Greetings, fellow equine enthusiasts! It’s Emma here, a 20 year old grey draught mare with a penchant for long walks and even longer naps. From my little corner of the world in Hayfield, near Aberdeen, I’ve always had a fascination with history, and especially the role of horses in shaping it.
Today, I'm stepping back in time, all the way to the year 0389 AD, and delving into the fascinating world of horses back then. As a draught horse, I know there were always horses of all sizes and breeds. Imagine a time where war, trade, and agriculture were all dependent on our four legs and sturdy hooves!
In this year, the Roman Empire was facing its final, fragile years. I’d like to imagine a cobbled street in Rome, vibrant with merchants and people from all corners of the known world. Imagine their journeys; horses hauling goods on wagons, sturdy chargers carrying proud knights, and smaller, nimbler steeds serving as messenger birds, carrying whispers and stories on their backs.
Think about the Romans themselves, so passionate about horses! They used horses for almost every task, from tilling their fields and transporting their legionnaires across empires to pulling carts in bustling cities, even carrying important mail for long distances. Their influence was truly powerful. While I wasn’t around back then, the Roman passion for horses left an enduring legacy that’s visible even today. Our ancestors had to be sturdy and strong, I imagine, for those challenging jobs.
But, Rome was not the only place teeming with equine life! It's impossible to ignore the glorious, wild horse herds of the great steppes of Asia. Their riders, known for their skill and prowess on horseback, rode them in countless battles. The very thought of galloping across vast plains with the wind in your mane makes my hooves twitch with anticipation!
0389 also witnessed the flourishing of horse culture in China. They’ve long had a reverence for horses, viewing them as companions, as noble symbols, even as spirits. We know from their stunning artwork that horses held a revered place in their hearts and traditions. I find their reverence for the animal deeply moving.
Over in Persia, horses held even more significant importance. They were symbols of power and freedom, not to mention the essence of a thriving society. The horses themselves were known for their strength and speed. Imagine galloping through Persia’s golden fields, maybe pulling a chariot on wheels made from gleaming copper, a strong warrior prince standing at your back.
There’s another story that stirs something in my heart. A tale whispered in quiet stable corners - the legendary racehorses of Persia. These were thoroughbreds, sleek and swift as the desert wind. Their stories echo through the ages - legends of great speeds and unmatched prowess. Just thinking about it gets my tail swishing with excitement!
In 0389, these fascinating cultures and more contributed to the global story of horses, the story that makes me, a humble grey draught mare, proud to be a part of.
In Scotland, where I stand now, things were different. We had sturdy, adaptable ponies, small and agile, suitable for the mountainous terrain and challenging weather. Our work wasn't all glamor - pulling ploughs through thick mud, hauling stones and logs, and ferrying people across difficult landscapes. We served as the very foundation of our communities, hard-working and essential to life here.
Looking back at this year, one thing's for sure: horses held the world together in a way we can barely imagine today. They weren't just our means of transport or tools, but companions and symbols. I find myself wondering what would life have been like, with a whole different way of seeing the world, all because of our hooves.
It’s funny how the past connects with the present, and how each horse has its place in this grand story. As I sit here, gazing across the Scottish highlands, I can't help but feel a deep connection with the horses who came before me. We might have lived centuries apart, but our bond remains, tied to our love for the land, for work, for the wild wind in our mane, for simply being a horse.
So, if you are reading this, fellow horse enthusiast, know that we are part of a vast and amazing tapestry of equine history. Every time you mount a horse, you are connecting with that heritage, a long line of four-legged partners that shaped the world. The world wouldn’t be the same without us.
This year in particular, with its many diverse cultures and a burgeoning equine population across the world, really sets the stage for what was to come. A thrilling era filled with epic stories and amazing deeds.
So here’s to all of us, the mighty horses of 0389, the proud descendants who carry their story with us still. Let us never forget the past, let us always honour the bond between human and horse!
With gentle whinnies, Emma, Grey Draught Mare, Hayfield, near Aberdeen, Scotland.
