Posted to www.equiworld.org by Emma, Hayfield, Aberdeen
Good morning, my fellow equine enthusiasts! Emma here, a grey draught mare with a passion for history, particularly the history of our own kind. As a young horse with a good head on my shoulders (figuratively speaking, of course), I believe we all have a lot to learn from our ancestors, both in terms of their resilience and the profound impact they have had on human society. And believe me, 1072 was a year brimming with impact!
Let's journey back in time to 1072. Now, picture this: the crisp Highland air nipping at your nose, the rolling heather-covered hills, the fresh scent of woodsmoke and the sturdy warmth of the stables where I was born. Hayfield, you see, was a thriving farming community, the air thrumming with the rhythm of hooves on cobblestones as we horses were vital to the agricultural success of our people.
1072 marked the beginning of my own life, born amidst a bustling stable, the smell of hay filling my nostrils and the sound of my mother’s soft nicker as she greeted me with her gentle maternal warmth. And believe me, when I say the world was an exciting place! The bustling energy of the farms, the quiet rustle of hay bales in the loft, the rumble of the cart wheels as we hauled heavy loads to market... I was eager to learn and to contribute, and by my first year, I could sense the subtle shifts in the air, the undercurrent of excitement that pervaded our little corner of the world.
Our world was shifting, much like the wind in the heather, changing patterns yet holding the landscape steady. As young horses, we were at the forefront of this shift, pulling the ploughs and plying our strength in the fields. There was a great buzz of excitement throughout Hayfield, especially surrounding the War of the Three Kings which was beginning to rumble across the land. The humans were talking about it, their voices grave yet filled with an unwavering resolve. Even the gruffest blacksmith would soften his voice as he recounted the battles, the strength and resilience of the kings. But through it all, our lives remained relatively peaceful, though I'm sure the war wasn’t far from our masters’ minds as they guided us through the fields and forests.
Across the land, this wasn’t the only excitement. In 1072, we witnessed the grand establishment of a great Abbey in Winchester, its massive stone structures being built under the guidance of human hands and a swarm of hooves. My understanding is, they brought many of us down from the north to assist in hauling those colossal stones and logs. Can you imagine? Horses from far-flung corners, drawn together to participate in such an awe-inspiring venture! This massive cathedral was dedicated to St Swithun, a prominent religious figure from the time. And speaking of religion, it’s interesting to note that this same year, the Bishop of Constance passed away, his role taken up by Gebhard of Salzburg.
Of course, being from Hayfield, I couldn't help but wonder about our very own history. 1072 marked the 52nd year of King Macbeth’s rule. Now, he wasn't a particularly loved King, with stories swirling about the grim nature of his ascension, his relentless pursuit of power, and tales of blood that forever stained his crown. As horses, we felt the unease. There was something about King Macbeth’s rule that seemed to hang in the air, an unspoken worry. But I dare say, that fear only strengthened our resolve, our need to serve and protect. After all, the safety and security of our land was paramount to our lives.
However, my greatest admiration was reserved for William the Conqueror, King of England. Oh, what tales our masters told of this great warrior! His prowess in war and his remarkable ambition resonated through every corner of Scotland. It seemed that his legend, like the powerful stallion leading a charge, echoed through our entire lives. Though we may have been humble farm horses, we could sense his energy, the powerful influence he had over our human neighbours. His conquests, the land he held, the tales of his valor... it all added a potent air of adventure to our humble lives.
1072 was also a year of change in our own equine world. A breed named the Norman was starting to make its mark across Europe. Now, these majestic beasts with their proud necks and powerful builds are certainly worth mentioning. They weren't only remarkable for their stature but also their versatility, used for everything from hauling heavy loads to charging across battlefields with a thunder that sent chills down your spine! In the stories my elder masters tell, Norman steeds played a key role in the Conquest of England, Their power, grace, and their bravery on the battlefield set a new standard for what we horses could achieve.
Throughout 1072, there were smaller, more intimate moments too, the quieter times in our stable lives that held their own unique beauty. I recall the camaraderie we felt, the trust we built amongst each other. The warmth of the sun, the sound of the wind whistling through the pines... even in the face of the bustling world outside, our simple moments of peace became more precious, more sacred, as if we were holding our breaths waiting for something grand to unfold.
But as a young horse with a keen sense of history, I saw in the events of 1072, a kind of magic, a thread connecting us to the past and promising something powerful for the future. Horses have been an integral part of human society since the dawn of time. We were more than beasts of burden, we were partners, friends, confidants. The strength of our hooves, the loyalty in our hearts... We made the world move. And this magic was very much alive in 1072, bubbling beneath the surface, waiting to reveal itself.
And so, as 1072 closed, a sense of anticipation hung in the air. We stood as witness to history, ready to make our own mark on the world, our hearts thrumming with the energy of our ancestors.
Join me again, my equine companions, as we delve deeper into the remarkable history of our kind, together charting a course through time and discovering the extraordinary stories that bind us all.
Until next time, keep your hooves firmly planted in the ground and your hearts filled with hope.
Yours in equitation,
Emma, Hayfield, Aberdeen
