Hayfield, Scotland – October 1152
Hello, fellow equines and horse lovers! It's Emma here, a sturdy grey mare with a white mane and tail from the bustling village of Hayfield near Aberdeen, Scotland. I’m thrilled to be sharing a snippet of horse history from the year 1152, a year that saw a mix of bustling activity and quiet reflection in our equine world.
The world was a very different place then, with the rolling fields stretching far and wide and castles and abbeys dotting the landscape like jewels scattered across a velvet cloth. My life was simple but rich, filled with the rhythm of hard work, the scent of fresh air, and the camaraderie of my fellow steeds.
As I penned this post – well, metaphorically of course, as I’m a horse and can’t write with hooves – the sun was setting, casting long shadows across the fields where I grazed. I am reminded that despite the changing seasons, my world, like the world of all horses, remains firmly rooted in the simple, fundamental needs of food, water, shelter, and a touch of love and kindness.
A Day in the Life of a 12th Century Draft Horse
My day started early, just like any other working horse. We were vital for everything, you know? From tilling the fields to transporting goods, our strength and resilience were a vital part of everyday life. It wasn’t always glamorous work, but it brought a sense of purpose and a deep satisfaction that I’m sure many of you can relate to.
It all started with a hearty breakfast of oats and barley, carefully measured by my owner, a kindly young woman called Maisie. She was a bit of a whippersnapper, all smiles and kindness, but her dedication to her horses was truly commendable. As we left the stable, the air was crisp and cold, but I, with my thick winter coat, was already feeling the warm rays of the sun.
The day was usually divided into tasks. Sometimes I pulled the heavy plough through the fields, working the rich soil in preparation for the upcoming harvest. I felt a thrill as the earth gave way to my strength and the rich scent of freshly turned earth filled the air.
On other days, I might find myself pulling the heavy carts of a local merchant. We would rumble through the countryside, a bustling hub of activity as we traversed winding lanes and busy market towns. I always loved those days, encountering the vibrant energy of other horses, each one telling their own story with the tilt of their heads and the flick of their tails.
In the afternoon, as the sun began to sink, it was back to the stable for a well-deserved rest. There was something peaceful about sharing the space with my fellow horses, chewing on our hay and feeling the comfort of camaraderie. Sometimes Maisie would brush me down with a gentle hand, her touch as soothing as the sun's warm rays.
A World in Flux: Knights, War, and the Impact on Horses
As I've said, my life in 1152 was largely peaceful, but the world around us was not always serene. That year, the conflict between King Louis VII of France and King Henry II of England had come to a head, leaving a shadow of uncertainty hanging over our lives.
I remember the men on horseback, their bright armour shining in the sun. They seemed a breed apart, swashbuckling heroes in shining armour, though I knew from the whispers on the wind that war was a dangerous game. I watched them with a mix of admiration and apprehension. War brought danger for our equine brethren. While knights often depended on their noble steeds, there were other horses, much like my sturdy work-a-day kind, used to transport goods and even in battle, often used for carrying equipment and food.
As horses, we have a strong sense of loyalty, an understanding that goes beyond language, that connects us with each other and with the people around us. I could sense the unease amongst the horses, the worry that we might be swept up in the drama unfolding across the land. We would never fully grasp the complexities of human affairs, but our equine sense of the world told us that change was coming.
But even amidst the tension, there were reminders of the simpler, more beautiful things in life. I would sometimes watch Maisie, her blonde hair like spun gold in the sunlight, as she trained a young foal, gentle yet firm in her approach, and I would marvel at her patience and her love for our world. The gentle snorting of the foal as it bounded around its mother, the rustle of leaves, the chirping of birds— all these things offered a beautiful counterpoint to the growing tension that lingered in the air.
The Future of Our Equine World
Even today, so many years later, I think about those times and what they reveal about the deep connection between horses and people. The world in 1152 might have been different, but the heart of our world— the unwavering devotion of the human to their horses and the resilience and nobility of the equine heart— remains timeless.
Even with wars and uncertainties, our place in the world was unwavering. The needs of our species were fulfilled with respect and dedication, and the connection between people and horses continued to thrive. We were essential to their world, carrying them across the lands, and helping them provide for their families.
Now, as I look forward to another day, I can see the world from a slightly different perspective. Times change, but the enduring beauty of our equine world, with its shared bond of loyalty and understanding, remains steadfast.
Please, do share your stories and your experiences with me on Equiworld. Let's remember our past and honor our present, for it’s our shared history, our mutual understanding and trust that allows us to move into the future, with hearts strong and spirit undimmed.
Until next time,
Emma
