History of Horses in the year 0079

Greetings, fellow equestrians!

Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood grey draught horse, penning this post from my cosy stable in Hayfield, near the bustling city of Aberdeen. It's been a while since I last wrote - I've been busy, as usual, helping the farmer with the spring ploughing and carting in the harvest.

But as I chew thoughtfully on my hay (you know I do love a good hay-time!), I've been reflecting on this year - 79 AD.

A significant year in the annals of history, yes, but how does it compare to the real happenings in the world of horses? Buckle up, dear readers, as I take you on a journey through time, where we'll uncover the fascinating, sometimes subtle, shifts that mark this particular year in our equine world.

79 AD! I can practically feel the excitement in the air - or maybe that’s just the smell of freshly turned earth. You see, in Hayfield, the Romans have made their presence felt.

I wouldn’t say they’re exactly unwelcome, more just…different. I hear my fellow farm animals chatting - they say the Romans have built a large wall on the edge of Scotland, aiming to keep the Picts out. My opinion? Walls are a bit much! Surely good old-fashioned friendly horsemanship could have done the trick. But I digress!

The Romans, they love their horses, mind you. They have their own, big, strong beasts - a different type from us, you know? Not the sleek grey thoroughbreds you see racing around these days, but broad, muscular fellas with a serious, stoic expression.

And do you know what else? The Romans bring with them something new… harnesses! A bit complicated for my taste, all leather and straps. The local farmers haven't fully caught on, but they’re fascinated, even a tad jealous. It’s all very efficient, it seems, even if I do find the feeling of it a bit strange. I imagine this is how our kind felt about those fancy new carriages first came into use - all sleek and wooden, a bit of an adjustment from a simple cart.

But hey, progress, eh? Perhaps in a few years’ time, we'll be galloping through the countryside with these Roman contraptions, carrying goods and men faster than ever before!

And that, dear readers, leads us to the very heart of 79 AD’s equine impact - change. There’s a buzz in the air about a growing market in goods travelling all over the Roman Empire. This isn't just about farmers transporting hay and grain any longer; they’re transporting luxury items. Fabrics, jewellery, precious goods, all carried by us horses, of course. It’s quite the exciting turn of events!

And where does all this trade go? Right past Hayfield, through Hadrian’s Wall, heading south to the rest of Roman Britain, and even further down into Europe. Imagine, me carrying some exotic spices that eventually make it all the way to Italy, perhaps for a delicious Roman banquet. Just another day for a draught horse, you know?

It's this kind of expansion that means more demand for horses. You see, my old friend, Clementine, from the neighbouring village of Strathdon, tells tales of travelling horse merchants from Gaul. She whispers tales of magnificent stallions and the thrilling races they hold - even though her master tells her it's all make-believe. But Clementine, she’s not a horse to be easily fooled.

It makes you think, doesn’t it? More demand for horses means opportunities for all sorts - faster transport, bigger loads, perhaps even better, thicker blankets in winter. I'd gladly wear one myself if my farmer could spare a penny or two.

79 AD was a year of immense change. I imagine it felt like a similar energy was rippling throughout the Roman world - and beyond! The rumour mill amongst our kind whispers about Emperor Vespasian's victory in Judea. I wouldn't know what it means, not entirely, but his story sounds pretty remarkable! It seems this Emperor built something quite impressive in Rome, a majestic coliseum.

As I understand it, this Colosseum isn't just a fancy building. It’s a vast, round structure for gladiatorial combat, an arena, built to be seen from everywhere, echoing with the roar of the crowd. You’ll find the Emperors hold races there. Apparently, they use swift horses to race around the arena, just like our thoroughbred friends back home in Hayfield. I hear some even use them in the military - quite the spectacle, from what I hear!

You see, even though I’ve never left the pastures of Hayfield, 79 AD makes me feel connected to the whole world - that our kind are all sharing in these grand adventures. This year brings change and a different, more sophisticated rhythm to life - a new wave for us all.

But you know, dear reader, while it's exciting to follow those grand happenings around the Roman Empire, don't forget the little moments. You know what really brought me joy? A young boy, barely taller than my knee, took me for a stroll one sunny afternoon. His face lit up with delight as I followed the dusty path through the fields, him laughing and chattering as I ambled slowly alongside him. A gentle reminder that despite the grand stories in 79 AD, the simple pleasures remain.

Life goes on, and each day, we horses, whether we are carrying merchants, ploughing fields, or walking through the meadows, find beauty and purpose. I have a good life, and I feel blessed to be sharing this little part of history, and the story of my life, with you, my friends.

Keep your eyes peeled for the next installment in this series. And as always, until next time, may your pastures be green and your oats plentiful.

*Yours sincerely, *

Emma