"Well, hello there my lovely equestrians! Emma here, from Hayfield near Aberdeen in Scotland. Welcome back to my blog on all things equine - a celebration of the wonderful world of horses!
I'm settling in beautifully after the recent Spring calving season - it was such a busy time on the farm, and as usual, the new foals were absolutely adorable. Watching them learn to walk and nurse is just magical! My role, as a mature, strong and dependable grey draught mare, is to keep a watchful eye on them and make sure the foals stay safe and out of mischief. It’s quite tiring chasing them all day, but it's so rewarding to see them grow strong and healthy.
I know what you're all thinking: “Emma, we know this is the world of horses, but what about the history of horses in the year 245? Surely you’ve got something interesting to tell us about life on a farm in this exciting time!”
You're right, of course, and my equine tail wags in excitement at the thought of sharing!
The Year is 245 AD – and what a fascinating year it is! Let me tell you all about it from my perspective as a mare here in Hayfield. First things first – let's put this into context. This was a time when the Roman Empire was booming, spanning across most of Europe and stretching into Africa and Asia. It was a time of peace and trade, and you might think that a stable, powerful Empire would mean it’s easy being a horse. But life wasn’t always a gallop in a meadow with a beautiful sun setting, as some might imagine…
Now, we have a wonderful relationship with humans in this time period! I believe the best part of life for me is that humans have recognized my strength and worth! I work in the fields, carrying heavy ploughs and harrowing, making sure we have a good harvest for the year! Not only that, I also help to carry supplies for our families. It's tiring work, yes, but a huge amount of satisfaction. I also have a young mare who helps with me in the fields. Her name is Violet, and she’s getting to grips with pulling the plough, even if she isn't as sure of herself yet. It is so delightful watching her develop her strength and confidence!
My human companions take wonderful care of me too. I have a warm stable with hay, plenty of water, and a nice thick rug for the winter. Plus, my humans give me delicious treats and plenty of affection - which, I must admit, I truly do appreciate! As I've mentioned, I'm a big strong grey with a magnificent mane and tail - very fluffy and white - and you could say that I do rather enjoy showing off how lovely I look! I just hope this helps with my farm work. It's so wonderful to know that my efforts are valued by my owners.
The main task we’re currently working on at Hayfield is gathering oats for winter. Oats are crucial – not only for the horses but also for the other animals, such as pigs and chickens, and also for the humans themselves. There is also barley to be gathered as a secondary crop, used to make ale and bread. These tasks are very busy and sometimes I do wish I had a bit more time for rest and play, but I’m happy and content doing this vital work.
Of course, being a horse isn’t all work and no play! It’s essential to have fun, which is why I spend as much time as I can playing in the meadow with my stable-mates. We have so much fun - galloping across the green grass and rolling in the sunshine - it’s a wonderful feeling of freedom and joy! As we spend much time in the fields, Violet and I like to watch the birds, The hawks fly majestically above and the swallows soar gracefully below, always reminding me of the importance of looking up and appreciating our beautiful natural world.
Now, let’s travel back to our friends the Romans! The Roman Empire was bustling with horses, and I don’t mean just for pulling carts and farming - they were all about that chariot racing! We all know the Romans loved a good chariot race – such thrilling events, full of skill and bravery! I have heard tales about how thousands of spectators would crowd into massive amphitheaters to watch these events. I bet it was very exciting, but it does sound quite scary! You must need to be exceptionally brave to ride a chariot at speed, around those tight corners, with other riders.
The Romans have developed several different breeds of horses over the years. Some are small, quick, and agile – ideal for a race. Others, like myself, are strong and powerful - needed for pulling heavy loads and supporting the Empire!
They are a fascinating bunch. My humans tell tales of soldiers travelling from faraway lands in search of horses for their army. Imagine the journeys they had to take! The soldiers travelled across land, the horses bravely facing unknown territories and wild animals!
It’s incredible to think that in 245 A.D., a simple horse like me could play such a vital part in building a society – both the bustling city life of the Romans and our peaceful, quiet countryside living in Scotland.
Of course, horses like me don’t always have an easy life! It can be hard at times. Sometimes, it feels as if the work never ends. And sometimes, especially in winter, when the ground is covered with snow and the winds are bitter, I just long for that spring warmth and the joy of grazing in green fields. But then I look back over all my adventures – the fun I have with my fellow horses, the connection I have with my human family, and my part in helping them build and develop their lives and communities – it fills me with warmth, hope, and a quiet sense of pride!
But what about my favourite part? I have heard tales of riders venturing across the country to trade in their horses! I am quite envious - I must admit! One day I would like to have an adventure – even just a small one! I would love to experience life outside my familiar Hayfield and journey into a different part of the world – I dream of galloping across rolling plains, of meeting other horses, of hearing different stories, and experiencing life outside my safe, familiar home!
It's important to me to remember the sacrifices made by horses over the centuries! For a horse like me, having a roof over my head, warm bedding, and plenty of food – even if it is just oats and barley - is truly a gift, especially as I have witnessed the difficulties faced by other horses! My heart breaks for those less fortunate. You can read on in my previous posts to discover the lives of these brave, hardworking, magnificent horses, I will be posting regularly - so please, don't be shy, return again soon.
And if you are so inclined, perhaps you can tell me your horse tales – about how horses impacted your history.
Thank you for listening! I'll be back again soon with more equine adventures to share, in the meantime, keep your horseshoes polished, my friends!” **
“Until next time!
Yours Truly
Emma (and Violet!)
www.equiworld.org
I do hope you have enjoyed hearing all about my day as a farm horse, Let me know if you have any questions – and you can always reach out to me through this site. I always love hearing your feedback!
Until next time!
