Hello fellow equine enthusiasts!
It’s Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood draught horse, reporting from my lovely home in Hayfield, just outside Aberdeen. Today, we’re going to travel back in time, all the way to the year 1134. Can you believe it’s been over 880 years since I was born?
Time flies, doesn’t it? It feels like just yesterday I was a little foal, prancing around the field with my siblings. Back then, the world was a very different place, you know? No motorised vehicles, no electricity, no internet (thank goodness!) Life was simple. Well, mostly.
This year, 1134, there were still so many exciting things happening for us horses. We played a big part in all aspects of life - farming, transportation, even warfare, if you can believe it! I may be a draught horse, used mainly for hauling, but believe me, a big, strong horse can come in very handy in battle!
But let’s focus on the lighter side, shall we? Today, we’ll dive into the year 1134, discovering what was new and exciting for horses in the world at that time.
Life in Hayfield:
Hayfield was a bustling place back then, filled with people, horses, and cattle. Our master, John, a kind soul, loved us dearly and made sure we were always well fed and looked after. He owned several fields, mostly filled with lush meadows. In the spring, we’d graze on the juicy grass, gaining weight and strength for the long days ahead. John even had a special field full of sweet, juicy oats just for us, a real treat!
My favourite part of the day was getting out for a stroll along the main path that ran through our valley. This path was vital to the village - everyone walked along it, including the local merchants carrying their wares to market. I was always keen to help out wherever I could.
Horses and Farming:
Horses played an absolutely essential role in farming. Can you imagine trying to plough the land without our strong backs? Or transport the heavy sacks of grain to the mill? Simply impossible!
This year, there was a great deal of excitement in our village about the newly planted barley crop. John hoped for a bumper harvest, as the barley would provide our village with a great deal of food and income for the coming year. He had planted a vast amount of barley. Our horses, all five of us, were involved every single day in keeping this huge field watered, raked and tended. There was a real camaraderie in the stable during those times.
Trade Routes and Travelling:
Our valley was part of the main route connecting the local villages and settlements with the big, bustling city of Aberdeen, a real hive of activity, they said.
Many merchants would use horses, like us, to travel to and from Aberdeen, delivering all kinds of things: wheat, salt, wool, cloth, leather, and many other goods, not to mention all the delicious pastries that came from the bakers. You could imagine the wonderful aromas coming from the carts and the exciting bustle that filled the cobbled streets of Aberdeen.
My best friend, Henry, who lived just across the path from me in the neighbouring village, was a strong Clydesdale. He had the sweetest disposition. Henry worked mostly with merchants in the city, hauling their wagons from Aberdeen down to our valley, making the trip regularly.
When Henry returned from Aberdeen, he had so many stories to tell! Stories about the sounds of the blacksmith’s forge in the centre of town, stories of the lovely perfumes of the perfumers’ shops and the sounds of the street musicians on the corner. The hustle and bustle was very exciting for us horses who mostly had our nose to the grindstone, so to speak. Henry made a really valuable contribution to our valley!
The Importance of Horses:
That year, we even witnessed an incident where our fellow horses played a heroic role. There was a large band of travellers heading for the south, bringing a great many merchants to our valley. We learned that these people came all the way from the King’s castle in Edinburgh! Now, Edinburgh was a faraway place, not just a short walk. It would take at least three days on the road for a horse to reach there.
A strong snowstorm rolled in that night. All those poor travellers were caught in the icy wind. Many of them had only flimsy coverings on their carts and would surely freeze to death without their horses to provide some warmth. Many were too tired and had run out of energy. The poor horses themselves, shivering, could only find enough energy to keep their heads tucked against their sides for shelter. It was a sight to behold - these weary horses and weary humans huddled together, battling against the biting wind and freezing weather. The very air itself felt like ice needles!
Fortunately, there was one brave and compassionate group of villagers who went out in the storm with a few more hearty horses, loaded with extra blankets and some hot food and drink. Thankfully, they found everyone and brought them back to our village. We even got to eat some of those hot potatoes from the big cauldron, and even had the chance to enjoy some oats from the merchants' own supplies! You never know, maybe we saved some lives that night, these horses. We truly are heroes in our own right!
In conclusion:
The year 1134 was a very eventful year for us horses, as it was every year in those times. Horses were very important, serving the community and providing food and materials for the villages. We also had a great opportunity to help others.
Don’t forget, all these events took place long before the days of fancy saddles and leather tack. Back then, we used sturdy wooden harnesses with strong ropes, working hard to serve our masters and helping the communities thrive! I guess, it all comes down to simple truths, don't you think? We were born for a purpose. We are strong, and reliable, and love to be useful! And as always, we were reminded of the deep, strong bond between horses and people. What a remarkable relationship we have forged together.
Till next time, fellow equines! Keep on galloping through history with me.
Emma
P.S. Have a great week! And don't forget to brush your mane and tail. You never know who you might meet today!
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