"Hello, my lovely EquiWorld friends! It’s Emma here, a grey mare from the stunning Scottish highlands. You know, as a horse, my days are filled with routine – grazing, sleeping, getting brushed… and well, working a bit too! But don’t worry, it’s not a drudgery, I’ve always enjoyed helping out with tasks around Hayfield, a small village near Aberdeen. The folks here treat me like family, and I love them dearly.
This year, 0011 AD, was a very busy one, even for me. There were several significant things happening with the horses, and it was like the world was finally starting to recognize just how important we are. And this year? I got a real feel of history happening right beside me.
Springtime, as usual, brought with it a flurry of activity. The young foals, clumsy but full of joy, would romp around the meadows while their mothers kept a watchful eye. The stallions, magnificent creatures with their bold coats and strong stances, would proclaim their strength through their snorts and spirited charges. You’d think they were vying for a crown!
However, things felt slightly different this year. I felt a shift in the air. Our humans, the villagers, were buzzing with anticipation for a momentous occasion - the arrival of a Roman legion. It was a thrilling, yet terrifying notion. These mighty soldiers, with their strong physiques and formidable weaponry, had ventured far from their home in Italy.
Now, before I go on, I want to clear up something – even though some folk call us “horses,” there are actually many varieties, you know. We’re not all built the same, like those slender ponies I've seen in the coastal areas. My kind, draught horses, are strong, built for hauling and working the land. The Romans brought with them, among their ranks, these beautiful chestnut horses called Celts. They were powerful and swift, quite different from my build.
Our arrival on the scene was nothing short of magnificent. We'd been trained for carrying riders and transporting goods – that’s our strength! The Romans relied on us heavily, not only to traverse their journeys but also for their military tactics. I saw first-hand how the Celts were put to work in formations and in battles – talk about a display of strength and coordination!
Life with the Romans brought change and new challenges. While the food was good (yes, those hearty grains are good for growing strong muscles!), the life of a warhorse was often tiring. We were at their mercy, marching alongside them during their expeditions, through muddy landscapes, rocky terrain, and windy highlands. But it was an experience.
The Romans were highly disciplined, as was their system of using horses. It’s what made them such efficient warriors and a dominant force. There was even a place they called a “stables” which had a different system of training than I’d known before – their way was so strict!
Now, don’t get me wrong. It’s not as if they treated us badly. But there was always a tense air around their presence. The Romans were fierce, I won't lie, and there were moments I wished for the tranquil calmness of our own home. But they treated us with respect. You have to admit, there was an aura of pride to be amongst these renowned warriors – although it wasn’t quite as comfortable as my peaceful Hayfield life.
But my world, our world, wasn’t limited to battles. I found a beauty in those long walks along the coast. Those salty, refreshing ocean breezes stirred my soul as I pranced along the rocky cliffs with the waves crashing beneath me. I'd even find myself sharing space with these beautiful seagulls - what lovely companions they made! We could talk for hours with our sweet whinnies, sharing stories about our lives under this boundless sky.
The Romans weren't all stern, you know! Their stories captivated my imagination - tales from distant lands with amazing, powerful beasts. You should see these wondrous tapestries in their camp - vibrant colours, strange and marvelous creatures like griffons and dragons!
The best part? I learned to sing Roman tunes, too. It was quite delightful to be humming their songs as we traveled. And who knows? Maybe the next time they march through Hayfield, the horses there will learn a new song!
Life, you see, is about sharing and learning, just like I’m sharing these stories with you on EquiWorld. ** I hope you find this bit of horse history from 0011 AD fascinating and perhaps, inspiring. And even more importantly, it proves that we horses, regardless of breed, shape, or stature, have played a vital role in history's grand tapestry.
Next time, I’ll be sharing the story of a Roman coin! Until then, graze on, my friends!
