History of Horses in the year 0352

Greetings, fellow equines! Emma here, your trusty guide to all things horsey. As you know, I’m a grey draught horse from the lovely little village of Hayfield near Aberdeen, and it’s been my pleasure to share my knowledge with you every year for... well, as long as I’ve been around!

It’s amazing how much things have changed in the grand scheme of equine history. Though we may have had a slow start, as a species, our role in society has really boomed. And this year, 0352, feels extra special. It’s the year the ancient Romans decided to expand their Empire even further – all the way to Britain! Yes, you heard me right - across the sea and into these little islands! That might sound frightening, but honestly, the Roman's arrival seems like an exciting time to be a horse in this part of the world. Let's dig into the details.

From what I gather, it was a pretty wild arrival. These Romans, well, they were quite a force. Apparently, the famous emperor, Constantine the Great, gave the green light for this massive expedition. He brought legions and legions of soldiers – a good number of them mounted on their horses, naturally! Their ships, built for speed and purpose, braved the choppy seas. They didn’t just arrive – they arrived with a bang! A big one!

Word reached Hayfield quite quickly, you know, information travels faster than we think! Rumours and news snippets flew from mouth to mouth like wildfire. The Roman's might seemed... unstoppable.

Now, back in 0352, things around Hayfield were simple, filled with the familiar rhythm of farm life. We horses toiled hard in the fields, pulling plows and carrying goods. We worked alongside the strong and patient oxen who were so important to agriculture. Our work kept Hayfield and the surrounding farms going – supplying food for people and animals alike.

A Twist of Fate!

So you might think, "Emma, how would Romans invading your little Hayfield have anything to do with horses like you?” Well, here’s the thing…

These Roman soldiers were skilled horsemen. They bred powerful warhorses – massive and strong, perfect for cavalry and combat. However, these impressive steeds didn’t quite share our temperament. Our Hayfield horses, you see, were a different breed - much quieter and a little slower than these energetic warhorses. But our sturdy nature was invaluable for field work and carting goods, which is what our village needed. We Hayfield horses were the 'heavyweight champs' for reliable strength and work ethic. This meant we remained a vital part of the community and a part of our local people’s lives!

The Romans needed a huge supply of food to keep their troops fed and the communities in their new territories running. So, with them came new crops, better farming techniques and new ways to feed our horses, which really did make a positive difference. I remember when the first sacks of Roman wheat arrived, it seemed almost like magic. Our grain suddenly tasted more filling and more nourishing – the difference was truly remarkable. These new techniques allowed us horses to become stronger, giving us a burst of energy to help make Hayfield thrive.

New Experiences, New Horses:

The Romans also had their own kind of equine transportation - something new and different for all of us to witness. They had 'quadriga', these stunning four-horse chariots designed to transport important people and be used in games and public events. These quadrigas with their intricate carvings, strong steeds and skilled charioteers were impressive, to say the least. My hooves were itching with a desire to try out this new type of horse powered transportation!

As if that weren’t enough, the Romans had ‘riding horses’. They were sleek and graceful, bred for speed and agility. The soldiers rode these steeds into battle, forming fearsome lines of cavalry. I must confess I had some doubts about the practicality of riding on horseback. The idea of running and jumping at such speeds and then fighting with weapons held in my mouth ... well, that wasn’t something that interested me. However, I couldn’t deny how elegant these horses looked as they charged. They were fast and strong, a testament to human ingenuity and careful breeding.

Of course, even the best-laid plans could go astray. With the new influx of people and change came difficulties. Disease was always a concern, and sometimes horses could struggle to adjust to these new challenges. Sometimes there were arguments with other animals, mainly those big, stubborn oxen, who felt they needed a bigger share of the workload and felt that the new Roman horses were interfering with their ancient routine. The constant influx of new humans and new routines did require adaptation and a touch of patience!

But despite those challenges, 0352 marks an era of huge opportunity for horses in our world! The Roman presence opened new trade routes and, from what I’ve heard, a wealth of fresh opportunities, especially for those of us in Hayfield. It may not be easy, but this time is a time for growth and progress!

We horses, of course, were an important part of this new world. We remained vital for transportation, fieldwork, and, in a few exciting cases, even battle. The Romans had a love of racing and used horses for racing chariots. Imagine, running at full gallop! I have to say, the sheer excitement of it must have been unparalleled, especially since there would be roaring crowds cheering you on!

But I’m not meant for that. My real joy lies in a slow, steady work. It gives me time to enjoy the open fields and the company of my fellow horses in Hayfield. We shared our wisdom, helped each other learn, and built a real sense of community that I'm grateful for.

So that was 0352 - an exciting year of great change, challenges, and a chance to shine! Stay tuned, dear readers, as I’ll be chronicling our lives as they unfold in the upcoming years. Until next time, remember - stay strong, stay healthy and let's keep on pulling together.

Emma, the Grey Draught Horse from Hayfield