Welcome back, dear readers! Emma here, a grey draught mare with a white mane and tail, and it's my pleasure to be sharing with you my insights on the world of horses back in the year 1017! You may have seen my posts on my adventures hauling hay and plowing fields here in Hayfield, a quaint village near Aberdeen, Scotland. Well, 1017 was a year filled with changes, new challenges, and the gentle, steady rhythm of life as it was known then.
The crisp autumn air nipped at my coat as I stood in the stables, listening to the rhythmic thudding of my master's hammer on wood. It was late November, and the world outside was slowly cloaking itself in frost and the first tentative whispers of winter. Soon, the land would be white with snow, making journeys perilous and the nights long and cold.
Our village was busy preparing for winter. Farmers like mine would store up food for the long months ahead, and everyone would gather their warmest clothes, making sure even their livestock were ready for the bitter cold. My friend, Jasper, a young black gelding who lived a few doors down, always insisted he didn’t need winter blankets. He’d brag about his thick winter coat and his natural ability to withstand the elements. Oh, the swagger of youth!
As for me, I was never bothered by the cold. I liked the way it crisped the air and made my breath steam, like I was breathing a cloud. The frosty meadows, however, did pose a bit of a challenge – I couldn't help but nibble on the frozen grass sometimes, and it often ended up stuck between my teeth.
But the coming of winter brought something else with it – the annual market in Aberdeen. This wasn't just a simple gathering for the village to trade produce and tools. No, this was the great market, drawing people from far and wide, all the way from the Hebrides and the Highlands. My master, a tall, kind man with calloused hands and a hearty laugh, would haul our cart full of oat and barley for sale at the market. It was always exciting, bustling with people, merchants, and of course, horses like me!
One memory that stands out from this market was a majestic, fiery red stallion named Caspian. He belonged to a travelling bard, his name a whisper in the wind. He wasn’t as strong as me, with his slender frame, but his movements were graceful, full of rhythm and energy. He was like a whirlwind of fiery brilliance, and he carried himself with such confidence and pride! Caspian captivated all of Aberdeen with his powerful tales and beautiful ballads sung from horseback, each one captivating everyone who heard.
While he was in town, we even practiced our “bows,” which involved dipping our heads and gracefully stepping aside as people passed, to give them the proper respect befitting our fine breed of draught horses. We didn’t quite get it right, this "bowing," you see. I kept tripping over my hooves, while Caspian just seemed to effortlessly float and dip his head! But he always said to me, "Emma, patience my dear, all things come in time, even for us horses!"
Then came the day I would never forget: the arrival of a majestic grey warhorse from England, its coat like silk and its eyes reflecting wisdom. It was brought to Aberdeen for King Canute’s court. They spoke of it as if it was some legendary beast – the horse that could defeat any enemy and win any battle. It was even whispered that it possessed magic, carrying with it the spirit of great warriors. I'd seen illustrations of these “warhorses” in our village’s church, and they were often depicted as fierce and powerful, even possessing the power to fly!
Watching him stood proudly, cloaked in shining steel armor, made my heart flutter with admiration. But there was also something else – a sadness. It was an ache for this powerful, noble animal to be burdened with the fear and chaos of battle. What kind of world would it be if such beauty were used only for war? I was relieved to know this mighty warrior would only be used in King Canute’s service, serving a king who strived for peace and justice.
My Dear Friends of the EquiWorld,
1017 was a year filled with adventure, camaraderie, and the steady rhythms of a world where horses held an essential role in all aspects of life.
We carried the burdens of farmers, hauled produce to markets, transported people across fields and mountains, and served alongside warriors and royalty. But through it all, the bond of humanity and animal held strong, forged through a mutual respect for one another and a deep understanding of what it means to work, learn, and live alongside one another.
And this is something to remember, friends: through our history, there is a timeless message to be gleaned, an inherent bond between ourselves and the humans who share our lives. There is also a shared responsibility we bear towards each other – a need for mutual understanding, patience, and appreciation for each other’s qualities. I believe, with all my heart, this bond transcends the boundaries of time and reminds us that through respect and love, all creatures, large and small, can truly find a sense of peace and fulfillment within their journey.
I hope this story resonates with you as much as it has resonated with me, dear readers. And do remember, just like the journey of a horse through history, your own lives will unfold in their own unique and precious way. Every journey, however small, has a special and vital purpose!
Stay strong and keep exploring!
Emma
From the Hayfield Village Stables, Scotland
www.equiworld.org
1017: Beyond Emma’s Story
This story was woven through Emma’s eyes, a perspective unique to her world as a horse. It highlights a moment in history where the roles of horses played a vital part in every facet of life. Yet, as we turn our attention to the larger picture, we find a tapestry of intricate detail.
In 1017, the world of horses reflected the broader societal landscape, where Kings held dominion over their realms, but the church's influence grew stronger every day. This influence manifested itself in various ways, particularly through monasteries, where horses played a crucial role in maintaining livestock and transport, providing a lifeline for monastic life and promoting the message of God's love through the journey of horses.
Here are a few more details about what the world of horses looked like back in 1017:
Riding vs. Draught Horses:
While Emma embodies the spirit of the powerful draught horse, we can't overlook the elegance and importance of the riding horse. Used for warfare, travel, and hunting, the skilled riders were revered, considered individuals of power, strength, and even magical skill. Kings and noblemen, Knights, and even clergymen relied on the swiftness, agility, and endurance of the riding horse. They were prized and nurtured, carefully trained to understand their riders' every command.
Breeding Practices:
As with any breed of animal, those that served humans required constant nurturing. This meant a keen eye on breeding, a dedication to carefully matching stallions and mares to produce strong offspring, healthy for both work and for the rigors of life in medieval society. Farmers like Emma’s master were astute observers, always looking to ensure a healthy lineage of sturdy horses that could plow fields and haul wagons without fail.
Veterinary Care:
It wasn't the sophisticated world of equine hospitals we have today. But in the year 1017, a deep connection to animal wellbeing and an understanding of their ailments meant that those with expertise in animal care emerged, much like today's veterinarians. They provided remedies, care for wounds and illness, and relied on natural healing methods – everything from poultices made of herbs to simple, kind gestures like offering a cool cloth or a bit of extra straw to alleviate an ailment. These dedicated individuals were integral in ensuring the well-being of their horses, making them partners in a shared life and journey.
Beyond the World of Horses
The year 1017 wasn't just about horses, however! Here’s a quick glance at what was going on in the world outside Emma’s little corner of Hayfield:
- King Canute the Great ruled over England, Denmark, and Norway, a testament to his might and the era of Viking power.
- The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, an incredible compilation of written history, began its journey, a record of significant events that shape our understanding of history.
- The Norman Conquest, while decades away, was already a simmering tension on the horizon, eventually changing the face of England.
This journey through history continues, revealing stories about more than just horses. It gives us glimpses into the struggles and triumphs of a civilization in progress, shaped by the bond between man and animal, the complexities of kingdoms and the slow evolution of knowledge.
What stories from this era will Emma uncover in her next post? Join us next week for the next installment of our history blog. And as Emma always reminds us: Keep exploring the wonders of history, friends! There’s so much to discover.
