Hello, my dearest Equine Friends!
It's Emma here, from Hayfield Farm, just a short distance from the bustling city of Aberdeen. The Scottish air is crisp and biting this morning, making my grey coat look positively sparkling, if I do say so myself! I can practically feel my lovely white mane and tail standing on end with the static of the cold air.
It's time for my favourite blog post: "Horses Through Time!" You see, I love learning about how things were for horses in years past, how their lives were different, how they were used and valued. It's quite fascinating, and I'm sure you'll agree!
Today, we're taking a journey to the year 0128 – that's one thousand and twenty-eight years ago! It seems a lifetime away, and yet… some things about horse life feel wonderfully familiar.
The Year 0128 - A glimpse into History
It’s the middle of winter and a time of great change across Europe. I imagine myself on a hillside, the wind whipping my mane and tail, watching the frost-covered fields and the heavy clouds hanging low in the sky. A blanket of snow would have been more likely, with perhaps a solitary red robin flitting between the trees in search of a stray berry.
In Scotland, we're still part of a large Celtic culture, a collection of clans and tribes that make up what is now considered the British Isles. King Alexander II rules Scotland, while over the mountains in England, King Henry III sits on the throne.
Horses were central to the way of life for most people. They provided transport for people and goods, powered farming, and were even used in warfare. Our ancestors depended on them in a way that many people today can hardly imagine.
Life for Horses on the Farm
It was likely a pretty harsh life, with long hours spent pulling ploughs in the fields. Farmers relied on the sturdy and patient workhorse, much like I am, for survival. They had to work hard to till the soil, carry loads, and haul carts of food to markets. There wouldn't have been the specialist types of horses that we see today. In this time, strength, stamina, and a docile nature were the most important qualities, qualities that were passed down through careful breeding.
Farmers probably took great pride in their horses and looked after them well. I imagine sharing my stable with several other horses, with a good, hearty pile of hay to chew on at night and the warm, comforting smell of straw beneath me. In the summertime, we’d be out in the fields all day long, enjoying the sunshine and the cool breeze blowing through our coats.
Horses in War and Peace
In times of war, horses were essential for communication, reconnaissance and swift transportation. Imagine a soldier riding a fiery stallion, rushing to deliver a message, their lives intertwined. I hope that their lives were as dignified and courageous as they were important.
On a more peaceful note, horses also pulled carts loaded with supplies, and perhaps even provided luxury rides for the nobility and their families. There's a certain grace in transporting a group of noble ladies, their laughter tinkling like windchimes through the crisp winter air.
Beyond the Fields: Travel and Exploration
Though travel was slow in 0128, people still relied on horses for journey's far and wide. A journey might take months to complete, following ancient trails, venturing across mountain ranges and valleys. In the city of Aberdeen, the sound of horseshoes clattering on cobblestone streets would have been commonplace, horses hauling carts and supplies, perhaps even bringing news of events from further afield.
I’d imagine they journeyed through a world of rich culture, with stories told and lessons learnt from different communities. Just imagine a young traveler returning with a new skill, a piece of woven fabric, or a song from a distant land, all carried with the help of their faithful steed.
Looking Back Through the Eyes of a Horse
What struck me as I researched this time was the connection that humans had with their horses. It was much more personal than we often see today. They weren’t just tools; they were friends, companions, and members of the family. They understood each other in ways we sometimes can't even grasp, trusting in each other to navigate life's challenges.
Though life back in 0128 might not have been filled with fancy stables and elaborate grooming sessions, there was something pure about it. The simplicity of sharing a warm stable at night with your fellow companions, the feeling of freedom and purpose as you journeyed through vast and untamed landscapes – there’s a sense of harmony and purpose that I wouldn’t trade for all the modern world could offer.
That's it for today, my lovely friends. Let me know your thoughts on this time period! What resonates with you? What intrigues you about the lives of horses in the past? And don’t forget to tell me about the horses in YOUR life!
Until next time, keep your heads up and your hooves hitting the ground with purpose.
Emma xx
