Greetings, dear fellow equines, from your friend Emma, writing to you from my humble abode in Hayfield, near the bustling city of Aberdeen. The year is 434, and as you may know, I am rather fond of a bit of history!
The world outside my stable door is, frankly, a very different place from how it used to be. The Romans, those strong and rather bossy fellows, have been leaving their mark across the land, much to the dismay of some of my kind. While they may be fond of riding and using horses for transportation, there's no denying they're disrupting the peace, quite literally. But, I, for one, am trying to focus on the positives!
The Romans have, surprisingly, been quite kind to us draught horses! We’re still very much in demand for hauling their large carts and wagons, assisting them in building impressive roads and forts. While the new breed of horses they’ve brought over from their homeland - small, speedy little chaps - may be grabbing all the attention for their war exploits, our steady and strong presence is indispensable for their everyday needs.
Imagine this - their big, clanging wagons full of all sorts of materials - tiles, stones, lumber, and the occasional strange-smelling food item - lumber along the muddy tracks, the sound of the wheels groaning a song of effort. But, it's not all bad, for our heavy strides make for smooth travel, despite the bumpy ground! I am one of many, we’re like a symphony of hooves, providing strength and steadfastness. In this way, I can’t help but think of ourselves as quiet heroes!
One of the most fascinating things about being a draught horse in the year 434 is the chance to travel beyond my own small village. Often, the Romans require us to journey with them to build their outposts, roads, and settlements, offering glimpses of distant lands and different peoples. There are those with painted faces who are fiercely independent, others who seem to be quite taken with Roman ways, and a few who simply view the Romans with wary suspicion.
Each new journey is an opportunity to learn and observe, even if I can only express my amazement through snorts and appreciative nudges to my stable mates. I have learned to identify different plants and crops based on their scents - rosemary, oats, the wild garlic I’ve always hated, and sometimes even sweet smelling fruit.
And who could forget the wild ponies, the windswept creatures roaming the moors and highlands of this beautiful land. We may be different, but I cannot deny the bond I feel with them. We share the land and sky, the winds, the rain and the sunshine, even if our tasks and destinies differ.
The world of 434 is not without its challenges. Disease can spread easily, and there are times when the journey seems longer and the workload heavier. It’s at these times that we need to pull together as a community. Sharing a meal of oats and hay, sharing the burdens of heavy work, sharing the simple joy of a peaceful sunset at the edge of the wild moors.
We have found that, despite our differing origins and sizes, our purpose in life is quite similar - to work and support our human companions. Their way of life is woven intricately into ours. And that’s a comfort, wouldn't you say?
It may seem like I’m talking a lot about the Romans. And for good reason! They have made an impact. Some people say they are spreading civilization, while others claim they are ruining our traditions. Whether they are building roads or leaving their own mark, it’s undeniable that our lives are becoming intertwined with theirs.
But in the end, life is about adapting, learning, and working together. This is how we horses are made. We are resilient, strong, and steadfast, carrying the hopes and burdens of both man and animal.
So, until next time, keep your hooves firm, your heads held high, and let's celebrate the beautiful journey of being a horse, even in these changing times!
Emma, a grey draught horse with a white mane and tail, from Hayfield, near Aberdeen, Scotland. Year 434.
