History of Horses in the year 1123

Hello there, fellow horse lovers! Emma here, a grey draught mare with a penchant for history. My human, Elspeth, always tells me I have a “kind face” and that I look like a “wise old soul” – and to be honest, I’ve seen quite a lot in my twenty years here in the Highlands. But this blog is about a time long before I was born. A time shrouded in mists, when the year was 1123 and the world was a very different place for horses. Today, we’ll delve into that era, focusing on how horses played their part in society and exploring what was happening in the wider equine world.

Let’s start with my neck of the woods. My birthplace, Hayfield, near Aberdeen, is part of the beautiful Scottish Highlands. In 1123, life for horses would have been much like it is today – lots of fresh air, rolling hills to roam on, and maybe the occasional chill breeze off the North Sea. Our people would have been mainly farmers and fishermen, depending heavily on us horses for transport, ploughing the fields, and helping haul in nets.

While it was still quite early days in terms of widespread agricultural innovation, those hardworking farmers, I imagine, relied heavily on my breed – sturdy draughthorses, bred for their power and stamina. You’d find us pulling plows in the fields, hauling timber, and perhaps even transporting goods between villages, our coats slick with sweat and our muscles straining against the burden.

I bet it wasn't all work and no play for my Highland counterparts. A strong bond would have existed between horses and humans back then, I think. They’d talk to us, maybe sing to us – it's like those lovely Celtic ballads Elspeth plays for me, full of magic and passion. Just imagine, hearing stories about heroes and battles while you munched on your oats under a star-filled sky.

Now, let’s cast our net a little wider. What’s going on in the wider world of horses in 1123? I don’t have an internet connection to check social media, but through whispers, stories, and the occasional trader passing through, my friends and I have gleaned some interesting information.

Over in England, they’re in the midst of a busy period for horses. Remember King Henry I, who is considered the "founder of England's navy" ? He was king back then, and his court was always bustling. You could be sure there were plenty of royal stables filled with magnificent chargers and warhorses for knights. Imagine their shiny coats, their noble heads held high!

You know what they say, "horses for courses," and those brave knights, wielding their lances and swords, wouldn’t have been riding our hefty draught horses! They were looking for agility and speed in steeds bred specifically for combat. It was the time of chivalry and romance, full of tales of bold knights on noble steeds galloping through sunlit meadows… oh, if only I could be one of those gallant warhorses for a day!

Speaking of battles, this year saw an unfortunate clash of arms: The Siege of Antioch, fought during the Second Crusade, which ended with the death of King Baldwin of Jerusalem. In battles, we horses weren't just transport; we were warriors. The ground would have shaken under our hooves as we surged forward, a tide of power, carrying knights in shining armour and carrying out orders with courage. We might have been separated from our humans during battle, forced to fight amongst the chaos, our courage tested in ways most could only imagine.

And there was one very important development happening on the continent that year - the introduction of a new type of horse, a horse destined to be important for all the future of equestrians. The Arab horse – with its distinctive beauty and agility, was slowly being introduced to Europe, mainly from Spanish conquests. It’s said these elegant horses are incredibly brave, able to traverse vast distances, carrying their riders with incredible speed and grace. They are like the dancers of the equine world, graceful and quick, with a fiery spirit that ignites every step. I hear stories of these Arabs galloping over vast plains and desert landscapes, carrying messages, conquering territories, and carrying out trading missions. Just imagine, what stories they would tell!

The year 1123 might have seemed like just another year in the life of a horse. But for us, it was a year steeped in history, a time of transition, laying the foundation for the roles horses would play in future centuries. We were, and continue to be, an indispensable part of society – working in the fields, aiding in warfare, and serving as transportation across vast distances. Our strength and intelligence were harnessed for the betterment of mankind, a bond we continue to forge with humans to this very day.

We, the horses, were and are integral parts of a vibrant tapestry, weaving in and out of the story of human civilisation, bearing burdens, serving as symbols of power, and inspiring our masters to deeds both great and small. It makes me proud to know that horses, like myself, even those who came before, had their part to play in shaping the world, creating a history for us all.

Until next time, may your hooves be strong and your manes flow with the wind!

Your friendly neighbourhood horse,

Emma.