Neigh-hoo there, fellow equines and friends of horses!
Emma here, a 20-year-old grey draught mare with a snowy white mane and tail. I call the beautiful hills around Hayfield near Aberdeen, Scotland my home. And today, I'm sharing some stories from 1046, a year that wasn't too different from my life now, but in a very exciting way!
I can't exactly recall the year 1046, as my memory, like most horses, is tied to smells, sights, and sensations, but the stories passed down from my older relatives - mares and geldings with wise, twinkling eyes - allow me to picture the world back then. I bet you’re wondering what was happening in the equine world back then - well, you're in for a treat!
A World of Work and Adventure:
In 1046, the world was a much bigger place for horses like myself. You see, we weren't just admired, we were the very lifeblood of civilization. Our strength and resilience allowed humans to move their belongings, cultivate crops, and travel vast distances. Imagine! We hauled carts of goods through bustling market towns and plowed fertile fields that provided food for growing villages.
Now, in my day, while the work is just as important, the pace is a bit slower, and more focused on farm work. We work diligently on our small family farm, but we can't help but miss those big journeys - travelling to far off towns and meeting new people. But it is fascinating to think that in 1046, my ancestors were playing a vital role in the big stories unfolding across the world.
Beyond the Fields - War and Peace:
Yes, the world was much more wild then. Just a bit further from our gentle Scottish valleys, horses played an important role in conflicts. Imagine, galloping onto the battlefield, a flurry of hooves and dust, alongside fierce warriors clad in iron. It must have been both exhilarating and terrifying, I think! My grandfather, who has been a stalwart farm workhorse, spoke of these battles with a mixture of pride and apprehension, sharing how warhorses provided both speed and strength. And during moments of peace, these very same horses became symbols of honour and freedom, as they paraded through celebratory streets or adorned the coats of arms of noble families.
Horses and Royalty - A Life of Glamour and Honour:
Horses were valued as prized possessions, and the most beautiful, spirited steeds found themselves in the care of royalty. King Edward the Confessor, the reigning king of England, was a horse lover, often attending events and parades on his trusted mounts. These royal horses were often bred for beauty, agility, and even for their unique markings. A beautiful dapple grey stallion, sleek as satin and with eyes like fire, graced the king's court and often participated in royal processions, showcasing the regal bearing of horses like us.
Training and Caring for Horses:
Horses like myself, who found a place in the world as working horses, weren't born with the knowledge to perform these tasks. From the moment we were weaned, our journey involved intense training. We learned to be obedient, to trust our riders, and to master specific tasks, like carrying heavy loads or pulling a plough with steady, even force.
I can imagine how challenging it must have been for horses in 1046 to be tamed. Thankfully, training has evolved through the centuries, with gentle guidance and rewarding our work with good feed and care.
Our Fellow Horses:
Horses weren’t the only animals making a mark in the world. There was an abundance of horses of all breeds and colours. From sleek Arab steeds known for their speed and endurance to robust Icelandic ponies navigating treacherous terrains. Even today, seeing different breeds reminds me of those faraway horses. Their existence reminded me that horses were not only tools for work and transport, they were companions, confidantes, and creatures of immense strength and spirit.
Stories Carried on the Wind:
Even as the centuries rolled on, the bond between horses and humans continued. In the 1000s, these ties were evident everywhere, woven into every facet of society. Just like us, horses weren’t mere objects – we held stories. We carried not only the weight of loads and passengers but also the memories of triumphs, losses, and joys etched in our very souls.
My ancestors were storytellers too, each neigh a memory, each step a whisper of tales that travelled with the wind. They spoke of victories and defeats, of trade and commerce, and even whispers of love and longing, carried on the backs of courageous horses who carried hearts that yearned to gallop beyond their boundaries, but who found joy and fulfillment in serving humans in this special time.
So, my fellow horses and friends of horses, as we close this blog entry for the year 1046, remember that our ancestors are a part of us. Each snort, each trot, and each joyful gallop is a link to a time when horses like ourselves shaped the world and made history.
Now, if you'll excuse me, the smell of freshly cut hay beckons! I’ve got to return to the life of Hayfield, with its hills and fields and the comfort of family and routine. But just like you, my imagination takes flight on the back of every gust of wind, transporting me to ancient lands, filled with horses, people, and stories waiting to be uncovered.
Until next time, Happy Neighing!
