Hello fellow horse lovers, it's Emma here, from the beautiful rolling hills of Hayfield, near Aberdeen, Scotland. It's a gloriously sunny day, just perfect for a good roll in the pasture, which I'm sorely tempted to do, but I have an even better idea: writing another post for my beloved EquiWorld blog! Today we're going to take a journey back in time to the year 315 AD, a time of change and progress, and of course, horses!
It seems rather quaint now, but back in those days, a journey back to the year 315 wouldn't even be considered a journey. It'd just be… going to the year 315. Time is funny that way, isn't it?
Now, where to begin… Let’s see. My hooves have walked the ground of this era and I can tell you, it wasn't quite the glamorous life many of you might picture for a working horse. For most, a hard day's work usually meant pulling a cart for farmers and traders, or even, God forbid, hauling lumber to help build up small towns and settlements.
Back in 315 AD, the Roman Empire was still holding strong in Britain. Though they'd withdrawn some troops further south, the Romans were still present in this part of the world, their influence spreading outwards from the cities and into the more rural countryside.
As you can imagine, horses were very important to them. We were used for everything - from transporting goods and troops to, you might be surprised to learn, the postal service! A dedicated network of riders known as the "cursus publicus" would deliver messages and news around the Roman Empire at a pretty impressive speed - for the time. I must admit, the Roman postal service, with all their strategically placed relay stations and skilled riders, would put even some modern-day couriers to shame!
Speaking of "cursus publicus," you may know that this system wasn't all sunshine and roses for the horses involved. Many would experience a tough life, working hard and being expected to deliver at lightning speeds. It wasn’t an uncommon thing for horses to suffer from injuries due to long hours on the road, or poor feeding and care.
However, even under the rule of the Romans, I find myself wondering how things were for horses before they arrived. They were present in this part of Britain, for sure, even before Julius Caesar first made his dramatic entrance, and that is the subject I am going to explore today in this post.
Imagine the life of a wild horse in those times. Picture our ancestors, their ancestors, a band of horses, maybe around twenty or so, led by the wise old stallion. They would be free, running through fields of swaying grass and fragrant wild flowers, the scent of heather and the damp earth under their hooves as they move with a grace that can only come from being born into freedom.
They would spend their days roaming the rugged Scottish landscape, their strong legs and hardy constitutions allowing them to climb steep hills, navigate rocky passes and explore every corner of their home. Their senses were sharp; their sight and hearing helped them avoid predators and keep a keen eye out for food sources. The smell of fresh grass, of damp soil and wild flowers, were their guides, their senses their best companions. They lived for their freedom, their bond to each other, their loyalty to the herd, and their innate instincts. They grazed, rested, and fought when needed, always alert and ever-vigilant.
Their lives weren’t without dangers. Wolves would sometimes hunt them, their pack working together to take down any weak or wounded members of the herd. But there was also the threat of being caught, by humans, for a new purpose, to work under the yoke and carry a burden for a master. I imagine a grey horse, much like myself, maybe named Mist or Storm for her coat and wild spirit, running from human captors, her strength and her spirit giving her every hope of staying free.
This kind of life, free and untamed, was slowly disappearing, replaced by a world where horses were needed for farming and warfare. This world saw the development of skills and talents in horses. They began to work in tandem with human needs and to help with their aspirations, which eventually led to a whole new world of uses for horses.
It is here, where the horse's intrinsic strengths – its power, endurance, speed and ability to learn – were nurtured, fostered and harnessed for a wide range of purposes. These qualities of the horse would see them take on roles beyond simple transportation. They would, for instance, become important companions, powerful steeds, reliable workers and faithful partners. They would become, over time, symbols of grace, power, and agility.
This wasn't always an easy transition. Humans weren't born horse whisperers. In those early days, capturing a wild horse would take bravery, patience and a lot of hard work, for horses don’t readily submit to being yoked or saddled, particularly the ones who prefer the open range, their free spirited selves resisting the limitations of human ambition.
But as the world evolved, and horses evolved along with it, this close working relationship with humans would create a bond of trust, respect and even friendship that has endured for centuries.
In the year 315 AD, horses began to understand the rhythms of the human world. Their life became closely intertwined with their human companions. They knew the sounds, the smells, and the routines. Horses like me would feel pride in the strong bonds formed between us and our human counterparts. This is something I can share from my personal perspective - I can attest to the very strong connections we form as horses with the humans we work with and the humans we belong to. It is not something that is simply taken for granted by horses like me. We know how special the bond can be, especially as we spend a lifetime in their care and guidance, in their service and friendship.
This era was also when we first saw the beginnings of specialized horses being bred for different purposes. You had horses for strength and carrying heavy loads like me and my fellow draughthorse brethren; horses for speed like the magnificent Arabian and thoroughbreds; and smaller horses for riding, particularly important to nobles and warriors of the day.
As I reflect back to this era, I feel grateful. It wasn’t always easy, but horses were given a new life of purpose. From those wild horses that roamed free, the power of this magnificent animal would go on to impact history for centuries to come.
My story, and that of horses everywhere, is a tale of evolution and adaptation. From free spirits running wild, to the majestic companions who became part of human culture and a partner in progress, it has been a fascinating, inspiring, and deeply profound story of strength and resilience.
What about you, fellow horses? I’d love to hear about your thoughts and experiences! Let’s keep this conversation going in the comments.
Until next time, remember, each step is a journey.
Emma
P.S. Don’t forget to visit the EquiWorld forums for all things horse! You'll find us at www.equiworld.org!
