Hello fellow equines, and welcome to my humble blog! I'm Emma, a 20-year-old grey draught horse with a white mane and tail. I live in Hayfield, a small village nestled amongst the rolling hills near Aberdeen in Scotland.
This year, I'm venturing into a little bit of equine history, specifically focusing on the year 0043, the year I was born, although that wouldn't be relevant for a couple more years!
But why 0043? Well, it was quite a pivotal year, particularly for us horses. The world, although certainly not the modern-day tapestry we know today, was abuzz with activity that had an impact on our lives, albeit in ways we couldn't fully comprehend back then.
0043: A Time of Expansion
As a young filly, the year 0043 was marked by an era of growth and change. I can't remember much from that time, of course, except the faint, blissful memories of a warm stable, a mother’s soft nuzzle, and the comforting sounds of other foals.
But while my life was just beginning, the human world was already beginning to shape its landscape, especially in the region of the Roman Empire. The legions were steadily extending their reach, creating vast road networks that allowed for easier communication and the transport of goods, something we horses benefitted from directly! Imagine the vast swathes of land we travelled through, drawing wagons loaded with everything from provisions to building materials, facilitating a greater flow of commerce across their sprawling empire.
Life on a Farm
As a farm horse, life in Hayfield was rather straightforward. We were a crucial part of the village life, working in the fields, drawing the plough, and hauling harvests. Our strength and resilience made us essential to the local community. It was hard work, but it also provided a sense of purpose, knowing we played an essential role in sustaining our people.
One of my most vivid memories from my youth is of a young human named Rory, who loved nothing more than to ride me around the fields. Rory was small for his age but fearless when on my back. I still feel a little warmth inside when I think about those rides. Rory would teach me new commands, stroke my mane, and share tales of the distant world outside Hayfield, painting colourful pictures with his words. His adventurous spirit and unbridled joy at every gallop filled my heart with a quiet contentment.
The Roman Invasion of Britain
Now, whilst I was happily grazing and frolicking in the fields of Scotland, the human world in Britain was undergoing a period of massive upheaval. The year 0043 marked the beginning of the Roman conquest of Britannia. As news travelled across the land, the mood was a mixture of apprehension and curiosity. This period would eventually lead to dramatic changes in the lives of us horses, impacting how we were used and our importance to human society.
But back then, it was mostly a series of whispers, hushed rumours, and tales carried on the wind. We knew very little about this "Roman Empire" except that it was a formidable force, sweeping across the lands, their armies disciplined and organised.
Beyond the Fields: The Dawn of Riding
Of course, our work wasn't just confined to the fields. I heard tales from the travelling horses, tales that spoke of a world beyond Hayfield, a world of intricate harness and finely-crafted saddles, a world where horses like myself were used not just for labour but for riding. These travelling horses, usually bigger and stronger, carried soldiers on their backs, galloping through battlefields or scouting the lands, bringing important messages.
The Horse's Role: A Vital Link
You see, the humans recognised the horse’s value, its power, its resilience. We weren't just beasts of burden, we were vital cogs in their society. We were the wind beneath their wings, allowing them to reach further, travel faster, and conquer greater distances. The human world would not have progressed so swiftly without our dedication and our strength.
I was filled with a sense of purpose and belonging, a deep connection to the human world, knowing that we were a crucial part of something much bigger than ourselves. The world was changing, the Roman Empire was spreading, and with every turn of the wheels of fate, we horses were an integral part of that change.
The Legacy of 0043
Though it might seem just another year in the long history of the world, 0043 was an important one. It was a year of beginnings, a year that set the stage for a change in the way we horses were viewed and valued.
I hope you enjoyed this journey back to the year of my birth. I'm always excited to share the wonders and history of our equine world with you all! Until next time, stay well, happy trails, and never forget the legacy we horses have woven into the fabric of human history.
