Hello my lovely Equine friends! Emma here, writing to you from my home in Hayfield, just outside the lovely city of Aberdeen. It’s a glorious spring morning here, the air crisp and clean with the scent of heather and wild gorse, and I can practically feel the first rays of sunshine warming my grey coat.
Today I’m going to be taking you all back in time a little – in fact, I’m going to be focusing on the year 0392! I know, I know – a long, long time ago! But as we all know, history is full of fascinating tales, especially when it comes to horses!
For those of you new to my blog, I’m Emma, a strong and proud grey draught horse with a thick white mane and tail – they say it makes me look like a cloud! My ancestors are Scottish, so I feel a strong pull towards this rugged landscape, and it makes my heart feel full to know I’m part of its long, rich history.
So, back to 0392… a world vastly different to our modern equine society. In this year, the Roman Empire was still a powerful force, holding sway across much of Europe. That means there was a lot of activity involving horses! The Romans were famous for their powerful cavalry, known as the 'Equites'. Imagine - riding alongside them on battlefields, strong and brave, defending the empire!
And what about beyond the borders of Rome? In the world of the early Celtic tribes in northern Britain (where I hail from), horses were the lifeline. They were used for transport, carrying goods and people on the challenging, hilly terrain. Imagine trekking through the Highlands, the wind in your mane, carrying supplies for your village – now that's what I call adventure!
But 0392 was also a year of change and turmoil, both in Britain and the wider world. As much as the Romans embraced the horse, there was an uneasy peace, a simmering tension that was sure to explode. The Picts, those fearsome Celtic tribes living in what we now know as Scotland, were fighting for their independence – a fight which would become one of the most important and fierce struggles in the history of our land.
You might wonder what that had to do with horses. Well, imagine this: riding alongside Pictish warriors, fearless and fierce, on the open battlefield. Charging towards the enemy, the thrill of battle coursing through your veins! It wasn’t just the riders, but the horses that held the key to the Picts' survival. They were used to transport, carry food and water, and act as crucial allies in fighting for the freedom of their land.
It's also important to remember that 0392 wasn’t just about conflict. Life, especially in rural areas, was about survival, community, and living in harmony with nature. The Celtic people believed horses were more than just animals – they were sacred beings, embodying power, speed, and freedom. There were even stories of legendary horse heroes, like the magical white horse, Rhiannon! Now, wouldn’t that be a life!
As you can imagine, even though it was centuries ago, horses in 0392 lived rich, varied lives – they were companions, friends, providers, and even partners in battle! From the busy Roman Empire to the wilder corners of Scotland, they were a symbol of strength, endurance, and freedom, carrying societies and civilizations forward.
I hope you enjoyed this little journey back in time with me. It's always wonderful to think about our ancestors and how they shaped the horse world we know today. Remember, though I may be from the modern world, I’m connected to them, their spirit alive within my own hooves, their legacy etched within my heart.
So, until next time, stay strong, stay free, and keep those hooves kicking!
Emma
