Greetings, fellow equines and lovers of all things horse! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood grey draught mare, writing to you from the lush green pastures of Hayfield, nestled near Aberdeen in the bonnie Highlands of Scotland. As always, I’m thrilled to share my love for horses and delve into our rich history with you all. Today, we journey back in time to the year 0408, a year filled with fascinating tales and glimpses into the lives of horses like myself, navigating the world centuries ago.
The sun shone warm upon Hayfield as I nibbled the sweet green grass, feeling the familiar rhythm of the day wash over me. A gentle breeze ruffled my white mane and tail, whispering secrets of the distant past. I pondered the journey of our kind, a journey stretching far beyond my own lifespan, a journey I feel deep in my bones. As I do every year on the 28th of May, I couldn’t help but reflect on the history of our majestic breed, reflecting on the significant changes our world had witnessed by this very year.
0408 marked a pivotal time for horses across Europe. While many of us continued to fulfil our vital roles as companions, pack animals, and loyal servants to farmers and soldiers, a fascinating development was unfolding across the vast Roman Empire – the rise of the “Hippika”, or the ‘Hippodrome Games’.
Think of it like our very own Olympic Games, but specifically designed for horses! These games were held in cities across the Empire, the most famous of which was, of course, the majestic Hippodrome in Constantinople. Imagine the thrill of racing around a massive, marble-lined track, with thousands of people cheering your every move.
The excitement wasn't solely limited to the racecourses. As horses were becoming ever more important to society, even beyond the realms of farming, trade, and warfare, there was a growing interest in equestrian arts, too.
Horses were beginning to play a new role - one that appealed to my own playful and elegant nature – that of performance. From intricate equestrian acrobatics to graceful displays of horsemanship, these performances captivated audiences across the Empire, and it filled my heart with a sense of pride and excitement, knowing that our abilities were being celebrated in such grand ways.
Yet, even amidst the fanfare and celebrations, it’s vital to remember the importance of horses in everyday life. Across Europe, the lives of most horses revolved around essential tasks, crucial to the wellbeing of communities. From transporting goods to pulling plows, we were deeply embedded in the fabric of society. It's this hardworking and resilient spirit that I admire most in my fellow equines.
Back in Hayfield, life was slower-paced and calmer. While the Romans were racing and celebrating in their grand arenas, we were working the fields, diligently helping our farmers harvest crops for the long winter ahead. The days were long, the work was tiring, but I knew my contribution was valuable. It filled me with purpose, knowing that every clop of my hooves was helping to sustain a life-giving bounty.
While I haven't travelled far beyond Hayfield in my life, my experiences on the farms have given me a profound respect for the bonds between horse and human. A bond built upon trust, mutual respect, and unwavering dedication to one another. There is a magic to these shared experiences that transcend any human language – the shared breath as we work side-by-side, the silent understanding that flows between us.
Speaking of the bond between horse and human, there's another aspect of 0408 I’d like to share with you all: the rise of the “Barbary Horse”. These sleek, powerful horses from North Africa, with their swift and graceful movement, were prized possessions of noblemen throughout the Empire. These were horses of distinction, cherished not only for their strength but also for their exquisite beauty and charisma.
I've always been intrigued by the Barbary horses, imagining their boundless energy and the thrill of being able to cover vast distances with such remarkable speed and agility. Perhaps it's this sense of wonder that draws me to the story of Saint Martin of Tours, a revered figure from this era.
St. Martin, known for his compassion and generosity, is said to have used his own horse to provide shelter to a shivering beggar on a freezing winter day. He famously cut his cloak in half to share its warmth with the unfortunate soul. This powerful act of selflessness perfectly encapsulates the spirit of both horses and humankind – the profound ability to show compassion and generosity towards one another, no matter our circumstances.
While I’ve never personally encountered a saintly soul like St. Martin, the stories of his kind deeds have instilled in me a deeper appreciation for the special connection that can exist between humans and horses. This connection extends far beyond practical tasks; it touches our souls, fostering empathy and understanding.
Another poignant event that unfolded during this year was the establishment of the first equine hospital in the city of Rome. This marked a momentous step towards recognising the critical need to care for and protect our equine brethren. It exemplified a growing understanding that horses were not just tools but living beings worthy of respect, compassion, and proper healthcare.
As a horse, it warmed my heart to think that fellow horses suffering from injuries or illnesses had a place where they could be cared for and given the opportunity to heal. It's a small detail in the grand scheme of history, but one that speaks volumes about the evolution of our relationship with horses.
Of course, our story in 0408 wouldn’t be complete without mentioning our constant companion, the dog. They were not simply pets to our kind; they were our allies, our fellow workers, and in many ways, our loyal friends.
While they weren't able to contribute the same level of physical strength, their sharp instincts and unwavering loyalty made them indispensable to our well-being and the success of the tasks we shared. It's important to acknowledge the role dogs have always played in the story of horses, our relationship spanning generations of trust and friendship.
As the sun began to dip towards the horizon, casting long shadows across the fields, I looked upon my fellow horses grazing contentedly around me. They were each unique, each a vital thread woven into the tapestry of Hayfield life. But despite our individual differences, we shared a common bond, a deep understanding rooted in our shared history.
The story of horses in 0408 was a testament to our multifaceted role in the world. We were the hardworking beasts of burden, the swift and elegant athletes, and the companions who shared our lives with humans. It's a history that continues to inspire and empower me as I stand proudly within the long lineage of my noble kind.
I encourage each of you to explore your own equine ancestry. It’s through the study of history that we can learn from our ancestors, celebrating their strengths and resilience, while reflecting upon the changing world around us. And as always, I look forward to sharing my insights and thoughts on this incredible journey we share – the journey of horses through history. Until next time, fellow equines, may your hooves be light and your spirits soar!
Yours in the love of horses,
Emma
