Greetings, fellow equines!
It’s Emma here, your trusty guide to the world of horse history, hailing from the rolling green hills of Hayfield, just outside Aberdeen. Today, we journey back in time to the year 1147 – a fascinating period filled with new experiences and evolving roles for horses across the world.
My Hayfield Life
I, a noble grey draught horse with a flowing mane and tail as white as snow, had already enjoyed several years of life at this point. You see, draught horses like me, built for strength and stamina, are vital for plowing the land, hauling carts, and even carrying knights to war. But in Hayfield, our days were primarily spent on farming, helping our farmer, Gregor, to get the most out of the land. His son, Ewan, was only 12, but he loved to ride me, always brushing my coat with care, and feeding me treats from the garden. Theirs is a family filled with respect for horses, and I feel truly lucky to be part of it.
News from Across the Lands
You wouldn’t believe the things I hear from the travelling merchants and the monks passing through Hayfield! The year 1147 is proving to be quite a year, with tales of wars and adventures spreading like wildfire.
The Crusades continue to be the talk of the town! These wars in the Holy Land involve many a valiant knight and their loyal steeds. I understand that some brave souls have journeyed all the way from France to Jerusalem, their horses enduring the long and arduous journey, carrying them through scorching deserts and rocky mountain passes. I can only imagine the courage and spirit those horses must possess! I hope they are all treated with kindness and rewarded with a lifetime of rest and plenty of tasty oats when they return home.
King Louis’ Grand Plan
There's news from our own fair land, too! King Louis VII, ruler of France, is busy organizing another grand crusade, with hopes of reaching Jerusalem, rescuing the Holy Land, and bringing glory back to Christendom. He is planning a grand pilgrimage by sea to the Holy Land – just imagine all the horses needed to ferry supplies and provisions to the shores, preparing them for their grand journey!
I heard tell that some of these horses will be traveling across Europe on shipboard, facing treacherous waves and unfamiliar sights! This requires trust in the strength of these sturdy, sea-worthy ships and an unwavering faith in the sailors who bravely navigate these waters.
The Value of a Noble Steed
We are blessed here in Hayfield to live a peaceful life, unlike those brave steeds engaged in wars and grand adventures. But I can assure you, here at Hayfield, horses like myself remain indispensable to our local farmers. We help them to till the soil, harvest their crops, and deliver their goods to market. They recognize that a horse’s strength, speed, and loyalty are precious assets, not just on the battlefield, but also in the heart of a hardworking village.
Whispers of Change
The winds of change are definitely blowing across the lands. While most farmers rely on the strength of their horses, there are some beginning to experiment with new methods of farming, such as using heavier plows and utilizing animal power more efficiently. Some speak of new harnessing techniques that would lessen the burden on horses while maximizing output. The future seems to hold new possibilities, though we, the noble steeds, are always there, ready to shoulder the workload and support the growth of humanity, just as we always have.
Looking to the Future
1147 marks a pivotal point in the history of horses, as our role in society continues to evolve. Though war is an unwelcome constant, there is also much beauty, kindness, and hard work happening across the world. The bond between humans and horses is strong, and we, the horses of 1147, are grateful to play our role in it. I look forward to hearing about new advancements in the future of horses, as they are discovered, recorded, and shared with all of you, fellow equines! Until next time, keep your hooves happy and your manes strong!
Emma
