Welcome back to my EquiWorld blog, fellow equines! This time I'm stepping back in time to a year that feels almost unimaginably long ago - 1136, to be precise. My name's Emma, and I'm a 20-year-old Grey Draught mare from Hayfield near Aberdeen, Scotland. With my white mane and tail flowing in the breeze, I've seen a lot of changes in my lifetime, and as I grow a little older each year, I find myself pondering what life was like for horses back then.
Now, let's journey back to 1136!
The World Outside Hayfield:
In the big picture, the year 1136 saw quite a lot happening across the world, even though news travelled much slower back then. A young, strong king named David I sat upon the Scottish throne, which is something all of us Scots should be proud of. And in the south, the mighty English crown was busy trying to expand its territories, leading to what was called the "Welsh Marches".
These "Marches" are like borders where kings tried to gain more land, you know? In Scotland, we often felt their influence, particularly when it came to raiding and claiming lands on our borders. And of course, that meant extra work for horses like me, carrying supplies or hauling equipment!
Back Home in Hayfield:
But don't think my days are all about war and chaos, dear readers! My life in Hayfield was pretty peaceful for the most part. We were known for our excellent hayfields and strong draught horses - perfect for hauling wood, carting crops, or pulling heavy plows. My day typically started with helping the farmhands load supplies onto the wagon. I loved pulling a big wooden wagon full of sacks of grain or logs for the village woodcarvers - the feeling of strong, even muscles working in perfect coordination was amazing!
Of course, not all horses in 1136 led the same life. Some horses like me were working farm horses, but others were bred specifically for the nobility, used for grand processions or jousting tournaments. Those fellows had a life of privilege, I'm sure! They would have dined on fine oats, had a cozy stable, and probably never hauled a single sack of barley!
A Look at Riding in 1136:
Riding horses were rare back then, unlike nowadays when everyone seems to have a horse or two. You had to be quite important, or at least very wealthy, to afford a horse solely for riding. Imagine, my friend! I bet some even carried a silver saddle for extra flair! Most horses were for hauling, for helping farmers like myself! We were essential, pulling carts for families, and transporting goods from one town to another.
Horses in Combat:
In these days of warring kingdoms and ambitious rulers, horses played an extremely vital role in the fighting force, as cavalry. Knights in shiny armor, brandishing swords, and trained with precise military formations – that's what battle was like! My grandfather used to tell me tales of his time in the war. It must have been quite the experience - with horses charging at full speed into battle, creating a thundering rumble of hooves, dust, and fear. I can't help but feel thankful that times have changed!
*But despite these times, horses have always had an essential place in society. I've always said, our kind is pretty darn extraordinary! We haul, we ride, we pull plows, and we even help in the battles. We’re resilient and strong, and without us, these kingdoms and towns couldn't function. And isn't that what truly makes a horse special? *
Till next time, my fellow horses. Let us all celebrate our enduring role in the world!
Don't forget to visit EquiWorld for more horse stories and historical insights - you never know what you might learn! Stay tuned for next week's post, where we delve into life as a warhorse in the early days of the Crusades!
Keep galloping! Emma
