By Emma, Hayfield, Scotland
1st March 1083
Good morning, fellow equine enthusiasts! It’s Emma here, from Hayfield near Aberdeen, and I’m back with another blog post, taking us back in time to the year 1083. Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of horses in this era, exploring the roles we played in the lives of people, and discovering some of the significant events shaping the equine landscape.
The wind whistles through the trees outside my stable here in Hayfield, a melody that always stirs something within me. It’s a reminder of the freedom and wildness that ran deep within my ancestors, before the days of ploughs and carriages, before we were companions and allies to humans. While our lives today are more ordered, there’s still a part of me that feels a kinship with those wild spirits, and perhaps it’s this feeling that drives me to share these tales with you.
In 1083, my kind – the draught horses – were still in high demand, particularly here in Scotland. As the year unfolded, we found ourselves hard at work in the fields, hauling ploughs to till the soil and carrying heavy loads to and from the markets.
Just yesterday, I saw a beautiful bay mare pulling a cart laden with grain through the village square. I caught a whiff of the freshly baked bread coming from the village baker – the unmistakable scent of oat and wheat, a scent that always awakens my memories of plentiful harvests and full bellies. Those cart horses, strong and sturdy like me, have always been the backbone of trade and agriculture.
Now, the village children were all a-flutter with excitement – William the Conqueror, a mighty knight on a magnificent black steed, was expected to pass through our humble village in the coming days. All this talk about knights, armour, and noble steeds conjures up images of grand tournaments and dazzling displays of horsemanship. Imagine being a magnificent stallion, the envy of all, clad in shining armour, the very picture of courage and strength! My grey coat might not gleam in the sun, but my sturdy frame and loyal heart have served me well through the years.
24th April 1083
The village buzzes with excitement – William the Conqueror arrived in Hayfield yesterday, a regal sight riding at the head of his knights, his black steed, a powerful creature with a sleek black coat, moving with the grace and power of a storm cloud. I watched, mesmerised, as they rode through the village square. He stopped at the front of the old stone church, surrounded by knights clad in shimmering armour and gleaming weaponry. Their horses, beautiful creatures of all shapes and sizes, seemed as excited as their riders, stamping and snorting with barely contained energy.
What was particularly intriguing was the presence of the smaller horses, nimble and swift, perfect for traversing uneven terrain and conducting raids. These, I was told, were ponies from the mountains, trained for speed and agility – the ancestors of the beautiful Scottish Highland Ponies I see now in Hayfield. Seeing them with their riders made me realise just how versatile our kind are. The horses we see in the village are sturdy and powerful, but others, like the Highland ponies, are small but nimble, carrying out their tasks with the same dedication and spirit.
That day, as I watched the Conqueror pass by, I understood how important horses are, not just to the villagers here in Scotland but also to the great lords and knights of the land. We are more than just beasts of burden – we are companions, allies, and crucial partners in a world of adventure, war, and noble deeds.
16th July 1083
My old friend, Thistle, a chestnut mare with a beautiful flowing mane, came by to share her news. Thistle is a farrier’s horse, always busy carrying tools and supplies between farms. She was quite upset, lamenting how her job had gotten even busier after the Norman conquest. Now she had to spend most of her days travelling between various farmhouses, tending to the shoes of horses and cows, even sheep! She chuckled and said “Poor sheep, always running off to explore the hills. I wonder if they’ll ever figure out the difference between a comfortable life and a hoof-bruising one?”
Thistle is a source of many fascinating anecdotes – she seems to know about every single horse within miles, gossiping about their owners and habits as only a farrier’s horse can. Today, she regaled me with a tale of a young foal who had to be taught to tolerate having its hooves worked on, much to the delight of the entire farrier's family! “That little fella had to be carried all over the forge – never seen anything so wiggly!” she exclaimed, her whole body trembling with laughter. I had to chuckle with her, a bit envious of the foals' boundless energy and freedom.
Thistle’s news made me realize that the life of a horse in 1083 isn’t all glamour and excitement. While we see grand knights and nobles riding to battle, there are others who toil tirelessly, ensuring the well-being and health of their fellow equine friends. Without the dedication of these tireless creatures, and the knowledge of their human companions, how would our kind manage to survive in a world where we are so dependent on each other?
2nd November 1083
It's a crisp November morning here in Hayfield, the wind bringing a hint of snow in its chill breath. As I stand by the window, munching on my hay and watching the village go about its daily routine, I reflect upon the year that has passed.
There’s a definite change in the air, not just in the weather. People seem more guarded, whispers about conflict and danger drift across the village like smoke. This is the aftermath of William the Conqueror’s victory, a change that is unsettling for our entire village. The villagers are working even harder to make sure they can feed themselves. I think they understand, in their own way, how the future might depend on what we harvest this year, and so, it is with more diligence than ever that we draught horses carry out our tasks in the fields.
Every horse plays a vital role in the grand scheme of things. Some like me toil in the fields, while others might carry supplies to distant towns or even assist the king's knights in their travels.
We might not all wear gleaming armour, but our dedication to the wellbeing of humanity makes each of us truly important, contributing in our own ways to the fabric of society.
The journey through time is often filled with tales of bravery, hard work, and unwavering loyalty. This is a story, a story of a year – a year that witnessed change, a year of new beginnings, and above all, a year where the bond between horses and humans grew even stronger.
It's with these stories and memories that I bid you adieu for now, dear readers. Stay safe, my friends, and never forget the bond between horses and humans! And who knows what wonderful stories the year 1084 will hold… I shall be back with more adventures in our shared history, waiting for the day I meet one of my brave ancestors! Until then, neigh on, my friends!
