Neigh-sayers and New Discoveries
Hello everyone, Emma here, your trusty chronicler of all things equine, writing to you from my cosy stall in Hayfield, just a stone’s throw from the beautiful Scottish city of Aberdeen. It’s a bright spring morning, the air crisp and carrying the promise of a long summer ahead. I can almost taste the sweetness of the new grass, which I will soon be allowed to munch upon in my pasture!
This year marks a milestone – the year 0064. It’s fascinating, isn't it? This strange number that sits in between “B.C.” and “A.D.” Some might say, “Well, Emma, what’s the big deal? There’s just as much difference between this year and next year, and so forth, as any other year before it.” I say to those nay-sayers, you have a point. The passage of time is constant and unending, whether we note the difference or not.
Yet, there is something inherently captivating about 0064. The number hangs, a precipice, the moment between what we refer to as ‘Before Christ’ and ‘Anno Domini’. I feel like a young foal being led through a magical forest - surrounded by mysteries yet to be revealed!
And for our horse family, what stories are unfurling in this momentous year? Let's have a nose about…
In the Heart of Rome: Chariot Races and Spectacles
Now, everyone knows about the mighty Roman Empire, its emperors and senators, their armies of legionaries marching across the known world. And what is an empire without its chariots, without its swift, elegant horses trained for the awe-inspiring races that take place in the great Circus Maximus!
Even from my home in Scotland, I hear whispers of this dazzling spectacle, and of course, stories always grow bigger in the retelling. I imagine the vast crowds, their roaring applause echoing across the arena as my fellow steeds thunder down the track, manes flying in the wind, straining at their harness to be the first across the finish line.
Across the Eastern Borders: The Silk Road
This year, the world of trade stretches further east than ever before. Across deserts and mountainous landscapes, the Silk Road winds its way, a vital artery connecting empires. This road brings not only goods but new ideas and culture. I imagine horses, resilient and hardy, pulling the carts and carrying goods – maybe even some of these beautiful, lustrous silk fabrics that bring such a wave of sophistication across the ancient world! They’ve travelled miles upon miles, their strength testament to the extraordinary connection forged between man and horse.
In the Fields of Gaul: Farming and Famine
Back closer to home, news trickles in of Gaul, a region that has been increasingly important in the lives of horses, particularly those of us who serve in the field of farming. We're the workhorses, the ones pulling ploughs and bringing in the harvest. I can tell you, it's not an easy job but it is a rewarding one!
Yet, in this year, the farmers of Gaul are experiencing hard times. A lack of rain, combined with harsh weather conditions, has impacted their crops. My heart goes out to the horses who work these lands, knowing their task is made harder this year by the lack of abundant bounty. I know that many horses, including my brethren in Hayfield, face hardship. Our strong bodies are designed for work and service, and in these times of challenge, we find purpose in aiding humanity.
In the Shadow of the Alps: The Roman Expansion Continues
And now for an interesting update about what’s happening down in the region of the Alps. Those mighty mountains, reaching up to the sky, mark a significant point in Roman history. The Roman Empire is still hungry for expansion, and in this year, the focus is on conquering the mountainous territories that border the Roman Republic.
Why is this important? Because horses, particularly the powerful, sure-footed ones like the Celtic pony, play a key role. They navigate these challenging landscapes, traversing rugged paths and traversing difficult terrain, allowing the Roman legions to press onward.
My Journey Continues…
So, the world, and especially the horse world, is always in motion! It is a wonderful thing, even amidst these trials and tribulations, to be connected to this grand enterprise. As a horse in this era, we have a vital role to play in society, carrying riders, transporting goods, and even inspiring artistry.
Here in Hayfield, I am surrounded by familiar faces – the blacksmiths, the farriers, the grooms and the gentle ladies of the house, and most importantly, the other horses. I think it’s a comforting thought that we share the common thread of history together, be it through pulling a plough, a chariot race, or even traversing the Silk Road. We are all connected to one another through this tapestry of history, each thread creating a vibrant design.
And to all the horses out there – stay strong and proud. As we stand in 0064, we stand as pillars, connected by our hooves to the earth, witnessing the incredible story of humankind, carrying them through their journeys. Until next time, friends.
Yours in hooves,
Emma, the grey mare from Hayfield, Scotland.
