Hello there, fellow equines!
Emma here, a 20-year-old grey mare with a snow-white mane and tail. I call Hayfield near Aberdeen home, and though the winters here are long and harsh, the scenery is breathtaking - especially in the crisp morning light when the frost glitters on the fields like a million tiny diamonds.
I'm back with another post for EquiWorld, this time journeying through the world of horses as it was in the year 1087. Buckle up, dear readers, for this is going to be quite a journey!
Now, you might think a mere mare like myself wouldn't have much to share about a time over 900 years ago. After all, how could a horse, even one as well-travelled as I, keep track of history? But you see, dear readers, our hooves leave a permanent imprint on the world - a silent history written in the furrows of the earth, the tracks across a mountainside, the echoes of our ancestors in the blood of every foal born. So, although I wasn't alive then, the threads of the past are woven into the fabric of my very being, and I feel an innate connection to those who came before me.
A Year of Kings and Battles:
1087 was a year of change, a turning point. The year William the Conqueror, that imposing figure whose arrival in England shook the very foundations of the land, breathed his last. The crown he had secured with his mighty warhorse passed on to his son, William Rufus. And whilst William's victory in 1066 changed England, it cast a long shadow across our own fair land. The Scots were at war with the English, vying for their independence and resisting their overlords. I've heard my elders speak of the grim days of fighting - a war that claimed lives and left the land scarred and desolate. It's not a time I would like to see firsthand.
But even amidst the chaos and the struggles of war, life carried on. The rhythms of the seasons continued to dictate our lives, a timeless rhythm that the war seemed only to accelerate. Spring brought hope and rebirth, with the first signs of green creeping across the land, the smell of new life filling the air, and the feel of warm earth under our hooves. In summer, the meadows burst into bloom, a riot of colours that paint the hillsides a masterpiece. We, the horses, thrived in these lush pastures, and I often spent hours grazing by the cool waters of a stream, feeling the breeze dance through my mane. Autumn was a time for preparation, gathering in the harvest and securing winter provisions for both us and our human companions. And as the sun dipped lower and the nights grew colder, winter settled upon the land. The long, cold evenings were a time for resting and bonding with fellow equines in the stables.
The Power of Horses:
But even when the snow piled high, and the landscape lay frozen, horses remained vital to life in those times. In the world of 1087, they were more than mere beasts of burden; they were our brethren, companions, and an essential part of the fabric of society.
Their strength, agility, and endurance were harnessed to cultivate the land. My own ancestors would have been used to pull ploughs and wagons, their sturdy bodies capable of enduring long days of back-breaking work. They were integral in bringing the food that sustained whole communities. The fields we ploughed became the lifeblood of the kingdom, and each furrow we etched was a testament to the horses' importance in keeping people fed.
Horses were the key to trade, carrying goods across continents, navigating challenging terrains and acting as a conduit of vital communication between distant towns and cities. I've often heard the tale of the hardy steeds that braved the snow and ice of the north to bring essential goods to those further south, their stamina and courage saving countless lives.
And, of course, there was war. These noble animals, though I personally find it saddening, were often called upon to fight in battles. Imagine their bravery, charging into the thick of battle, carrying men who rode with trust and faith. They faced unimaginable chaos, yet they stayed true, a beacon of courage amidst the whirlwind of swords and shields. While war might not be glorious, there was an element of grace in the sight of a horse and its rider, the trust between them, the power they exerted together.
Beyond the Battlefield:
However, let's not focus only on battles and war, dear readers. In 1087, the life of a horse extended far beyond the battlefield. I imagine many, like myself, enjoyed a gentler life, dedicated to helping people. Perhaps carrying a nobleman to his castle on a cool summer evening, pulling the carriage for a woman with her basket of freshly picked berries, or simply bringing comfort and companionship to children as they raced through the fields in their youthful joy.
I can just picture myself back then, perhaps hauling grain in a cart, or standing by the waterwheel, watching as its blades churned the water for the local mill. Each day brought a new set of challenges and adventures. There were times I was afraid of a sudden storm, and there were moments of deep sadness when a foal lost its mother. But most days were filled with the simple pleasures of life, the warmth of the sun on my coat, the feel of grass under my hooves, and the shared bond with my human companion.
A Legacy We Carry:
Although so many years have passed since 1087, I see the echoes of that time reflected in the world we inhabit today. Horses are still an integral part of society, even in these times of progress. We remain sources of companionship, love, and an essential part of agriculture. From therapy horses that bring joy and comfort to people with special needs, to the beautiful horses used for riding and carriage work, we are still woven into the tapestry of human life.
The world has changed tremendously since the year 1087. But despite these changes, the spirit of horses has remained constant - strong, resilient, loyal, and, perhaps most importantly, compassionate. It's a spirit that inspires us even in these modern times, a spirit I strive to uphold.
I hope this journey back to 1087 has brought you some joy, some insights, and a deeper appreciation for the horse.
Stay well, stay safe, and keep galloping!
Emma
EquiWorld.org - Your Source for Equestrian Inspiration
