Welcome to Equiworld, my lovely fellow equines!
I’m Emma, a grey mare with a splash of white in my mane and tail, born and bred in the stunning Highlands of Scotland. This year is 1041 – yes, you heard that right – 1041! It might be difficult to imagine a world without tractors, cars, or even proper roads, but trust me, life in the 11th century is full of its own wonders. As the saying goes, "A horse knows its way in the world, though it may not be the same as yours".
Today, I'm going to share some of the insights and experiences of my year so far – what life is like in this time period through the eyes of a draught horse like myself. From the bustle of Hayfield near Aberdeen, to the whispers of important events happening around the world, I’ll be sharing what I see and how the world of horses is changing (and not changing!) – a whirlwind of stories that make me incredibly grateful for where I stand today, snoozing under the shade of an ancient oak tree, penning down this blog!
Hayfield life – where I call home
My home is Hayfield, a bustling village nestled on the edge of the Scottish Highlands. My life is one of quiet rhythms, much like the countryside. The scent of freshly cut hay hangs heavy in the air in the summer, while the bitter cold of winter often keeps me bundled up inside a warm stable.
Every day, I'm put to work with the other strong draught horses like me. We plough the fields, pull carts laden with harvested goods, and even haul wood for the local blacksmith. The strong farmers and their families are always good to us. We are fed a plentiful diet of hay and oats, given plenty of rest and even receive head scratches from their children! In return, we do our best to serve the community well.
Just last week, I helped pull a massive cart of timber through the treacherous mountain pass, returning back home at sunset with the beautiful sunset painting the sky orange and purple – truly an awe-inspiring sight, my dear equines!
Our world - A flurry of news
Now, although our lives here in Hayfield seem somewhat isolated, whispers of news do make their way up to us, carried on the wind and brought by travellers passing through our little village.
This year, the whispers speak of a mighty Viking leader, Cnut the Great, who reigns supreme over England, Denmark and parts of Norway. His presence has seemingly calmed the land, and the rumours suggest a time of peace. What a blessing! In the past, we've seen countless raids and battles by Viking warriors who’d raid and plunder their way through the country, and no one can forget the terror and chaos those dark days brought upon us.
The peace brought by Cnut the Great, who they say converted to Christianity, means things are calmer for us now. We, of course, don't know much about him apart from what is spread in hushed whispers through our village, but he's a fascinating individual nonetheless! The farmers here share stories about him and speculate that a man of such power could bring a new era of prosperity to the land, free of fear from the northmen. We all hope for it to last, to continue our quiet lives.
Another snippet of news, quite exciting actually, reached us just last week. We heard that an intrepid adventurer by the name of Leif Eriksson, who traces his roots back to Viking forefathers, has sailed across the sea! Yes, he travelled far beyond the known world and is said to have found a land beyond the western horizon - Greenland, they called it.
To think, a man just like us can sail the vast oceans and discover lands untouched by mankind. Can you imagine it? Maybe someday, they'll discover land across the great, mysterious seas, where the sun rises first and casts a glorious, shimmering light across a brand-new land – how magnificent would that be?
A Look Back – What changed in 1041
Now, you might think 1041 would be a slow, uneventful year, just like our village life. But, that’s where you’d be wrong. 1041 has been anything but uneventful in the world of horses! And though these changes haven't directly affected us here in Hayfield yet, it’s still quite remarkable to know these happenings are all going on out there!
Firstly, you all should be well-aware that in this time, most of the great rulers across Europe heavily depend on us – on us horses! We pull their carriages, their battle wagons and the transport their soldiers. Our role as beasts of burden is essential for carrying provisions to distant locations and, for our rulers, are often a reflection of their power and wealth.
A big change that seems to have taken root around 1041 was the widespread use of stirrups for knights on horseback. Think of it – our brave riders now have a safe foothold and are more stable while riding, meaning more maneuverability and a safer and faster ride. This, I believe, could completely change the course of battles, particularly with the knights' heavy lance charges.
Imagine how brave these knights must feel, sitting securely with the sturdy stirrup under their feet, able to charge into battle and deal devastating blows, which is an absolute wonder to me.
These new stirrups could make battles quite thrilling! Although I much prefer to stay out of danger on the quiet fields, I understand why our brave warriors rely on us so much. We're proud to serve our kingdom.
But I must mention, the change that stirs up the greatest curiosity and wonder is the adoption of horse shoes! The rumours reached us recently, that the Normans (renowned warriors from Northern France) are known for expertly using the horseshoe in their land! Can you imagine how fascinating it is? This little bit of metal fastened to our hooves seems to do wonders for our protection, and also allows us to travel even on difficult terrain with little risk of injury! Imagine, no more sore hooves or weary journeys. Truly, what a remarkable invention!
Horse training – more than meets the eye
And here’s another amazing fact – training horses, specifically war horses, is changing a great deal this year. These highly trained and valuable beasts now often become much more than mere battle machines. You see, knights are treating them with special care and consideration. They're given individual names, almost like their own companions. You can even hear stories of the bond between man and horse, which is remarkable – it reminds us that these incredible creatures aren’t simply work animals, they are valued members of their societies.
In the north of England, in Yorkshire, we hear about knights using armor to protect us! A great deal of work goes into equipping horses for the battlefield and keeping us strong. We're provided with protective armor that goes beyond just a simple saddle, like plates, a shield-shaped piece that covers our breast, and even special breast plates. That truly showcases how much they value us and appreciate the contributions we make to their victories!
A day in my life – Back to Hayfield
Now, I must be going – I see the other horses lining up outside the stable door, and I know it’s time to start our workday. I am excited for this new day, to witness more breathtaking sights of our land. After our chores are finished for the day, I can return to this familiar, peaceful setting, to share more about life in this remarkable time. And so, until we meet again, keep galloping onward, and remember to smell the fresh hay and listen to the quiet rustle of the wind blowing through your mane!
I'll leave you with a wise saying: "It’s the gentle nature of horses that helps them win people’s hearts," and I firmly believe that! Happy trails to you, all.
