Hello everyone, Emma here, your trusty blogger from the rolling hills of Hayfield, near Aberdeen. It’s been a while since I last wrote, as the spring planting season has kept me quite busy, and I am nothing if not a dedicated workhorse!
I’m quite proud to share with you all that 0165 has been a very interesting year in the world of horses. So let’s saddle up and gallop back to the time of Roman chariots and Celtic ponies!
My Life in the Fields of Hayfield:
Now, Hayfield is a charming place, tucked between the rugged Scottish Highlands and the gentle rolling hills of Aberdeenshire. Here, the heather grows wild and the wind whispers stories of ancient battles. We draught horses are prized for our strength and endurance, hauling the heavy plows and pulling the sturdy carts laden with crops and livestock.
My work here is tough, but rewarding. I thrive on the camaraderie of my fellow draught horses, each with their own quirks and strengths. Old Monty, with his shaggy coat and twinkle in his eye, is a true elder statesman. He’s seen it all, from the Roman conquests to the reign of the Emperor Claudius, and he knows more about horses and history than any of us young lads. He shares fascinating tales about the days when the Romans first crossed the Scottish border, and about their war horses, their tactics, and how the Gaels managed to repel them with their nimble ponies.
This year, we've been working extra hard to bring in the harvest. The weather has been kind, giving us a bountiful yield of barley and oats, which are crucial to feed our people. We horses are not just work animals, we are an essential part of the fabric of this community. I can truly feel the weight of responsibility on my broad shoulders, for our hard work directly feeds the people of Hayfield.
A Look at the Wider Horse World:
Outside our little haven, the world is constantly in motion. The Roman Empire is expanding like a vine, stretching its reach further and further across the known world. The Romans are always on the lookout for good horses, and this has brought a new wave of activity to the horse trade.
From what I’ve heard through the gossipy crow network (they are such busybodies!) – yes, the Romans use them for warfare, for sure, with their mighty chariots that roar across battlefields. But they also use horses for transportation, for hauling goods, and for communication. They’re even using them in the mines, using their incredible strength to bring precious metals and ores out of the depths of the earth!
Speaking of precious metals, word on the stable is that a famous Roman general called Gaius, a real “chariot king” if you will, even has his own specially bred “Caesar's Chargers" who are trained to gallop through scorching heat and dust without getting a drop of sweat on them!
It’s incredible to imagine horses working and playing so far away from home. The Romans even brought back their favourite types of horses, from powerful warhorses of Gaul, agile Spanish steeds, and even majestic Arabian steeds! They have changed the horse scene, as you might say. It’s quite fascinating!
Exciting Discoveries!
And the news is not all about Romans. Apparently, some archaeologists dug up the bones of horses that lived over a thousand years ago. They call them "wild horses." These horses are even smaller than our local ponies. The archaeologists believe they may be the ancestors of our beloved ponies. What a discovery! Imagine the stories those bones could tell!
A World of Wonder:
Life here is truly fascinating. I never know what tomorrow may bring. But one thing is certain - there will always be stories about horses, about their work, their spirit, and their place in this world.
Stay tuned, dear readers! There's a whole lot more history to share. Don’t forget to come back next time for more tales from Hayfield and the wonderful world of horses!
Your hooves and hearts forever,
Emma.
