Welcome to Equine Adventures, my little darlings! I’m Emma, a grand old grey mare, and today I'm thrilled to whisk you away to the year 1095. Imagine me, all sleek and shiny, standing here in my meadow in Hayfield, near Aberdeen, Scotland. I can almost smell the heather, and feel the wind rustle through my white mane and tail, like the story of our ancestors is being whispered by the breeze.
It’s the year 1095, and a strange buzz hangs in the air. Humans are whispering about some momentous event called the First Crusade, though what it entails I haven't a clue. What does matter is that it seems like all the noble steeds across Europe are busy preparing to carry brave knights across land and sea to a distant, foreign land. Oh my, the tales these brave steeds will have to tell, once they return!
For me, though, things are quiet and routine. In my youth, I pulled a sturdy cart for our blacksmith, ferrying hot iron and steaming water from the forge. My hooves still bear the marks of those tiring, but oh-so-satisfying days. Now, I spend my days pulling the plow, helping the farmer turn over the earth for bountiful crops. Though I must admit, sometimes I yearn for the rush and excitement of journeys to market or maybe even to a grand, medieval tournament!
Now, let me share some tidbits of the horsey happenings from the year 1095 that have captured my attention:
The "Knightly” Fashion Show You wouldn't believe the incredible gear these brave horses are decked out in for the Crusades! My friends in England, for instance, have spoken of horses cloaked in chainmail armor, some even wearing plates of steel, so sturdy they would withstand almost anything. My heart, of course, skipped a beat at the mere mention of these marvels, wishing I too could feel the warmth of steel beneath my coat. The tales also tell of the amazing saddles adorned with beautiful leatherwork, carved ivory, and studded with glittering jewels, befitting the status of these noble knights. And speaking of knightly style, imagine the beautiful colours of the flags that wave above their proud heads - they say it’s like a whirlwind of colors dancing in the air!
A Pony’s Tale from the Eastern Land The stories have spread even to Hayfield - stories about the Mongol horses of the East, which are built low to the ground, yet sturdy as oaks. These ponies, they say, carry warriors who travel far and wide across the steppes, battling as fierce as wolves, and riding over miles of tough, unforgiving terrain. You see, these tales truly are a window to a fascinating world!
From Humble Ploughman to Royal Coachman While noble knights and warriors make headlines, horses in everyday life play their part. Our trusty draft horses, my dear, are the true backbone of any community, hauling the plows and wagons that provide sustenance. But imagine our pride when the farmer boasts, “Why, I've got the sturdiest plow horse in all of Aberdeen!”
It makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside to be a contributing member of society, even if it means getting dirty in the mud or facing the chill wind as you drag the plows.Training Makes the Stallion Though it's hard to admit it, humans still haven’t discovered all the secrets to the horse world. But there’s still plenty to teach! In fact, many are just beginning to recognize that even a thoroughbred needs to be well-trained and groomed. Imagine all the noble feats our descendants could accomplish if they were fully understood! Now, you know what, my friends? This training isn’t just for those magnificent thoroughbreds - even we draft horses can excel!
Horses and the Power of Healing The healers of this time, known as 'doctors' amongst humans, still aren't as enlightened about our needs as they might be. But they have begun to understand that certain herbs have the power to calm and heal us. It warms my heart to know that we can even play a role in bringing health to their world.
A Tale of a Wandering Traveler Just yesterday, a traveller passed through our fields on his way to a nearby village. His horse was unlike any I had ever seen before. Tall and strong, its coat a glorious black, a symbol of authority and wisdom. I learnt he had been travelling through Europe, sharing stories and bringing news of distant lands. This was truly a journey unlike anything I had ever imagined! It made my hooves tap rhythmically, craving an adventure.
And now, I bid you a fond farewell, my equine friends! I hope you've enjoyed our little tour of the world in 1095. Do join me next week, for we’ll travel further through time!
For your equine inspiration, here are some resources on this fascinating era of our history.
- www.equiculture.org: Visit the Equiculture Foundation’s website, a great source for the history of horsemanship!
- The Crusades: Explore this exciting era and discover how horses played a crucial role.
- The Mongols: Explore the Mongol horses’ history.
And if you find yourselves in my homeland, Hayfield, do stop by and have a bite of hay with us. Until next time, neigh and neigh well!
Emma, signing off
Equiworld.org, Blog Post #1095
