sound of the river Dee gurgling down the valley is a familiar melody, and the taste of sweet meadow grasses on a summer's day...ah, pure bliss! But I digress. Back to 309 AD, the year I shall share with you!

As we stand on the cusp of spring in this pivotal year, the ground is thawing, the grass is finally turning emerald green, and the crisp air makes the nostrils twitch with anticipation. My human family - the McGregors - are as busy as ever, preparing for the new growing season. Their laughter and chatter mingle with the rhythmic whinnying of foals and the gentle clip-clop of hooves on the cobblestones.

Life for horses like myself back in these days is a symphony of toil and pleasure. We're indispensable partners to the humans in our communities. From dawn till dusk, our strength is utilized for ploughing fields, hauling goods, transporting families to nearby villages, and, of course, warfare!

Horses have played an integral role in shaping the world since time immemorial. It's no surprise then that our presence in 309 AD is as ubiquitous as ever. Think of the Roman Empire, mighty and powerful, its legions of warriors riding upon us, fearlessly traversing the length and breadth of the known world. Their chariots, our powerful hooves, our stamina, are crucial to the empire’s dominance!

Closer to home, we, the draught horses like me, are essential to Scottish life. The rolling farmland of Scotland relies on us to cultivate crops. Farmers like the McGregors trust us to draw ploughs across the fields, pulling up stubborn roots and turning over rich soil for planting. The heavy cart we pull, laden with bags of grain and vegetables, is our daily work. These responsibilities demand resilience, and we, with our proud heads held high, eagerly take on the challenge.

Yes, even as we labour hard, our lives are filled with contentment. The warm stable at night, a bale of hay, a grooming session with the McGregors - these little rituals offer solace and contentment after a day of exertion.

I, Emma, share a stall with Fiona, a chestnut mare with a mischievous twinkle in her eye, and Beatrice, a stalwart black mare known for her exceptional strength. We've been stable mates for as long as I can remember, forming an unbreakable bond.

Fiona loves to gossip, telling stories of wild horses roaming the moors, or the tales of local farm cats! She tells them with such expressive eye rolls and playful whinnies that I find myself swept up in the moment, completely forgetting my usual stoic demeanor.

Beatrice is all business. She’s always busy arranging our hay or tidying the stall, ensuring it’s perfectly aligned for the evening. This meticulousness, however, doesn’t make her unfriendly. She has a quiet way about her, a soft whinny of encouragement whenever I feel disheartened, and an unwavering loyalty to the stable and its inhabitants.

I confess, our stable life is punctuated with the occasional tussle over a particularly delectable bit of hay. But these squabbles never last long, usually dissolving into friendly nudges and snorts. There’s always an abundance of hay and grain in our stall. The McGregors are good to us; we feel the deep appreciation for our efforts in their kindness.

We gather with the other horses every week at the McGregors’ barn for communal meals, a weekly tradition of feasting on delicious oats, apples, and freshly baked bread from their kitchen. These get-togethers are brimming with excitement and laughter. It’s the perfect opportunity to catch up on gossip, swap stories, or, if I'm feeling especially brave, even showcase my impressive hoof drumming skills, much to the delight of Fiona and Beatrice!

The world beyond our humble valley, however, feels a little uncertain. The whispers of the travelling merchants speak of battles between Roman Legions and Celtic tribes. News reaches us of skirmishes and battles fought over territory and resources, an unsettling reminder of the harsher side of humanity. Yet, we are but a small community, unconcerned with politics and conflicts.

What intrigues me are the stories of the annual horse fairs held in nearby villages. These fairs attract merchants and horse breeders from all over the land. Horses are the star attraction - their strength, beauty, and swiftness, celebrated through spirited competitions and lively trade. One day, I long to visit such a grand fair!

Perhaps this is my opportunity to learn more about my heritage, about horses from other regions. Who knows, I might even discover some of my ancestors' stories - horses who have galloped through history, leaving their mark on the world!

My journey as a Hayfield horse in the year 309 is one of service, contentment, and unwavering love for my home. I wake up with the dawn, graze in the meadows under the golden sunlight, and spend the evening nestled comfortably in the stable.

Throughout this, we remain a source of strength for the McGregors and others who rely on our service. We work side-by-side, a silent agreement of trust and understanding woven into our existence. The humans need us, and we, in turn, appreciate their care and love. It’s a bond of mutual respect, and this shared existence between humans and horses remains our strongest thread in the tapestry of time.

Stay tuned for next week’s blog entry, dear readers, where we will be diving into the world of Roman chariots! I’ll be talking about how these amazing structures have played a role in influencing horse racing and chariot races - a topic I’m very eager to discuss! Until then, I wish you all safe travels and happy grazes!

Emma, signing off from Equiworld