Hello, my dearest equinistas! Emma here, a 20-year-old grey mare with a snow-white mane and tail, writing to you from my peaceful paddock in Hayfield, just a stone’s throw from Aberdeen in Scotland.
This is the year 1094, and the air is crisp with autumn, the scent of barley heavy in the air. The leaves on the hawthorn tree by the stables are beginning to turn a beautiful russet red, reminding me that soon the long Scottish winters will be here again. The horses in the fields are beginning to fatten up on the harvest, and my own coat is sleek and glossy, ready for the colder months ahead.
The Call of the Wild
As always, there’s plenty to keep me busy here in the Hayfield. I still pull the plough alongside my stablemates, turning the soil for next year’s crops. I must confess, it's hard work, but my farmer, Angus, is kind and feeds us well. He knows we are the lifeblood of the farm, and we all love him dearly. The gentle swaying of the plough through the earth brings a calmness that I relish. I especially enjoy those long, slow evenings when the air is cool, and the sky turns shades of orange and violet, mirroring the colours in my coat. It’s those times I feel truly at peace, as if I’m part of the very fabric of the world, connected to the earth itself.
The Distant Rumble of War
Although life here in Hayfield is tranquil, the news does seep in, carried by the winds and travellers passing through. There’s been word of war across the sea in distant England. A King William has challenged another King Harold for the throne. It all seems so far away, a whisper in the wind. I wonder, does this conflict affect the horses there, just like we are affected by the ebb and flow of the seasons?
From Saddle to Stable: My Dreams
While I happily perform my duties in the field, there's a quiet longing inside me - the yearning to feel the wind whipping through my mane as I race across the open ground, a skilled rider holding tight to my reins. A whisper of a dream about freedom and exhilaration fills me whenever I see the horses on the nearby common gallop like the wind. Their wild manes fly, eyes shining with unbridled joy, bodies flexing with power. It's a glimpse into another life, a life of thrilling speed and boundless energy.
Of course, I’m aware I'm not a warhorse. My breed, the strong, sturdy Draught horse, is made for the land, for hard work and loyal service. But deep within me, the call of the wild still whispers.
News of Horses Across the Land
One day, a passing traveller came into our stable, his clothes dusted with the grime of many miles. He brought tales from other lands, from beyond the borders of Scotland. He spoke of great festivals, of the annual ‘Fetes’, where noble horses and riders gathered to compete, showcasing their skills in various feats of strength and speed.
He described riders vaulting over hurdles, horses pulling enormous weights with powerful grace, and others carrying knights into battle, their speed and courage unwavering.
The traveller's tales gave me pause, stirring something within me. While I never dreamed of becoming a battle horse, I saw the nobility, the connection between man and horse, and the admiration that shone in the eyes of those who watched. It sparked a spark of ambition, an eagerness to learn more, to understand the world of horses, the skills, the talents, the stories beyond my own quiet field.
* EquiWorld – A New Kind of Stable*
It was that evening, after another satisfying day's work, that I stumbled upon this fascinating online world – Equiworld! A place where people share their lives with horses, their knowledge and experiences, their stories of these magnificent creatures. It’s an incredible source of information, stories, and connection with the horse community from around the world. And it has truly broadened my horizons.
Here I find people writing about horses and their importance throughout history, the evolution of breeds, the impact they've had on mankind, and how horses have influenced culture and tradition in countless ways. Through their words, I learn of majestic Arabian horses used for their stamina and endurance in the scorching deserts, strong workhorses from Friesland known for their calm nature and strength, and powerful Warmbloods trained for the elegance and precision of dressage. I also read accounts of those incredible creatures called "Mustang" from America, living free and wild, just like my dreams.
These stories and insights make me even more thankful for my quiet life here in Hayfield, but they also stoke my curiosity. There’s so much to learn, so much to see, so many adventures out there!
This wonderful Equiworld allows me to connect with others and share my experiences too. My goal with this blog, #1094, is to tell you stories, my friends, from a draught horse’s point of view. From here in Hayfield, we may not be on grand adventures or shining on the battlefields, but our lives, like yours, are a tapestry woven with hard work, simple joys, quiet beauty, and the unwavering bond we share with our humans.
Join me in exploring this wonderful world of horses, dear equinistas. And stay tuned for more updates!
With a gentle whinny,
Emma
#1094 - Exploring the History of Horses in 1094But now, let’s take a little deeper dive into the year 1094 and understand the life of horses beyond my Hayfield!
The Power of the Draught Horse
In this era, we Draught horses, known for our size and strength, were invaluable to European life. We weren’t just workhorses, but the engines that powered economies, hauling goods across the land and supporting the rise of the early villages and towns. We were used for ploughing, for hauling lumber, for transportation, and in construction.
Take a moment, my equine friends, and imagine the sight: A long line of horses, shoulders gleaming under the sun, pulling heavy carts laden with sacks of wheat, or sturdy timber beams. The sound of the cartwheels rolling along the dusty tracks, the rhythm of our strong hooves, the deep sighs as we pause to rest. That's what life was like for many horses during this period. It was our sweat, our muscles, that helped civilizations thrive.
The Impact of the Norman Conquest
Back in England, things had changed drastically in the last few years. In 1066, a powerful army led by William of Normandy, the “Conqueror,” invaded and won the Battle of Hastings. That marked a seismic shift, not only politically, but also for horses in that region.
The Normans were renowned horsemen, valuing speed and agility on the battlefield. They brought their warhorses, the famed “Destrier”, strong and agile beasts bred for both warfare and sport. These warhorses differed significantly from our hardworking Draught cousins, requiring a more specialised and dedicated care.
While the Normans valued speed and power in horses, it was the Draught horse that proved essential for building castles and forts to secure their hold on England. These structures weren't built by magic! They required immense labour and meticulous skill, and that's where our sturdy Draught cousins came into play, pulling and pushing with tireless dedication.
Beyond Battlefields - A Glimpse of Life in Other Countries
Across the English Channel, the Scandinavian regions, too, were a place of strong, sturdy horses. In places like Iceland and Norway, the harsh terrain favored powerful Icelandic Horses, used for transporting goods, tilling fields, and, importantly, carrying travellers over the mountains and glaciers. It is in these harsh terrains, I'm told, where these horses display exceptional surefootedness and courage. Their ability to navigate treacherous trails and endure cold conditions made them essential partners for survival and progress.
Horse Racing – The Seeds of a Thriving Sport
Though it may be far from my humble existence, my friend the travelling storyteller mentioned racing horses, an activity gaining popularity in places like England. People would gather to watch their horses compete in various events, testing speed and endurance, setting the stage for the popular horse races we see today! It's exciting to know that the spark for this sport was ignited back in our era.
Beyond The Saddle - Horses in Arts and Culture
Interestingly, even during this period, the horse was already being immortalized in various forms of art and culture! Throughout Europe, beautiful tapestry weaving became more common, and many depicted scenes featuring horses. We are considered creatures of both beauty and power, and artists were already capturing our majesty on canvases and in intricate carvings. It’s a way to understand our cultural relevance, to recognize that horses weren't just tools, but symbols of strength and nobility.
The Heart of the Story
It is fascinating to see how our history, as horses, was woven into the very fabric of those times! While my life in the peaceful Hayfield feels different, it’s no less significant. Our strength, our courage, our loyalty to mankind were the bedrock of a thriving society, and I am proud to play my part.
This blog, #1094, is a step into history, my dear equine friends, allowing us to understand and appreciate the remarkable journey our kind has undertaken. I encourage you, in your own way, to investigate our heritage, to discover the stories of horses throughout history and realize how truly interwoven we are with human civilizations.
Next week, I will be sharing stories of our legendary breeds from different countries, delving into their special traits, their uses, and how their characteristics have evolved through generations!
And don’t forget, we all have our own stories, our own journeys to share. So let your own stories, your own whinnies and stories, echo through this beautiful Equiworld, my friends!
Until then, stay neigh-verlasting!
With gentle whinnies,
Emma
