By Emma, a Grey Draught Mare from Hayfield near Aberdeen
Neigh-ho, fellow equines! Welcome to another installment of my blog, where I, Emma, a sturdy grey mare with a flowing white mane and tail, delve into the fascinating history of our equine ancestors. Today, we're galloping back to 1133, a year packed with exciting events in the world of horses. I’ve recently discovered, with the help of a wise, old shepherd who has seen more seasons than I’ve eaten blades of grass, that our world in 1133 was much different. We are, after all, creatures of habit, accustomed to our lives of working the land, hauling heavy loads, and occasionally indulging in a good roll in the mud.
But hold your steeds, there's more to 1133 than just work and mud! This year saw the start of something truly remarkable: the Crusades. These grand journeys to the Holy Land, led by King Louis VII of France and Emperor Conrad III of Germany, would leave an enduring mark on history. Imagine, my dear reader, thousands of brave knights, mounted on their steeds, crossing the vast lands of Europe and Asia! This grand enterprise required horses, and plenty of them. This time period was certainly a golden age for horses in that way. As you might imagine, this event had a major influence on the development of our breed - sturdy, agile, and loyal - perfect for transporting heavy armour and warriors across far-off lands. But it was more than just battles. The Crusades also led to cultural exchange, with influences of Eastern horses trickling back into Europe.
Hayfield's Harvest
Speaking of our work, this time last year I was neck-deep in the bustling Hayfield village, where I helped with the yearly harvest. Life here was a rhythmic symphony of labour and laughter. We worked together in the fields, the sun warming our flanks, the air thick with the scents of hay and sweat. We toiled tirelessly, but our hearts were light knowing we were feeding the village and playing a crucial part in our community's well-being. Imagine the satisfying feeling of hauling a fully loaded cart to the threshing floor, the smell of grain filling the air, and the happy chatter of the villagers. There was nothing more rewarding.
This time of year was also a period of merriment. In 1133, village feasts, joyous gatherings celebrating the successful harvest, were a common sight. We, the hardworking horses, were rarely excluded from the fun! Imagine, my dear readers, delicious oats and apples being offered from the villagers' hands. And occasionally, a little head scratch or a soothing stroke along the back! A real feast for the senses and soul, wouldn't you agree?
From the stables to the battlefields
But 1133 was also a year of conflict. A conflict, not just between knights and warriors, but one within our equine ranks as well. As mentioned earlier, the Crusades ignited the need for swift, strong horses, which sadly meant that a select few breeds would become highly prized and desired for war. This unfortunate reality created a great divide between breeds like ours, sturdy workhorses ideal for hauling loads and tilling fields, and those agile war steeds built for speed and power on the battlefield. A horse, like our species, has been known to exhibit different personality types and traits - for some, their innate instinct might have been inclined toward being a faithful worker in a tranquil field, whereas others craved the thrill of war.
This time period was truly pivotal in establishing the foundation for different types of horses and creating distinct "career paths", as it were. Some of my kin ended up on those battlefields, bearing the brunt of conflict, while others, like me, found purpose and fulfillment in our work as tireless contributors to village life.
Beyond the field, but still at work
Despite my preference for hay and gentle plows, I'd be lying if I said I never admired the strength and agility of those battle horses. Our world is not a monolithic one. It’s diverse and, dare I say, often unpredictable. 1133 was no exception! From working with local woodcutters, pulling the massive logs across the rough terrain of the nearby forest, to assisting artisans who made pottery and furniture using my steady muscle power, my life in Hayfield was an adventure in itself.
The blacksmith's forge, with the clanging of iron and the flames dancing in the darkness, always fascinated me. The warmth emanating from that powerful forge, with its red hot embers and the intoxicating scent of burnt wood, made even the toughest work feel exciting. The blacksmith would diligently ensure our shoes were in prime condition and well-fitted for all the tasks we tackled - whether it was the rough fields or the treacherous trails of the mountains.
A Mare's Perspective
I was but a young mare in 1133. A time of change and, for our species, a significant chapter in our history. My world, however, was smaller and more focused, filled with the routines of my daily work and the rhythms of village life. I loved the comforting routines. We were valued not just as beasts of burden, but as partners, friends, and even family. That’s what makes this time period so significant to me. Our relationship with humans was often complex and intricate, forged in a crucible of trust and respect. We knew our role and embraced it with enthusiasm, our spirits forever bonded to our human companions.
I feel a pang of sadness sometimes, as I observe the evolution of our breed over the centuries. I see the decline of those hardworking draught horses, overshadowed by the sleek steeds designed for leisure and sport. But the legacy of those days remains with us. As you gaze upon a magnificent stallion trotting along, take a moment to imagine his ancestors, toiling the fields and bearing the weight of the Crusades. Each breed bears its own unique story and adds another layer to the intricate tapestry of our collective equine heritage.
So my dear reader, that’s a glimpse into life as a young grey mare in 1133. A time of change, adventure, and a profound bond with humans. The world was a different place then. But within it, lay the seeds for the vibrant, varied equine community we know today. We continue to evolve and adapt to the changing times, proving time and again that the spirit of the horse is as resilient and inspiring as the great events that have shaped our history.
Stay tuned for more blog posts about my ancestors' lives. I can’t wait to share even more stories from our amazing past!
With neigh-bors in grace,
Emma
