Hello, dear equines! It's Emma, your friendly grey draught horse, back with another instalment of my horse history blog. Today, we're stepping back in time to the year 0115 - that's a whole 908 years ago, for you young 'uns! Can you even imagine a time without hay bales and grooming brushes? gasps dramatically Anyway, this post is going to be a bit different from the usual because 0115 was a bit of a quiet year, at least where horses are concerned. No dramatic wars, no groundbreaking inventions... just good ol' fashioned farming and travel.
So, picture this: Hayfield, near Aberdeen, where I live. It's a beautiful summer's day, the sun's shining, and the scent of heather is in the air. I, along with my stable mates, are pulling a cart full of barley to the local mill. We trot along, the rhythm of our hooves clicking a happy beat on the cobblestones.
Ah, barley! This was a big deal in 0115. Barley was a staple grain for both humans and horses, making up a significant portion of our diets. Of course, there was also hay and oats, but barley was definitely the star of the show.
Back to my story… My human, Duncan, is leading the way. He's a kind young man, strong and gentle. We get along famously. We usually share our days working the fields, hauling timber for building new houses, and transporting supplies. It’s hard work, but I enjoy it.
One evening, as the sun sets and casts long shadows over the fields, I find myself dreaming of a world where horses are more than just farmhands. Maybe there'll be a time when humans race us across wide, open spaces. Or maybe we’ll become companions for adventurous journeys…
But then, my human snaps me out of my daydream. "Emma," he says, his voice rough with sleep, “It’s time to go back to the stables. I promise, you'll get a full bucket of barley tomorrow.”
The world of horses in 0115 wasn’t all fields and farm work, though. People did travel, mostly on horseback. In fact, horse breeding and training was a crucial part of the economy. Some humans were expert horsemen, even creating specialised saddles for different purposes, whether it was riding through dense forests or galloping across wide plains.
However, life was simpler, calmer then. Humans weren't yet obsessed with conquering new lands. They appreciated the humble horse for what it was: a strong, loyal companion. No fancy gadgets or motorised carriages. We weren't just animals to be ridden; we were family, valued for our strength, our hard work, and our resilience. We were the heart and soul of a quieter world.
Thinking back… One of the most significant events of 0115, in the grand scheme of things, was the coronation of a new King in England. His name was Henry I, and he reigned for quite a while. That makes a lot of history, don't you think? He seems like a nice enough chap, and as I heard, he had a good thing about horses!
Here’s what else was happening around the world in 0115:
- The Chinese were already doing their thing with porcelain and printing. Can you imagine that, a whole year of horse history without Instagram?
- Muslims were building the beautiful mosques you still see in Spain and the Middle East today.
- Some historians say the Vikings were still wreaking havoc around the European seas - talk about a ride!
As I watch the dawn break over Hayfield, a sense of peace washes over me. Though the world might have moved on from the simple life of 0115, the essence of our relationship with humans still holds true: a bond of mutual respect and trust.
So, my fellow equines, what are your thoughts on the year 0115? Let’s discuss it in the comments below! Remember, even a quiet year has its place in history, and maybe… just maybe… the future holds exciting times for us all.
Stay curious, and stay connected, everyone!
Your friend,
Emma, the Grey Draught Horse
