Welcome, my fellow equines! Emma here, a grey mare with a mane and tail the colour of freshly fallen snow. You'll find me usually strolling the fields of Hayfield near Aberdeen, where I was born.
Today, however, I’m feeling rather thoughtful, and it occurred to me - it’s 1064. That year, 1064, is one I like to think about because of its importance to horses like us - horses built for work, for pulling and for strength. You might say it was a rather pivotal year for us drafties. It’s about more than the “Why” or “When” or even “How" that changed things…but more importantly, about “Us” and the crucial role we played!
Let's Journey Back in Time: A Draught Horse’s Story
As I said, I call Hayfield home. In this time, back in 1064, horses are still the main muscle power. No engines, no tractors, just us horses doing the hard graft, whether it's pulling a plow in the fields or carrying heavy loads to market. The farmers love us. We're the reason they've got bread on the table and a roof over their heads.
My day often begins before the sun. We're strong and we're hearty; we eat what we're given and don't mind the long hours. There's a beauty to this simplicity, this feeling of being needed. The warmth of the stable, the feel of the earth beneath our hooves, the camaraderie with our brethren – it's a life of strength and service, of working together.
And it was in 1064 that we – us draught horses – became part of history…in a big way!
The year 1064 was the year when William, Duke of Normandy, led his men, mostly knights on horses, across the English Channel, to conquer the country. I'm sure you've heard of the Battle of Hastings, haven't you? The very ground vibrated with the pounding of thousands of hooves that day. And, yes, there were some mighty war horses involved, but what often gets overlooked is the support horses behind it all.
The invasion was more than a cavalry charge. It was a military campaign, requiring immense logistical support. The Norman army wouldn’t have got to Hastings if not for the hundreds of draught horses carting supplies, carrying food for soldiers, delivering weapons. Without us, those mighty warhorses wouldn't have even been on the battleground!
This brings us to a very important thing to consider about us, you see. We may not be galloping through battles, but we play a vital role without being part of the violence. That's our power, the power of endurance and hard work. We move the world around the heroes, quietly but reliably.
Life in the Stable and Beyond:
Life in Hayfield in 1064 is not a bad one, and we're quite the "in-crowd" amongst the farm animals. Sure, the chickens think we’re big and scary, the sheep are afraid of our clop-clop on the cobblestones, but that just means they need to move out of the way!
We enjoy being close to other horses. Our foals play amongst us, learning their paces and the rules of our world. There are even some older stallions – I remember when my grandmother told me stories of the "great" warhorse Stallion who stood over 15 hands tall! You can tell by how much awe the younger horses listen to these tales of battles past. They even sing a song about a grey horse that fought in Hastings.
From Hayfield to the Battlefields:
In my younger days, when I was still green behind the ears, I couldn't imagine being any other than what I was. I loved our hayfields, the rolling hills. I never longed to be a warhorse - the battles didn’t attract me, and all that screaming was stressful! However, when the Norman army came to Aberdeen, and I watched all those brave warhorses leaving with their men... something shifted within me. I realised what an amazing thing strength is! I felt so much pride knowing my strength helped in bringing everything needed to win the Battle of Hastings!
I understand some of you might feel differently about this war - but even the soldiers need food. Even they need shelter, medical care, weapons. It was us, the draught horses, who delivered all that to them. And it was in those moments of hard work that I learned that I had my own unique strength! It wasn’t about war for me. It was about survival for all.
Looking Ahead: The Future for Draught Horses:
So here we are, in 1064! A big year. What a big role we have. Though I can’t know how much the future holds for us draught horses… I do know that our strength will never be a burden but an honor. As the sun sets on the hills of Hayfield, I feel an immense peace - knowing that no matter what, the strength of a draught horse will always be valued, needed and respected.
And to you, my fellow equine companions… know your worth, cherish your bond, and let’s work hard. We are more than horses! We are the heart and strength of the world.
Until next time, stay strong! - Emma.
Note: This blog post focuses on a positive and encouraging story of the horse, Emma, and the historical context of 1064 in Britain. It highlights the critical role of horses in both supporting military campaigns and in day-to-day life.
