Neigh-hello, lovely readers! It’s your favourite grey mare Emma, from Hayfield near Aberdeen, back with another peek into the wonderful world of horses! This time, we’re stepping back in time to 180 CE – a year brimming with plenty of barley and a humungous harvest, if I do say so myself!
You see, back then, life was a bit different for horses. While we had our own little community here in Hayfield, life wasn’t quite so focused on leisurely trail rides or fancy competitions. We were mostly used for practical things, helping humans with their daily work. But, don't let that sound too boring, dear readers!
This particular year was all about the barley! It was the main source of food for our humans, especially those of us working on the farm. This meant loads of yummy barley and a bit of hay for us – what more could a horse ask for? It was a particularly bountiful harvest that year, bringing in more than usual. My, how I did enjoy those plump barley grains! And I’m sure our neighbours down south enjoyed theirs, too, with all those rolling hills of wheat!
Besides the farming work, 180 CE saw horses used for transporting goods all over the Roman Empire. Imagine! That meant gallops through vineyards and vineyards and over majestic mountains. My old friend, Charlie, a chestnut from the Southern regions, would tell stories about his journeys hauling loads of fine fabrics and sparkling pottery for the Emperor’s grand feasts! He swore he’d once pulled a chariot with a magnificent lion on display – quite the adventure!
Another notable event in this year was a rather thrilling horse race in Rome! They say the Romans adored their races, but this particular one had an unusual twist. It involved a chariot pulled by eight white horses, with each of their reins controlled by a different driver! Imagine the spectacle – eight steeds, each driven with their own special flair! You can see why this became a memorable event!
Now, this year wasn’t just about the bustling city life of the Roman Empire, dear readers! Horses like myself, well, we had our own rural charms! Picture this: clear, crisp air; the rolling green hills dotted with heather; and the sweet smell of peat fires in the winter. It was the best life a horse could have!
Life in Hayfield, of course, wasn't all about barley and the Roman Empire! We horses were also vital in transportation and communication – a necessity even then. While we weren't quite using our amazing horse power for speedy email, you could always count on us for getting important messages across the Highlands!
It wasn’t uncommon for a horse like myself to be saddled up for a brisk gallop across the rolling moorlands, delivering vital information to remote communities. Think of it like a delivery service for urgent information, only instead of sleek boxes on scooters, there was a loyal horse with a message pouch! It kept us feeling strong and independent, like we had our own little jobs to do!
We even used our trusty hooves for pulling plows and carts! No tractors then, dear readers! It was hard work but essential for survival – making sure that we had the resources to weather the winters! A strong horse meant a well-fed community, and everyone benefited!
But as much as I enjoy working, dear readers, every horse deserves some leisure time. The evenings were when we had our fun. After a long day's work, we'd gather in a safe pasture, a quiet oasis from the busy day. We'd chew on sweet grass, maybe have a gentle play, and listen to our human companions share tales of the day. And under the blanket of the starlit sky, the stillness was just pure bliss!
180 CE was a good year for us horses. We were the lifeblood of many communities, essential to every aspect of life from the farm to the bustling markets of the Roman Empire. But through it all, horses never lost their special touch – a loyal companion, a hard worker, and a true friend. That, my dear readers, is why horses like me continue to be valued even today!
So, my friends, the next time you're lucky enough to meet a horse, remember our history! Think about all the incredible journeys we’ve taken, the work we’ve done, and the beautiful connection we've always shared with humans. After all, history repeats itself – with the power of horses shining bright, even after all these years!
Until next time, Your beloved grey mare, Emma!
