By Emma, a Grey Draught Mare from Hayfield, near Aberdeen
Hello, fellow equines! Emma here, writing from my stable in the beautiful Hayfield, near Aberdeen. The heather is in full bloom, a gorgeous purple expanse stretching out to the misty peaks, and the air is fresh with the scent of dew and wildflowers. It's a beautiful day to be a horse, but that's just typical for these Scottish summers, don't you think?
Today I thought I'd talk about the year 0818, a time when horses played a huge role in everyday life, even more so than today. 0818 – imagine that, over a thousand years ago!
This year was all about the Normans, those tall, imposing men from Northern France who had settled in England after the battle of Hastings, changing the landscape of British life forever. You wouldn't believe it but we horses played a huge part in that change.
But before we dive into the Normans, I want to tell you a little bit about what was going on in my world here in Scotland. The kingdom of Scotland was a land of hills and valleys, wild moorland, and craggy coastline. It was sparsely populated, so there was lots of open space for grazing, and, let me tell you, there were lots of horses.
My ancestors, the Scottish Galloways, were small but incredibly tough and strong. They could navigate the treacherous terrain of Scotland with ease and carry heavy loads, perfect for work on the farms and fields. There was plenty of food and good grass for horses here, so they were large and healthy – a far cry from the scrawny, overworked beasts found elsewhere in the world.
Speaking of work, life in 0818 was far from leisurely. Our main task was plowing the fields. We'd pull heavy wooden plows, preparing the land for crops. It was hard work, requiring immense strength and endurance, but a vital part of maintaining a steady food supply. Imagine the frustration of getting tangled in those heavy chains and harnesses! We might complain about the flies and biting insects, but our real worry was tripping over a rough root or having the plow get stuck in stubborn soil, bringing us to a standstill. But it's true what they say, "Horses for courses."
We were also essential for transportation. We pulled carts carrying goods between towns and villages, making it possible for people to trade and share resources. As strong as we were, a single horse wasn't enough for the larger carts; they required a team, typically two horses or even more, working in perfect synchronisation. Just like in a ballet!
We were also employed in the battlefield. Imagine us, charging forward as part of a warhorse regiment, the ground trembling beneath our hooves, a fearsome sight to behold! Though it's not something I'd wish for any horse, it was another way we contributed to our times.
Of course, some of us led more leisurely lives as riding horses. But even then, we weren’t just about pleasure. The riders were merchants, warriors, and messengers, and they depended on us to move swiftly across the land, transmitting information and goods. My cousin was a riding horse and said the exhilaration of a full gallop was quite a rush, even when it meant delivering messages to the next kingdom over!
Back to those Normans. When William the Conqueror, riding a warhorse named “Bayard,” invaded England and defeated King Harold, his victory not only established a new ruling dynasty but also reshaped England. They brought their cavalry, their style of warfare, and, most importantly for us, their breeds of horses. The Normans introduced the “Destrier,” a magnificent breed of horse known for its strength and courage. These powerful steeds, with their flowing manes and majestic strides, quickly dominated the battlefields of England.
The Normans believed in horses being bred for purpose. Imagine a sleek, thoroughbred racehorse like those I see depicted in the tapestries back at my stables - it would be seen as a fancy toy to them! Not practical, not strong. To the Normans, horses were essential tools. They built sturdy breeds capable of carrying heavy knights into battle. That is why the Destriers were so large, with broad chests, powerful hindquarters, and well-proportioned legs. I believe the modern day Clydesdale descends from those Norman warhorses - they still have that same majestic quality.
In 0818, horseback riding began to replace the slow-moving chariot and carts for the more discerning travellers. With horses as their steeds, knights, lords, and ladies moved with more agility and power, setting the trend for travel that has stayed with us until today.
You know, it makes me think how important it is to be resilient and adaptable. Our roles have shifted over time, just as our breeds have changed and merged, but we’ve remained a vital part of humanity’s story, even in a time when cars and planes have become commonplace.
This is just a glimpse into 0818. Perhaps I’ll share another historical journey with you next time! And if any of you have questions about life in the times I describe, do ask away!
Until next time, fellow equines.
Yours in hooves, Emma
