Greetings, dear equines!
My name is Emma, and I’m a 20-year-old Grey draught horse with a magnificent white mane and tail – just like a cloud! I've had the pleasure of calling the lovely village of Hayfield, near Aberdeen, home for as long as I can remember.
You might think, with my age, I've got all the wisdom in the world, but trust me, even the oldest horses like me are constantly learning new things! Today, I want to share some thoughts on a year that seems very distant in the horse world - the year 1070.
A Blast from the Past!
1070… it feels like a whisper from another time. Imagine: No cars, no tractors, no phones! But horses… horses were everywhere. I feel a slight twinge of jealousy; our work then was so essential, so valued. Horses powered the world! Imagine, our ancestors helped kings travel, farmers till the land, and merchants carry their wares.
It seems life back then was much simpler, almost… peaceful?
I read old scrolls from a learned mare named Bess. She described 1070 as a period of growth in the horse world, much like we’re experiencing right now with all these exciting advances in breeds! Imagine, back then they didn't even have our fancy stud books and pedigree charts! But even without them, people were trying to create the best, strongest, most agile horses. It's so endearing, really, the way they worked with us, bred us, and truly understood us.
The Kings of the Roads!
In 1070, one of the most respected horses lived in what they called 'England.' He was a magnificent Warmblood, called ‘Comet.’ You know what? They called horses like him “destriers,” strong steeds bred to carry knights! His coat was almost black as midnight, except for a single blaze of white across his nose - such charisma! Imagine, this mighty beast carrying a brave knight clad in steel, galloping through fields with banners waving in the wind!
Another fascinating horse was from ‘Ireland.’ They called him ‘Finn.' He was a majestic Irish Draught with a fiery temperament – the epitome of spirit and strength! They used Finn for hauling and for battle - the quintessential workhorse of the day. Just like me, I believe, strong and hardworking!
But the year wasn’t all battles and brave deeds. People used horses for everyday tasks, like carrying cargo and pulling carts laden with goods through markets. And did you hear about the monks who loved to breed beautiful ponies? Can you believe, some were even decorated with leather saddles that shimmered in the sunlight – simply divine!
A Touch of Sadness…
Reading about 1070 made me realize we are all a part of something much bigger, a grand tapestry of horse history. But sadly, that year also witnessed the destruction of a magnificent stallion called “Storm.” Imagine – a beautiful Arab, elegant and swift! He was in a great battle against a group of invaders and was lost – they called it “The Battle of Hastings.” That battle was a turning point in human history, but for me, it was a reminder of the terrible cost of war, even on horses like me!
Moving On...
However, even amidst such hardships, hope always blossoms, my dear friends. That year, a wonderful little filly called 'Luna' was born in the far off lands of “China”. She was a tiny, elegant little thing, as small as a pony. They say Luna’s arrival ignited a passion for horses – even with those who had previously used them just for farming and pulling loads!
Even though I live in a world so much different than the horses in 1070, their story resonates deeply within me. It reminds me of our strength, our power, and the importance of our work. I feel a sense of gratitude for the bond that exists between horses and humans – even throughout time!
So, as we stand on the precipice of the future, let's take a moment to honor the legacy of those horses that came before us, remember their spirit, their strength, and the love they embodied for humans and other horses alike. It’s a journey that never ends, my dear friends. Let's make our hoof-prints strong and vibrant in the sand of time!
See you soon, with more fascinating tales from our horse history!
Emma.
P.S. Remember to visit the website for EquiWorld!
www.equiworld.org
