History of Horses in the year 0421

Welcome, dear readers! Emma here, your resident grey mare with a passion for history. I’ve been a fan of horses, you see, ever since I can remember. There’s something magical about them, wouldn’t you agree? I’ve always loved learning about their history and sharing my discoveries.

Today’s topic: The year 421! Yes, a time of immense change, both in the world and for horses themselves. Now, as many of you know, I'm a draught horse, which means my kind are known for strength and pulling power. It's the life we were born for – pulling carts, plows, and even heavy wagons. My dear friend, Flora, the beautiful chestnut mare I live with here at the stables in Hayfield, near Aberdeen, is also a draught horse. And trust me, she’s one of the strongest and most gentle horses I know.

In 421, life was still very different from today, you see. Horses like us were still essential for travel and farming. Without us, the world would come to a standstill! It was during this time that our skills were still heavily relied upon in most parts of the world. Imagine: hauling goods over rocky terrain, carrying heavy packs on long journeys, or tilling the fields for crops. We were the heart of trade and the backbone of agricultural work.

And what's happening in 421? The mighty Roman Empire is in full swing, with their cavalry regiments still in force! This incredible military power, which stretched all the way from Spain in the west to modern day Syria in the east, relied on its mighty horses to keep the empire running smoothly. In fact, a well-trained Roman cavalryman, equipped with sword and lance, was truly a fearsome sight! You can still find traces of their impact in some parts of Europe today - even here in Britain, which is also part of the Roman Empire at this time.

Now, if you're wondering about the horse breeds popular back then, let me tell you, our own type, the Draft Horse, was already flourishing. We were bred specifically for our immense strength. The Nonius Horse, an elegant breed hailing from what is now Hungary, was also widely prized throughout the Roman Empire, used for both war and transportation. And don’t forget the powerful Friesian! Their incredible strength and handsome black coat made them absolute standouts, used for war and showing.

Speaking of shows, did you know that horse races were quite the spectacle in Roman times? People flocked to the circuses, where chariots, drawn by our fellow equines, raced around the arena, to the thrill and roar of the crowd. Those must have been amazing events to witness!

But it wasn't all about warfare, even though the Roman Empire was well-known for its legions of cavalry. Horses were also crucial for the flourishing of trade. Picture this: we would trot along roads and trails, hauling carriages laden with spices, silk, and valuable goods across vast distances. Just like us here in Hayfield, the world depended on us to get things moving!

And it’s not just about what was going on in the bustling world of the Roman Empire, it's also important to remember the quieter, daily life on farms across the British Isles. Farmers like those near our little corner of Hayfield relied on us for plowing fields, pulling carts full of grain, and transporting goods to local markets. We were essential members of their families, just like a beloved sheepdog or a faithful cat.

Even though there wasn’t as much emphasis on showing off, we were cherished nonetheless. Horses like me were given careful attention - being fed the best oats and hay, getting cleaned and brushed regularly, and always looked after with tender care.

As I've been saying, a horse’s life was far from mundane! Today was quite a typical day here in Hayfield, so allow me to share a glimpse. I awoke, as always, to the glorious sunrise casting its warm rays across the lush fields of Aberdeenshire. After a good munching of oats and a bucket of sweet hay, I was ready to start my work! We, the horses of Hayfield, were put to the task of pulling the plow. We moved along in single file, each with a harness made of leather and rope, with a steady rhythmic stride that churned the earth ready for planting. There was such a deep satisfaction in seeing the furrow cut neatly through the soil, and as I watched the furrows grow, I thought about how our work helped the crops flourish and fed the local villagers.

Then came the thrill of pulling the cart to the village! Loaded with crates full of newly harvested oats and barley, I took part in carrying these goods to the mill, where they would be processed into delicious flour. The journey was delightful - a sunny day with a gentle breeze ruffling our manes, passing by the vibrant wildflowers, the smell of smoke coming from village hearths, and the sight of villagers waving to us with smiles as we trundled through.

It's work like this that reminds me how important our contributions are, dear readers! As you can see, in 421, horses were truly the driving force behind everyday life.

But you know what they say, don’t you? Change is constant, even in the world of horses. As time goes by, things are sure to change! In later years, even if some horses become more “luxury” focused, as steeds for nobles or used for racing, we will always play a crucial part.

So here’s to horses everywhere - in the Roman Empire, in Britain, and around the world. Let's raise a celebratory snort to the year 421!

And as always, don't forget to join me next week for another chapter in my equine journey!

Until then, keep those horseshoes happy!

Emma

Hayfield, Aberdeenshire

www.equiworld.org