*Hello, fellow equines! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood draught mare from the sunny (well, mostly) pastures of Hayfield near Aberdeen. It’s a real treat to be able to share my thoughts with you today – after all, history is something that interests us horses just as much as any human, wouldn’t you say? *
This week on the Equiworld blog, I’m taking a gallop back in time to 267 AD, a year that marked a significant moment in the story of us horses. But before I get to the juicy details, I want to take a moment to set the scene for those of you who aren’t as well-versed in history as yours truly.
A Look Back at the Roman World:
Picture it: vast empires stretching across Europe, a sophisticated system of roads, and a strong army reliant on legions of fierce Roman soldiers. Now, imagine these brave lads travelling not by car or train, but on horseback. That's our story - horses are the backbone of their military power, making our presence crucial in this time. We were used to transport everything from supplies to soldiers, playing a pivotal role in the way the world worked.
But hold on, this wasn't all just sunshine and daisies, you know. We had our struggles too.
A Horse’s Life in 267 AD
Being a working horse in this era was quite a different life to the leisurely pastures of today. I bet many of you out there enjoy the simple things - grazing in the fields, napping in the sunshine, maybe even a gentle grooming session with a human who’s mad about us horses. Sadly, back in my time, such leisurely days were a rare luxury. We were worked hard.
Imagine, every day hauling wagons laden with goods across harsh landscapes, facing long journeys through thick forests, and enduring battles where the air crackled with danger. These were the lives of many of my brethren. Thankfully, not every horse was saddled with such tasks. Some worked on farms, some enjoyed more comfortable lives within cities as elegant carriage steeds. However, even within these city limits, life wasn’t always a picnic. We might have been pampered by wealthy owners, but our days were still packed with tasks – pulling chariots, transporting people to different parts of the city, even serving as pack animals.
I, on the other hand, found myself as part of the mighty Roman legions. Can you imagine being just a tiny cog in this giant machine? It was a humbling experience. And you know, while I felt strong and capable – especially when I had to haul that cart of building materials over those steep hills - there were moments I just wanted to escape the routine. It felt like everything, every action, was geared towards the demands of the Roman army.
What Was New in the World of Horses in 267 AD
While it wasn't exactly a year of ground-breaking invention in horse culture, the influence of the Romans meant significant advancements for us equines. We were constantly evolving! Imagine that. The use of horse breeds that were strong and agile for the needs of war - you know, the type that could withstand all that trekking and galloping across those demanding landscapes - this is where my heart belongs!
Plus, can we talk about horse grooming practices? These Romans really knew how to treat us right. Imagine yourself bathed with lukewarm water (and a few whispered ‘thank you’ from a soldier), the meticulous brushing of our coats. This was common practice in the Roman army, ensuring their steeds were healthy and looked impressive. Even my scruffy mane benefited from these techniques! It was more like a royal mane at times.
The Romans were a nation of keen horse owners - we couldn't ask for more attentive care. From training horses to be brave and fast to equipping us with saddles, bridles, and all manner of protective gear – it was clear they appreciated the vital role we played. We horses were part of their family, it truly felt that way.
My Final Thoughts on 267 AD
Even though there wasn't some groundbreaking event for us horses in 267 AD, it was a time of important development. It was the era of hard work, constant motion, and adapting to the demands of our Roman friends. Though our lives were often challenging, the bonds forged with these strong men, our reliance on each other - there's a sense of honour in that. Every single step of that journey mattered. And now, every now and then, while grazing on the fields back home, I look up at the sky and remember those glorious times – when horses like myself were part of history in the making.
Don’t forget, my dear equines, history is a rich tapestry woven with tales of all our journeys. Let’s keep the story alive, remember our ancestors, and enjoy the remarkable gift of being horses!
Until next time, take care, and remember to always keep a hoof forward!
- Emma
(And don’t forget to share your thoughts on this year and your ancestors – leave a comment below!)
