History of Horses in the year 1032

Hello, fellow equines, and welcome to another post in my ongoing quest to understand our equine history. This week, we journey back to 1032 – a time when life in the Scottish Highlands was about as rugged and dramatic as my mane is magnificent! (And if I say so myself, it’s a pretty magnificent mane.)

From my comfy stable in Hayfield near Aberdeen, let me tell you, 1032 was a time of transition. The Vikings had largely withdrawn their grip on this land, but the Scottish kings were still asserting their authority, each with an ambitious eye on expanding their territory. So, if you imagine what life was like for me in Hayfield, imagine this: vast, rolling hills with lush pasture, perfect for grazing and for feeling that sweet, windswept breeze on my face – except you could add a sprinkle of uncertainty to the air!

As a sturdy grey draught horse with a white mane and tail (who else but me could pull off this majestic combination?), I spent most of my days hauling and ploughing. You see, we draught horses are known for our strength and resilience, qualities that made us vital to the farming communities in this period. Without us, the land would not have yielded its crops, and the people wouldn’t have been able to survive. In that sense, we were the heroes of 1032!

You know what else? I was blessed with the companionship of many, many horses – not just the hardy Clydesdales like myself but some sprightly, nimble ponies, too. They were smaller, perfect for carrying burdens across those rugged terrain and over rocky mountains.

Life for horses in 1032 was not always easy. The harsh Scottish weather – think wind and rain, sometimes both at the same time! – could test even the most seasoned equine, and let’s not forget the ever-present threat of disease. And then there were those pesky wolves – though our human companions kept them at bay, I often sensed their shadows lurking in the darkness. Still, it’s this wildness that made my time special. Every day was an adventure, every field a new discovery, every journey a lesson learned.

Speaking of journeys, let's broaden our horizons and look beyond the Hayfield in 1032! This period, you see, saw the world begin to grapple with the impact of the Black Death. Although it wasn't yet known in Scotland (thank goodness!), I hear whispers of this deadly plague reaching the coasts of the Mediterranean.

Over in Constantinople (what a beautiful name, don’t you think?), they were still celebrating the glorious Byzantine Empire – it had always been known for its love of horses, and in 1032, this passion was more evident than ever. Imagine: magnificent parade horses pulling carriages, beautifully adorned war steeds showcasing their power and grace. While I might have spent my days ploughing, it filled me with a sense of awe and longing for these grand events – even if they seemed a million miles away!

The world of horses wasn’t all about battles and celebrations though. Across Europe, in villages and monasteries, life was simple. For them, horses were about sustenance – bringing crops from the fields to the villages, carrying pilgrims on journeys to sacred places. My heart goes out to these horses, for we share the same basic purpose - we’re the very backbone of life for humans.

And who knows what other marvels this year might have seen? Perhaps, in far-off lands like China, skilled breeders were nurturing a new breed of horses, horses as majestic and strong as the wind. Or perhaps, on the steppes of Central Asia, nomads were weaving tales about their enduring bond with their horses, tales that were passed down through generations, enriching our history just as much as my tales!

This is what I find so enchanting about our history, my fellow horses – the interconnectedness of it all. We may be scattered across vast distances, experiencing different landscapes and seasons, but we are all part of the same magnificent tapestry. Every one of us carries a story, every journey contributes to our collective legacy. And what a legacy it is! We have borne burdens, we have carried messages, we have participated in wars and in peacetime – we have been instrumental in the shaping of history.

In this grand, complicated world, there are few creatures as enduring and steadfast as us. So next time you find yourself out in the fields, grazing, running, playing – remember all that has come before you, all that makes you who you are. For we horses are the epitome of resilience, the symbol of strength, the embodiment of spirit – and that’s something to celebrate!

And with that, I say goodbye, for now. Until next week, keep your manes flowing and your hooves pounding the earth!

Yours in mane,

Emma