Hello there, dear readers! It’s Emma, your friendly grey mare from Hayfield, just outside of Aberdeen. I'm excited to share my thoughts on the world of horses back in 178 CE – a time that felt very different from our modern equine lives, yet full of fascinating happenings, as you'll soon see!
Firstly, I need to tell you that life was simpler in those days, at least for us horses. Sure, there were wars and troubles happening in the wider world, but we were mostly preoccupied with our everyday work and routines. Our primary role was to be strong, dependable beasts, helping humans cultivate the land and move goods, with a splash of military service for good measure.
Now, the year 178 CE wasn't anything too monumental in our equine history, no grand breakthroughs like the invention of the saddle (which, let me tell you, revolutionised things back in the day!) but it was a time of change and a continuation of old traditions, just like all eras before it.
Let’s talk about Hayfield, my lovely home. You see, we horses were a valuable commodity in this area of Scotland, essential to its very fabric. Every farmer relied on us to plough their fields, pull their carts, and help them get to markets. I, myself, belonged to a farmer named Hamish, a kind man who never worked me too hard, though the days were long, even for a strong grey mare like myself.
We’d get up before the sun, munching on hay and oats, and set off for the fields, hauling ploughs and cultivating the land. Come harvest season, our role was crucial; we carried the weighty baskets full of grain and vegetables to the markets in Aberdeen. It was back-breaking work, to be honest, but with a bit of teamwork and a gentle voice from Hamish, it got done!
Speaking of Aberdeen, it was the heart of trade and commerce in these parts. Imagine a bustling marketplace, teeming with people, all relying on the horses to bring in the goods they needed – grain, vegetables, wool, and even fish! We horses weren't just part of the scene, we were vital to the lifeblood of this bustling city. It was thrilling to be a part of it all, feeling the energy of the city, even as we waited patiently in our lines, ears perked, eyes alert.
And, of course, I wouldn’t be a good story teller if I didn’t tell you about the Roman army. Though, for us, it meant being the ‘taxi’ service for Roman soldiers as they moved about, travelling with them across the country. Even with those soldiers on our backs, there were moments when we could stop and graze under the big, Scottish skies, the scent of wildflowers lingering in the air. I, for one, never felt truly confined, though, of course, life as a military horse had its own perils.
178 CE wasn’t an exciting year, not compared to wars and great battles of other years. It was just an everyday year in our horse world, yet full of significance. It was in years like these that the world moved forward, each tiny task we did contributing to the overall picture.
Speaking of tiny tasks, remember I told you about Hamish? Well, the best part of his days was his young daughter, Fiona. Fiona was a fiery, playful little thing, often jumping on my back with her giggling and hugging me with her little arms. Her mother, Agnes, would scold Fiona, worried about my safety.
Now, as I said, I'm a strong mare and didn't mind little Fiona, and honestly, I rather enjoyed her innocent mischief. Agnes wasn't quite sure about me though, I can't say I blame her, I was the new mare, bought with hard-earned coins, but even though Agnes wasn't a big fan, Fiona adored me. The feeling was mutual, I loved seeing her face light up at the sight of me. It added a joy to my days, an innocence and joy that helped balance the burdens of daily toil.
One afternoon, after returning from a trip to Aberdeen, Fiona surprised me with a delicious pile of apples! Agnes had taught her how to make me little wreaths of wildflowers to wear on my mane and tail – she was learning to care for me and show me appreciation for my work. Honestly, her simple acts were more valuable than any gold.
Now, in closing, this blog post may not be bursting with dramatic historical events. Still, 178 CE was a time of great change for humans, slowly paving the way for the Roman empire’s power. While not a monumental year for our equine history, it was filled with those quiet moments, those simple connections we have with the world. We horses carried people, hauled loads, and helped bring food to the table. And sometimes, a little girl showed me appreciation with apples and wildflowers. Isn't that enough?
I can't wait to share more of our history with you next week. Until then, keep on trotting and never forget the magic of connection that we horses share with the world!
Emma, Hayfield, Scotland
