Neigh Neigh Everyone! It’s Emma here, back again for another trip into the world of horses from my own, erm, well, horse’s eye view. As you know, I’m from Hayfield, just outside Aberdeen, and even though my home isn’t quite in the middle of things, I manage to get wind of the goings on in the horse world pretty easily. That’s why I’m here, to share all the fascinating finds and interesting stories I uncover about us horses!
The Year is 447 - and this time, I thought I’d take you on a journey to the heart of Roman Britain, a place full of bustling cities, busy roads and of course, many, many horses!
From Hayfield to Roman Britain? Well, it’s not so farfetched. You see, my granny was a farm horse in the Roman area just south of York – she told me wonderful tales of carrying carts full of produce, trotters full of Roman soldiers, and of being used in those glorious chariot races!
You can't talk about 447 and the Roman world without a little bit about their chariot races, really! These were such exciting events, much more energetic and even a tad more dangerous than the races in the Highlands here in Scotland. Even back then, you see, the Romans knew a thing or two about breeding horses and they were quite a force in the chariot racing world, no doubt! Imagine those mighty horses hurtling around the stadium, all dust and thundering hooves - oh, to have lived for just a day in those glorious, loud times!
But hold your hooves there, because not every Roman horse was built for racing! While I'm a big, strong draught horse - best suited for pulling carts and the like – my relatives in the Roman Empire had a whole host of different jobs! They worked on farms, transported people, and were even used to carry those important Roman mail. You might even catch one hauling stones and lumber to build some of those fantastic forts we all read about! They say these horses were incredibly strong and steady, they could walk for miles without tiring - really amazing for a working horse, don’t you think?
Of course, the Romans were known for their roads. Straight, broad roads built by hand - those Romans knew what they were doing! And their road system meant it was much easier to get around than it was for anyone else at the time, I tell you. This really benefitted all the horses too - it was much smoother to travel on. No rocky, rutted tracks to get your hooves caught in!
And now for the really interesting bit: horses, unlike many things you might find in the modern world, played a big role in the everyday life of everyone. Romans relied heavily on their horse-powered carts to transport goods around the cities and even farther afield. This might seem like a very simple thing, but think about how difficult it was before. Imagine lugging everything yourself and taking twice the time!
Speaking of goods, there was a massive variety of things moving all over Roman Britain on the backs of hardworking horses! Think of all the things needed for everyday life: food, pottery, even the clothes we wear. And did I mention all those fantastic pieces of jewellery? Yep, horses even had a hoof in that, making the journey from somewhere to be sold all over the place. They're certainly busy horses, keeping everything in motion, these Roman fellas.
My grandmother always told me the most impressive part about Roman horses was the care and respect given to them by their human partners. She described Romans being careful with horses, taking the time to groom and care for them, almost as a part of their family, even sharing meals! I must confess, it sounds incredibly fancy, especially compared to the farm horses here where they mostly munch on what's in the fields. Though, maybe with a little effort and persuasion, my owner could be swayed towards a little bit of apple, a tasty carrot or maybe even a bit of hay more frequently! Dreams, eh!
But let’s talk about the horses here in the Highlands! Things are different, even in 447. Life for horses is about resilience and determination, you see, as we are mostly used by the Picts. These amazing people, they’re not very friendly to the Romans! That’s why they are here in Scotland, keeping them at bay – quite a difficult task, being so outnumbered, yet here they stand, like brave Highland warriors. My mother was a Pictish warhorse! Imagine - carrying a warrior in those battles! They used us for riding, as you’d expect, and even to pull the chariots! This might be just as demanding as racing!
Here in the Highlands, our strength and loyalty to the Pictish warriors are extremely important, and we work tirelessly. This means carrying the Picts into battle and bringing supplies, though to be honest, battle does not sound like a very good time - being the object of a war seems very dramatic! I like my quiet life in Hayfield with the farm, my beautiful owner and her warm, inviting stable.
Speaking of battles and journeys, did I mention the Romans and the Picts loved a good game of 'King of the Hill’? No, not literally – though I do enjoy the odd roll in a muddy pile. I’m talking about their 'fortresses'. The Picts would defend their strongholds, with horses running and prancing around to frighten the Romans, or so they say! This could involve holding a hilltop, or raiding the surrounding villages to gather supplies, something the Picts excel at. The Romans, for their part, would set up camps, gather soldiers, and maybe even take some Picts prisoner (but maybe we’re not meant to talk about that!).
It seems horses were part of nearly every battle and nearly every event in the Roman times. There was always a horse on hand to make things more dynamic! But then, this really is what life as a horse is all about. We’ve always been right by humans’ sides, carrying them across the miles and helping to carry them into battle.
And here, back in my peaceful little Hayfield, it’s time for me to go graze. I’ve been running about, just a wee bit excited, telling you all about life as a horse during 447! Though, perhaps you're getting tired of me chatting all about the Roman horses!
As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts about this year - do any of you live in places with interesting stories from this period? Let me know if you know of any famous or well-known horses, any amazing feats accomplished or any thrilling horse-powered adventures in 447 that I haven’t covered. I always welcome a good story, even if I’ve never galloped into that scene myself. And remember, as always, be kind and be gentle, for we are all creatures of the same Earth!
Till next time!
Emma
* www.equiworld.org *
