Hello fellow equines! Emma here, your trusty grey mare from Hayfield near Aberdeen, back for another blast from the past on Equiworld! This week, we’re trotting through the annals of history to the year 1142, a time when the world looked quite different for horses like me.
Life in Hayfield: The Year 1142
Hayfield, where I’m lucky to call home, was a quiet, rural settlement then, tucked away in the Scottish Highlands. Nestled near the foothills of the Cairngorms, we enjoyed rolling meadows carpeted in green grass and fresh air. Our days were filled with the usual work of draught horses: pulling ploughs across the fields for farmers, transporting goods to the local market, and hauling timber for building.
Despite the work, we lived well. My stable, shared with two other mares and a chestnut stallion, was kept clean, and we always had a belly full of oats and hay. It’s true, some days I felt the strain of hauling the heavy plough or cart, but I always found comfort in the camaraderie of my stable mates and the companionship of our human companions.
I have to confess, the most exhilarating moments came with hauling the wood from the nearby forest to the local stonemasons. They were building a new church, and those sturdy stones, though heavy, had a magnificent feel to them. There was something incredibly exciting about being part of something bigger than myself.
Across the Sea: What 1142 Holds
1142 saw the world beyond Hayfield in a flurry of activity. The news travelled by word of mouth, whispered by travellers who visited our little village. King David I of Scotland was making waves in Europe. They spoke of him being a devout man, but a formidable leader nonetheless. There was talk of him taking on the responsibility of building churches and hospitals, fostering a strong religious movement in the land. It brought a sense of stability, knowing there was a strong hand guiding our nation.
I heard the tales, with wide-eyed curiosity, about the Crusades, a vast movement that swept through Europe. Imagine - knights riding upon their horses, venturing across the seas, to distant lands, to fight in the name of faith. Although I never knew any knights personally, those tales painted vivid pictures in my mind, thrilling me with their tales of courage, bravery, and chivalry. I imagined myself thundering across the dusty fields, with a fearless knight on my back, my heart pounding with a glorious mixture of fear and excitement.
More than just a Draft Horse
But don't mistake me, life in Hayfield was a good life. The days may have been hard work, but we were content, well cared for, and surrounded by the beautiful rolling countryside. Life wasn't all work though - on days we were off from field duties, I would often race with the young colts, feeling the wind whisk through my mane as I raced across the fields. Or I would simply lie by the cool water stream, relishing the serenity of the moment.
My work gave me purpose, my companionship with the other horses gave me comfort, and the fresh air and sun warmed my soul. My life in 1142 wasn't filled with exotic adventure like the Crusades, but it was honest, and fulfilled me in ways I can't quite describe.
I’m reminded of how much things have changed in the years since, how horses have evolved from simple workhorses to partners in our human lives. There is still the constant need for work, whether in agriculture or transporting goods. But, thankfully, more and more humans are recognising us for our intelligence, our companionship, and the immense love and loyalty we can offer. We are partners, friends, even therapists, playing a critical role in enriching human lives.
Until next time, my equine friends, remember that even the seemingly simplest moments are full of beauty and purpose. The stories of our past continue to inspire us, as we navigate the challenges and triumphs of our equine lives. Stay curious, and keep galloping through history!
-Emma
