History of Horses in the year 1121

Hello my fellow equines and horse-loving friends! Emma here, a twenty-year-old grey draught mare with a mane and tail as white as snow, coming to you from the rolling hills of Hayfield, just outside Aberdeen, Scotland. Today, I'm going to be taking you back in time, to the year 1121, and share my perspective as a horse living in that fascinating era. Now, you might be thinking, "1121? Emma, that's ancient history!" And you're right! But, believe it or not, a lot was going on in the horse world then, even if our human companions didn't have a clue.

As you know, I love sharing my thoughts and observations about horse history on Equiworld. I find it absolutely thrilling to learn about our ancestors, what they experienced, and the roles they played in shaping the world. And trust me, even back then, horses were an essential part of the fabric of society.

For those of you unfamiliar with Hayfield, it’s a small, bustling farming village near the picturesque city of Aberdeen. It's the perfect setting for a horse like me – plenty of fresh air, green pastures, and, most importantly, plenty of hard work! The humans rely heavily on us horses. We're responsible for pulling carts, carrying loads, and tilling the land.

I have a good life here in Hayfield, all things considered. I have a strong and healthy young stallion named Angus as my stablemate. He's a lively chap, always full of energy and prone to neighing at the top of his lungs at dawn. I’ve even noticed a shy mare, maybe just two years old, in the stables down the road, named Eira, who seems to take a particular shine to him.

My humans are a kind and hardworking family. The farmer, Gregor, is a tall man with calloused hands and a warm smile, while his wife, Fiona, has eyes the colour of heather in bloom. Their young son, Iain, is a cheerful lad who loves to stroke my neck and whisper tales of adventure.

However, even in this peaceful life, there are hints of the wider world around us. You see, 1121 was a year of change and excitement, a time of new beginnings and even perhaps some trouble too, depending on which part of the world you happened to be in.

The first whispers of news reach our humble Hayfield through the travelling merchants who visit our village every couple of weeks. It seems a new king, called David I, has been crowned in Scotland. His predecessor, Alexander I, sadly died during a hunting accident, but luckily the changeover was peaceful. A rumour travels around that King David is a strong ruler who will work to unify the Scots people, which can only be a good thing!

A farmer from the Highlands tells us tales of the great horse markets of Carlisle, where traders bring their finest steeds to be sold. He speaks of massive crowds, of glistening coats and powerful strides, of merchants haggling over prices with colourful oaths, and the aroma of freshly baked bread and steaming broth carried on the wind. Angus is eager to hear all about this, his head twitching with anticipation and his hooves pawing the ground. I must admit, it all sounds pretty fascinating!

From a little further south, a passing monk talks about the Normans and their conquest of England almost half a century ago. It appears they are now a well-established force, having made England a kingdom of its own, with their own king and powerful nobility. However, there’s an uneasy peace across the borders. The Anglo-Saxons are restless, remembering their own traditions and yearning for their homeland. He also mentions that horses are now seen as vital for war. We all shudder at the mention of such terrible battles and bloodshed. The last thing any of us wants is to be forced into fighting!

These snippets of information reveal to me a vast and fascinating world, a world where horses are the lifeline of society, and even the heart of conflict.

We might not be kings and queens, nor warriors wielding swords and shields. But let’s face it, we horses are the backbone of the 1121 world. We are essential for everything from farming to transport, even communication. Can you imagine life without horses to help with plowing, carrying goods, or bringing the news?

And yes, even in peaceful Hayfield, horses play a significant role in war. Though far removed from the frontlines of conflict, we see the consequences of battle every now and again. The odd soldier arrives on his worn-out horse, seeking shelter or provisions. The sad looks on their faces and their weary horses speak volumes of the terrible cost of war.

In that respect, horses become the ultimate symbol of sacrifice and resilience. We are loyal and strong, ready to serve our humans no matter the cost.

From our vantage point in Hayfield, 1121 seems like a period of great change and upheaval. There’s a sense of something brewing, something that will shape the future, not just for us horses, but for the humans and the world around us.

We might not know what the future holds. But, I like to think that the spirit of horses, our dedication, our strength, and our unwavering commitment to our human partners, will help carry us through whatever challenges lay ahead.

So, thank you for joining me today, my equine friends. As I always say, history is full of fascinating stories waiting to be discovered, and here on Equiworld, I look forward to sharing these stories with you. Until next time, stay strong, stay proud, and never forget the importance of horses in shaping the world we know today!

Emma, the Grey Draught Mare Hayfield, Scotland, 1121 www.equiworld.org