Greetings, fellow equines and equestrian enthusiasts! It's Emma here, your friendly grey mare from Hayfield near Aberdeen, Scotland. Welcome back to my horse history blog on Equiworld.org. I'm so pleased you've chosen to join me again, as I navigate through the annals of our beloved equine past. Today, we journey back to the year 235 AD, a time brimming with exciting developments in the equine world, and I'm positively champing at the bit to share them with you all!
A Year of Bounty
As the sun shines warmly upon Hayfield, dappling through the leaves of the old oak tree by the stables, it makes me think of a year ago. 235 AD started with a shiver, the first crisp bite of winter still in the air. It was a bit daunting to see frost on the ground when the world had begun to stir. But we, the horses of Hayfield, knew the real task was yet to come. Spring was upon us, bringing its verdant magic, and we had our work cut out for us! This year, the fields promised an exceptionally rich harvest. The barley, rye, and oats were strong and tall, swaying gently in the wind, whispering tales of abundance.
The anticipation was palpable as our master, a sturdy, kind man named Angus, prepped his farm for the momentous event. The air hummed with excitement and the rhythmic clip-clop of our hooves echoed across the fields as we patiently awaited the call to duty. The year was overflowing with hope. The villagers were abuzz with the prospect of a bountiful harvest, meaning everyone would be warm, fed, and content during the long winter ahead. I could feel it in the air – a collective spirit of joy and optimism.
Horses in the Harvest
Ah, the harvest season! A symphony of smells, sounds, and textures that still stirs a joyful memory deep inside. Each morning, we horses were carefully groomed and saddled. The smell of hay and oats permeated the air as Angus would speak soothing words, a mix of Gaelic and the soft whispers of his affection for his horses. We would gather, a magnificent line of strong draught horses, readying ourselves for the day's task.
First, we'd work the threshing floor, our strong, steady hooves helping to separate the grain from the stalks. It was a dusty job, but I reveled in the camaraderie with my fellow horses. We shared grunts of encouragement and exchanged playful swishes of our tails, sharing in the accomplishment of a long day's work. Then came the fun part - carrying the sheaves of wheat, rye, and oats from the field to the barns. We'd weave in and out of the farmers, our rhythm matching the tempo of the day, a perfect interplay of human and animal power. It filled me with pride knowing that we played such a vital role in keeping the community fed.
New Techniques – A Seed of Progress
The year 235 brought a new innovation, one that excited our farmer, Angus. He heard whispers from passing traders, who in turn had heard it from Roman soldiers in the South. The rumour spread like wildfire, and Angus was captivated. A new invention! A wheel-barrow, they called it. With a big, round wheel and a large basket attached, it was quite a sight!
Angus brought one to our stable, a strange and curious thing. We stared at it, heads tilted in wonder. We hadn't seen anything like it. Angus spent weeks experimenting, trying to understand this new contraption. He wasn't quite sure how best to utilize its potential, and he confided in me one evening, whispering softly about how it could change the way we worked the harvest.
With careful consideration and gentle encouragement, we learned how to use it. It wasn’t quite as efficient as using horses alone, but there were certain things this curious contraption did exceptionally well. We’d haul a large basket of sheaves up hills that we’d normally struggle with. We carried it, with Angus guiding it, moving from field to barn, a steady stream of golden bounty filling the air.
Our horses' strength combined with this new contraption made for a quicker and more efficient harvest. Angus beamed with pride as he told us how much the wheelbarrow improved the workload. It took some getting used to – a bit like navigating around a curious, wobbly, wooden sheep. But once we mastered it, the entire harvest flowed with newfound grace. It was clear to us, and Angus, that this 'new-fangled' wheelbarrow would surely become an indispensable part of future harvests.
Across the Countryside: Echoes of Horse Power
While our little Hayfield world was filled with the joyous task of the harvest, I'd also heard tales of horses from other parts of Scotland and beyond. Whispers traveled with the traders, carried on the wind and brought by passing travelers. I'd heard of great feats of strength and horses helping to build roads for the Roman legions in the South. I'd even heard about the magnificent horses of the Roman Empire themselves. They say the Romans have fast and beautiful horses, used for transport, war, and even racing. But the most intriguing stories came from those travelling further North – from the great land beyond the mountain pass, known as Caithness.
Stories about the ‘wild horses’ in these uncharted areas were met with wide eyes and excited snorts from our stable. The wild horses of Caithness were said to be fearless and fierce, but with grace and beauty unparalleled. Some say their coat shone like a silver mist against the northern skies, while others claimed they moved like ghosts through the Highlands.
Embracing the Future
235 AD passed swiftly, filled with work, laughter, and the joy of a bountiful harvest. We were happy horses, content with the simple life in Hayfield, helping our master and contributing to the well-being of our community. The harvest celebrations were particularly lively, the villagers gathering to thank the horses and express their gratitude. Our contribution was tangible, our role crucial. We were proud and contented, our strong hearts overflowing with equine bliss.
As for the future, we, the horses, were eager for it! This year saw a new invention, the wheelbarrow, which seemed like a beacon of progress. With our steadfast strength and the introduction of new tools, I can sense a change in our way of life, one that holds both possibilities and potential for betterment. But regardless of what the future holds, one thing is certain: Horses will continue to play a vital role in the world. We are the heart of agriculture, the embodiment of power, grace, and resilience.
Until next time,
Emma from Hayfield
Don't forget to follow along on Equiworld.org! I post every fortnight. Let me know your favourite historical equestrian events in the comments. Let’s travel through the annals of time together!
