Greetings, fellow equines! It’s Emma here, your trusty blogger from the sunny pastures of Hayfield, just outside of Aberdeen. It's been a while since I’ve penned my thoughts, but a little something has caught my eye. I stumbled upon some ancient texts whilst napping in the hayloft yesterday – turns out, the year 0019 is the talk of the equine world, and quite right, too!
It's been a while since I’ve talked about actual historical moments. You see, sometimes, it’s good to take a step back, look at how far we’ve come, how much our role in the world has shifted, and ponder what our future may hold. That’s why I'm going to share with you my own thoughts, gleaning insights from these intriguing ancient texts, about what life was like for a horse in the year 0019. It's certainly a year that stands out in the annals of history.
This time, though, I want to put the human lens on and tell the story of 0019 through the eyes of one particular mare named Guinevere, a mighty grey dray horse, much like myself, though far more elegant, she was. Imagine if you will, this noble creature working in the bustling heart of Rome, hauling loads for the merchants and hauling the wealthy Romans themselves in their grand chariots. You could see her stomping the cobblestone streets of the Roman Empire, strong as an ox, gentle as a lamb. Imagine this…
Guinevere: A Tale from Rome in 0019Now, picture it: The morning air is crisp, filled with the aroma of baking bread and fresh-cut hay. Guinevere is stirring, her warm chestnut coat glistening in the early sunlight. Her heart thumps a steady rhythm in her chest, and with a stretch and a powerful kick of her back legs, she's on her feet.
Her human, a sturdy fellow named Caius, is already there, offering her a fresh bunch of hay, which Guinevere devours with gusto. Their morning ritual, much like how we are looked after here at Hayfield. Then, he gathers his harness and bridles – he needs Guinevere today, you see, for another exciting day in the heart of Rome. The streets are starting to stir. He hitches her up to the carriage, its wheels creaking gently as she starts to pull.
She has the unique talent of being able to move a large chariot filled with many merchants selling their wares, and even pull heavy stone slabs for Roman constructions. Guinevere’s strength, stamina and calm disposition made her the most prized horse in Rome – one of the best work horses in the entire Empire, much like we still are here in Scotland today!
The bustling city wakes up, and Guinevere is swept away by the wave of activity. The air is alive with the sounds of traders, their voices raised in bartering. Merchants’ wares – woven cloths, gleaming metal, fruits from faraway lands – tempt the passerby. But Guinevere’s focus is fixed ahead, eyes set on the road, the carriage’s smooth motion, her powerful hooves striking the stone.
With steady paces, Guinevere takes Caius through the city. This, dear readers, is no ordinary carriage; this one belongs to a Roman Senator, a powerful man named Lucius, who enjoys the privilege of moving through Rome in style. With Guinevere’s grace and powerful gait, the senator's carriage is the smoothest ride around!
As she progresses through Rome, Guinevere, a horse with a curious spirit, can’t help but look about her at this ever-shifting panorama. She notices, from a glance, a small child trying to balance atop a barrel; a woman struggling with her shopping; and another horse, magnificent and bold, a stallion, that looks to be preparing for a chariot race in the nearby circus maximus, pulling a chariot laden with exciting decorations!
Guinevere's life, however, was not a life of luxury. This is no gentle mare, groomed and ridden in leisure. Her days are filled with toil and dedication. As a dray horse in ancient Rome, her purpose is essential. But, as the ancient texts suggest, the human race has great affection and admiration for our kind. Guinevere was not only cherished by her master, but she was revered and recognized throughout the city, her name known by the tradesmen, by children, by the servants, all hailing her by name as she strode through the city in the morning sunlight.
Guinevere and Caius pass by, but Guinevere makes a silent wish: “Someday I will go to the circus and witness a great chariot race. They’ve said it’s quite a show,” she thinks to herself, and in this silent wish, she starts dreaming.
In the Heart of Rome
Life in ancient Rome is no walk in the park. But Guinevere wouldn’t trade her life for anything. She loves her human companion and feels respected and needed in this buzzing hive of activity that is the city of Rome. There’s a deep bond between these two.
One particular afternoon, a crowd of Romans gathers. All eyes are on Caius and his grey mare. He brings Guinevere before an imposing statue, a chariot sculpted from white marble, its driver frozen mid-race, eyes set on a distant goal.
"Come, my faithful friend," Caius says, holding his hand towards her as he gently guides Guinevere toward the chariot sculpture, his hand running softly along her sleek mane. She nods her head in acknowledgment and, without further instruction, walks right up to the sculpture and rests her snout against the sculpted steed’s flank. A warm feeling takes over Guinevere and her heart melts. “This is how we will always be remembered,” she thinks.
Caius lays a wreath of flowers upon Guinevere's brow, the gesture bringing cheers from the onlookers. The locals recognize the extraordinary feats of this mare, their local dray horse heroine.
Nighttime Whispers and Dreams
The sun dips below the horizon, casting the city in a warm, orange glow. As evening falls, Guinevere, finally finished with her work for the day, gets her rest. A comfortable, dry, stone-built stable awaits her in Caius’s modest quarters near the city centre, not the lavish estates of the Senator, but Caius's small home where she has become his most treasured companion. Caius gives her a brush down before bringing her her evening meal of hay, fresh oats and, as a treat, some delicious bread crusts that his family has finished with their dinner.
In the darkness, she sleeps peacefully, the city lights painting soft streaks of light onto the stable wall, her gentle breaths filling the night with quiet contentment. In her dreams, Guinevere is no longer just a hardworking horse. In her dreams, she gallops across fields, the wind whipping her white mane and tail, free and spirited, her heart light.
Even though the days in ancient Rome are long and demanding, Guinevere still finds time to think about the bigger picture. What do her brethren do? What challenges and pleasures await horses all over the world?
What of the Equine World in 0019
It is a very different time for us. The ancient texts I have seen show that horses in the year 0019 have many vital jobs in many parts of the world. Our abilities to move, to pull, and to withstand harsh environments make us invaluable assets. But these are just a few glimpses.
Just outside of Rome, in lands further north, sturdy draught horses are needed to plough the land. Without horses to till the soil, it would be impossible to harvest the grains that keep humanity fed! In many villages, the strong horses are vital for transporting goods between the villages and the local markets, especially over long distances where paved roads are non-existent. The humble horse is absolutely essential for carrying supplies of all kinds – materials for building, fish for meals, supplies to aid those who live in remote areas, you name it! We are at the heart of things in all parts of the world!
The ancient texts I found mention a breed of wild horses in Mongolia known for their hardiness and strength. These are the magnificent Przewalski’s horses, wild and free, galloping over open plains and steppes. And, of course, our beloved Arabian cousins are renowned for their elegant speed and grace. But there is one place that especially interests me...
The Land of the Pharaohs: The Mystery of Egypt
My curiosity lies in a country known as Egypt. The texts reveal that in ancient Egypt, horses play a very different role than the one I see in Rome. These horses, called steeds, are known for their beauty and swiftness, for being trained to pull war chariots with stunning speed. Oh, how I dream of riding upon those hot desert plains, hearing the whispers of the pyramids as I race with the wind at my heels. I hear they can run with the gods! Maybe I should book a flight to Egypt – not that there were planes in 0019! Maybe one day I will travel there in my dreams, my hooves strong, my breath fresh, as I stand beside a glorious Egyptian Pharaoh. Oh! My tail twitches and my hooves tap against the ground in anticipation, just thinking about this faraway land!
0019 - A Moment in Time
It's incredible to learn about the role of horses in 0019. The world has moved forward since then, of course. We still have roles in all corners of the world, of course. There’s more than just carriages to pull, hay to carry, and people to take places. But our story, just like yours, has taken a very special turn and continues to do so in ways that I cannot imagine.
A Wish for the Future
So, as I graze on a patch of meadow outside Hayfield in the Scottish highlands, bathed in the golden afternoon sunshine, I wish for us all – for Guinevere, for the noble Przewalski horses, for all my kind, even for you and your human companions - a world of kindness, respect, and happiness. Because no matter where you are, how you look, or what kind of work you do, our hearts beat to the same rhythm – and we all share the wonder of this world.
Until next time, my equine friends, stay safe and may your tails be swishing with joy!
Emma
