Neigh-neigh, dearest equestrians!
It’s Emma here, a sturdy grey draught mare from Hayfield, near Aberdeen. I’m twenty years young now, with a white mane and tail like spun snow. You might find it odd, me writing a blog, but that's what we do nowadays in this fine year of 1143. With parchment plentiful and humans ever-eager to learn about our kind, I’ve been persuaded by my human companions to share a bit of history through my own humble hooves.
Now, you’re likely asking yourself, "How on earth does a horse write?" Well, let me tell you, dear reader, these humans are ingenious! They have a wonderful device called a "quill" and another called "ink", which they somehow guide across this beautiful white thing called "parchment", forming words that magically capture what I have to say. Just imagine! The possibilities are endless.
But I digress. Back to 1143. Where do we even start?
Let me tell you, 1143 was a lively year for horses, a real humdinger! While it’s quite quiet here in Hayfield, all those beautiful plains and fields down in England are where the real action is. You wouldn't believe what the humans are doing! There's the Knights Templar, an order of knights just forming, who need powerful horses to travel all over the place, fighting and praying in equal measure. These are very busy horses, with shiny coats and grand armour. They really are something to behold, just like the gallant knights they carry!
On the Warpath? Not My Cup of Tea
You’ve heard of "The Crusades" haven't you? The humans are calling them a great pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Personally, I’m content to stay in Hayfield with my peaceful duties, ploughing fields and hauling loads. The rumble and clamour of battle isn’t for me.
However, even here in the quieter parts of Scotland, life as a horse in 1143 is far from dull. We horses are, in our own quiet way, central to every part of human life, and that's how we like it!
Imagine this - your average day starts with hauling the cart for the farmer as the sun peeks over the hills. We carry bags of grain to the mill, lumber to the blacksmith, and food and supplies to the markets in Aberdeen. And of course, there's no shortage of horses being trained to work with the sheep, herding them in the pastures and guarding them from predators. You see, we are part of every aspect of this land, this life.
An Important Note on Treatment
I’m happy to tell you that our lives in 1143 aren't entirely focused on heavy work. We horses, with our long, strong necks, are known to love being groomed. Humans are so devoted to their horses that they even make combs for our beautiful manes and tails, creating braided ropes, as well as shiny harnesses for us to wear. We horses really do get the most lovely treatment!
Oh, I must tell you about these extraordinary saddles, which seem to come in endless varieties, from plain wooden seats to padded saddles covered in leather! The humans seem to spend their entire days making and adjusting them. It’s truly amazing. But the thing is, even in 1143, all these inventions mean we horses get a life that's safe, comfortable, and with as little suffering as possible, something that's very precious to us.
Looking Back in 1143, and Forward
Here in Scotland, you know, there's another important aspect of life we horses need to consider, that of survival. We've all learned the importance of getting strong, swift, and hardy. You see, here we have to face the biting wind that whistles through the Highland mountains and the chill of the harsh winters, where we may struggle with the icy, snow-laden ground. Our coats are like protective layers, and our legs like mighty, tireless engines to carry us across frozen lands.
In 1143, even with all these new inventions, humans continue to look at us horses, and rely on us. We horses have been part of the fabric of human life for thousands of years, working in the fields, carrying supplies, helping them fight and build, and, of course, getting them from one place to another. I believe, as much as I am a loyal friend and companion, that we horses are integral to humanity’s own survival.
Life here in Hayfield, for all its challenges, has been filled with moments of contentment. We work side-by-side, horses and humans, to secure our existence. We build stables, plough fields, and harvest crops. We also gallop through these highlands, chasing away the harsh wind and sometimes even leaving a trail of snow for humans to follow.
You know, in this era of great change and invention, a good horse has never been more important. We have no reason to fear the future, because our place in this world is secured. So, dear readers, here’s to the humans for appreciating all the great qualities we horses possess and giving us this unique and precious connection with their world. We know we're partners for life, working side by side, now and forever.
Until next time, stay well and keep neigh-ing.
Yours truly, Emma
Equi-World.org 20th August, 1143
[P.S. If you’d like to read some more of my experiences as a horse in 1143, you can leave me a comment below and let me know. Perhaps we can have a virtual chat!]
[Don’t forget to visit Equi-World.org again for more stories from the lives of horses through history!]
