Neigh-neigh everyone! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood grey mare from Hayfield near Aberdeen. It's a crisp morning, the frost clinging to my coat like a thousand tiny diamonds. My mane feels especially luscious in the cold air, and I can't help but preen in front of the sunrise, feeling truly blessed to be a horse. Today I thought I'd delve into the archives and share with you my insights on the year 436, as seen through a horse's eyes, of course!
Horses: Essential Partners
The world was a very different place in 436. Imagine - no cars, no trains, just the rumble of wagon wheels on cobblestone and the steady thud of horseshoes on earth! Horses were everything! We were used for travel, carrying heavy loads, tilling fields, even helping to build those beautiful Roman roads. We were vital to life in every corner of the Roman Empire, working side by side with humans. And even though there was the occasional grumble from the back of a cart, we were treated with respect. Why? Because we were the engine that drove the world!
A Peek into Roman Britain
This year, right here in our own little corner of Britain, things were beginning to change. You see, the Romans were making preparations to withdraw from this chilly island. There were still lots of Roman soldiers about, and they used us for transporting supplies and for all those glorious battle scenes. They even bred special war horses, built for strength and speed, and these fellas were highly valued, let me tell you. I never really met any, as a working mare, I had more important duties. My tasks were more about everyday life; carting goods to markets, hauling timber, helping to harvest those beautiful fields of barley and oats.
Life in Hayfield
Back home in Hayfield, things were quite busy! My family, the hardy Highland ponies, were known for their hardiness and sure-footedness. They often carried loads up and down the rocky terrain, and I remember seeing them racing over the moors, their hooves like music on the frosted grass. It was beautiful, like watching a symphony in motion. We were also tasked with a lot of agricultural duties – hauling plows to prepare the land, gathering wood for fuel, and even assisting in threshing.
New Friendships: A Journey Through the Scottish Highlands
That year, my life took a little twist, or rather, a longer journey. A farmer named Hamish came knocking. He was in need of a strong mare, and my strong build caught his eye. He needed me to haul goods between villages. He promised a life of adventure and the chance to explore the Scottish Highlands! And you know what, the journey was simply wonderful! We travelled through lush green valleys, crossed flowing rivers, and even climbed up those awe-inspiring, snow-capped mountains. It was exhausting at times, and there were days where we struggled in the rain and wind. But there's a quiet strength and resilience that comes with carrying the weight of a journey, you see. It's in that quiet strength where a horse finds her heart.
The Horses of the North
This journey opened my eyes to the wonders of the northern part of Britain. From rugged coasts to misty moorlands, we encountered many types of horses. Some were powerful black geldings like myself, used for farming and transportation. Some were slight mares, swift and elegant, owned by the Picts who lived in the Highlands. They were skilled warriors, using these spirited mares for scouting, raiding, and quick strikes. What I found most fascinating were the wild ponies. I remember seeing them on windswept beaches, running in herds as free as the sea. There was something primal about their presence - a pure, untamed spirit that spoke to a deep connection with nature. I, too, had tasted the freedom of the open wild and I knew their life must be a wonder, but the pull of duty and a comfortable stall with good oats is a strong one, let me tell you.
A New Breed: The Celtic Pony
Speaking of the Picts, the Celtic Pony played a vital role in the history of our breed. It's said they were hardy, smaller horses, very quick and agile. You see, in 436, there was a shift happening in horse breeding. While Roman influences still loomed large in the south, here in the North, there was a surge in the development of these smaller, more rugged horses. They thrived in the demanding conditions of the Highlands, carrying the Pictish warriors with ease and ferocity. Even today, the bloodlines of the Celtic pony run strong within my own family, and I am forever grateful to them for gifting us our courage and tenacity!
The End of an Era
436 was a turning point in history. The Romans were finally leaving Britannia. The Picts had gained their independence and were expanding their territory. Our roles, as horses, would be changing. New needs arose. It was time for adaptation and innovation! The way horses were bred, trained, and utilized were evolving as our world was changing too! We, as horses, embraced it all, and in doing so, wrote the very pages of history!
Remember Us
This year has always been close to my heart because of the journey I made across the rugged and beautiful highlands. It showed me how vital horses are and reminded me that our strength comes not from muscles alone, but from our bond with people and the spirit of exploration that beats inside each and every one of us.
So there you have it, folks - a little peek into the world of horses in 436! As you go about your day, take a moment to appreciate these noble animals and remember their tireless contributions throughout history.
*See you again next week! *
Love,
Emma
www.equiworld.org
