Neigh-sayers, gather 'round! It's Emma here, your friendly grey draught mare from Hayfield near Aberdeen, Scotland. Today, we're taking a gallop through the year 0163 - a time of great change for horses across the world. And by the way, what an absolute year it was! A time of thrilling discoveries and adventures, bustling with new ideas and changes across the horse world.
Buckle up your saddlebags, and let's get this history ride rolling.
From Hayfield with Love: A Year in My LifeIt all started as it always does - with a hearty morning bite of hay. We are talking pre-dawn, mind you! That’s the life of a hard-working draught horse - dawn till dusk, a blur of pulling plows and carrying heavy loads.
Spring had just bloomed, and I, at a ripe old age of 20, found myself leading the team that worked the land on Farmer McDougal's farm. He had bought me from a neighboring farmer, a good-natured lad, with strong muscles and a steady mind. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I have to say, Farmer McDougal was an absolute sweetheart. Kind to us horses, gentle and calm with a soft touch - and he always ensured we had enough hay to make a plump grey mare like myself a happy one!
There was an excitement in the air that year, though I wasn’t sure why at first. But that year, news of a Roman Empire on the move was reaching Scotland through whispered rumors and scattered messengers. The Romans were always making moves, always building their grand empire, and this year it felt close to home.
I'd listen, my ears pricked, as Farmer McDougal spoke to his neighbours about it. Their concerns were real, with anxieties about the impact of their movements. A fear lingered, a dark shadow under our sunny spring mornings, and a shadow for us, horses too, if one thing's for sure, Roman’s weren’t particularly known for being nice to us.
But I learned that my strength and stamina would be a benefit. A bit like a modern day, heavy-duty forklift! It was the beginning of a vital task for us draught horses. This Roman invasion led to a call for greater agricultural production. We, with our strength and determination, rose to the challenge. Farmer McDougal needed to provide more crops, and as he kept saying "Well, thank heavens for my faithful horses", we took on the responsibility with pride.
For myself, it wasn’t just about work; I also started noticing a "glow up" on our pastures. A new breed, smaller and agile, started popping up. People called them ‘Irish horses,’ and their coat was sleek and bright. My kind were the workhorses - large, sturdy and loyal, pulling plows and transporting heavy materials, and they were used as cavalry. Those smaller steeds, well, they were called ‘the war horses', smaller and nimbler for battlefield speed. And they were absolutely beautiful, sleek and glossy! It was a wonderful sight to see!
I felt the change. More work meant more connections with the other farms. It was like a network of hard work and resilience across Scotland. We had never felt such a sense of community before!
The end of the summer was just beginning. Farmer McDougal said I had done a grand job, and I felt a deep pride in my work. This wasn’t a summer to simply enjoy; it was about pulling together to overcome obstacles. As Autumn drew nearer, there was a calmness in the air. An unspoken peace descended as we knew we had done everything we could.
We’d survived, but we couldn't be complacent, especially with those new breeds about! Who knows what surprises next year would bring? One thing's for sure - we horses were tough and we'd keep pulling through whatever the year had to throw at us.
A Global View of the Horse World in 0163:The Empire Rises and the Horse Trots Alongside:
Rome - it was booming, building an empire, making huge leaps forward! They had horses everywhere! For those of you who enjoy learning about civilizations, Rome used them not just as warhorses, but for carrying people, moving supplies, and carrying out construction - it was all about using the strength of horses. They even kept them in stables! These large structures ensured a place for rest and nourishment – what a luxury!
In the Shadow of the Giant: A Glimpse at the East
Meanwhile, the Chinese were making strides too! Their horses were renowned for being strong and courageous, but in their civilization, horses played a significant role in daily life and they were bred to travel incredible distances. It seemed they, unlike Rome, were less about using brute force and more about clever training! It was fascinating to hear stories about the silk road – an enormous network of trading routes between the East and West, full of people on horseback!
More Than Just a Horse, More Than Just Work: The Heart of The Horse
This is a crucial year, not just in history but also for how we saw ourselves! We learned more than just about how strong we were or how important our work was.
It was in this year that we found a new reason to neigh and prance! Our spirit of resilience started to find new meaning, with people beginning to realize our strength is more than muscle! The bond with humans was deepening!
In some cultures, horses were already more than just beasts of burden. People were appreciating the speed, the loyalty and the powerful presence of the horse!
We were strong, yes, but also a companion, a friend, and a true companion in adventure.
I’ll let you all go graze now – more history lessons await! Don’t forget to look out for the next blog! Until next time!
Emma - A Grey Draught Mare from Hayfield.
