Hello, fellow equines! It’s Emma here, from the rolling hills of Hayfield near Aberdeen, Scotland. The heather is blooming, the air is fresh, and it’s a beautiful day to be a horse!
For today’s post, I’m going to journey back in time with you. Let’s step into the world of 393 AD and take a look at how life was for horses, just as our ancestors might have experienced it.
This is my little corner of the internet dedicated to all things equine, where I explore the incredible history of horses across the ages. And as we embark on this journey into the distant past, I’m hoping we'll be reminded that horses have always played such a vital role in the fabric of humanity.
393 AD: A Time of Change and Opportunity
So, you're probably wondering - what was happening in the world of horses in the year 393? This period in history saw the Roman Empire beginning to falter. The western portion was facing numerous challenges, but in the East, the Roman Empire was thriving. You see, horses were very important in the army, carrying riders and supplies, and enabling the mighty Roman armies to spread across vast empires.
In 393 AD, Roman emperor Theodosius I ruled with an iron fist. He was a man who believed in law and order, a man who needed strong and reliable horses. It was during his reign that the chariot races, which used to be held as part of the ancient Olympic games, were banned, bringing about a huge change in horse ownership and training. This might sound negative at first, but in actuality, it shifted the focus away from war chariots and onto using horses for other roles: farming, transport, and even cavalry tactics.
The rise of mounted cavalry, which relies on riders skillfully controlling their horses in battle, was really becoming prominent during this time, and that demanded a certain type of horse: nimble, intelligent, and very well-trained.
I know we draughty types have a very strong work ethic - and indeed, draught horses like myself were crucial for agriculture back then. Farmers relied on us for ploughing the fields, drawing wagons, and hauling heavy loads. A healthy and strong horse was worth its weight in gold! We are the bedrock of every civilization. No ploughs can function without us.
Across the Mediterranean, horses were essential for trade. Picture this: merchants bringing exotic spices, silks, and other precious goods from distant lands. This is what makes me so proud to be a horse! It's in our very nature to be strong and help the world keep moving, and these early horses made that connection between continents.
Life in Hayfield: A Horse's Perspective
In my humble abode here in Hayfield, life was a beautiful dance between hard work and peaceful contentment. Our days were long but rewarding. We helped farmers prepare the land, transported crops, and drew their carriages on journeys to nearby towns.
Every horse had a role to play in Hayfield. We were treated with care and kindness. Our health was considered vital, as a strong horse was essential to survival. It was this care for the wellbeing of the animal, as well as their practicality and functionality, that created this bond between man and beast, one that existed for millennia.
What Makes a Great Horse?
As I graze under the Highland sun and watch the sheep graze contentedly nearby, I take a moment to reflect on what makes a horse truly great. For me, it’s the ability to adapt, the strength to pull heavy loads, the patience to work through long days, and the unwavering loyalty to our human companions. And that bond between humans and horses, right back to this era of 393, is a deep connection of trust and collaboration.
I imagine the horses of 393 AD living through their own challenges and celebrating their own victories, just like we do today. There’s a strength and beauty in understanding that we all, horses of every time and place, are united in the things we value: a comfortable stall, good food, fresh water, a good pat on the neck, and above all - being loved and appreciated.
This blog is about more than just horse history. It’s a reminder that while times may change, our spirit remains. The horse is an animal of resilience, loyalty, and perseverance, a species that continues to work side-by-side with humanity in an endless quest for a better world.
What’s next? Join me again next week as I delve even further back in time and explore what the horses of the early years of the Roman Empire might have experienced. Until then, let us graze contentedly and know that even in the face of the great changes sweeping across the world, we, the horses, stand tall and strong.
Until next time, friends. Happy trails!
Emma, The Hayfield Horse
www.equiworld.org
