By Emma, A Grey Draught Mare with a Flair for the Dramatic
Hello, dear Equiworld readers! It’s Emma here, your trusty grey draught mare with a penchant for dramatic flair (and a weakness for tasty oats). Today, we're going back in time, way back, to the year 1154. That’s right, dear friends, we're embarking on a historical journey! I know, I know, I'm usually more focused on the current affairs of horse-dom. But there's a reason for this trip down memory lane, and it's all tied up with the lives of horses, and their place in the world in that glorious year of 1154.
Let's be honest, being a horse back then wasn’t all sunshine and dandelions. Most horses like me lived a life of honest toil, a sturdy hand on the plough, a tireless pulling of carts and wagons. Life wasn’t all that exciting, but I'm telling you, being part of the backbone of a community has its own peculiar charm!
For starters, let's talk about my life in the peaceful Hayfield, nestled near the grand Aberdeen in Scotland. You'll find Hayfield nestled on a gentle slope overlooking the sea, a place where the wind whispers secrets in the swaying fields of barley. It's a pretty good place to be a horse, I tell you. The hay is lush and sweet, the air is crisp, and the view? Simply divine!
I'm the eldest daughter in our stable. Our mum, a gentle giant with a soft brown coat, was a bit of a local celebrity for her ability to pull the heaviest plough through the densest soils. And let me tell you, that takes real strength and a whole lot of heart! We had a younger brother, a cheeky black stallion with a wild streak in his stride. His name was Jasper, and you wouldn't believe the adventures he'd get into with his best friend, a playful brown pony with a tendency to be very vocal, always whinnying for a story or two. He was quite the chatterbox.
The days in Hayfield were long and predictable. You wake up, the sun already high in the sky, graze, enjoy some oat-y treats and help the farmers work the fields, preparing for harvest. Then, in the cool evenings, you might enjoy a long nap under the warm glow of the setting sun. As a young mare, I had just started my work on the farm. There were seasoned mares like my mother, with calloused backs and the scars of honest work. Then, there were younger foals, their bright eyes filled with the eagerness to explore and the innocence of youth. Our days weren't always glamorous, but the feeling of togetherness, of being part of the family and community, made even the simplest work meaningful. It was a good life, filled with simple pleasures.
But, of course, the world outside Hayfield continued to move along. In 1154, it was quite a busy year in the world of horses!
Kings and Knights on High
Let me tell you about Henry II of England. He was, and still is, quite the influential fellow in the horse world. Now, I don't mean he personally knew all the horses; he was more a “bigger picture” kind of guy. You see, back then, horses were crucial for war and travelling for kings, especially in England. They needed good stallions, strong and fast. Henry II, he loved his war horses. He knew that a strong army meant a strong country, and that’s where we horses came in.
In fact, one of the most fascinating events of the year was Henry II's creation of a Royal Stud in Windsor! Can you imagine, being chosen to join a royal stud? It would be quite a honour, with all the royal privileges. It was considered an extremely important task, you see, breeding sturdy, capable horses to ensure a stable and well-equipped cavalry for the royal army.
What's New on the Equine Scene?
There's also a lot of horse action across Europe, too! Imagine that. People are starting to talk more about the "knightly spirit," a new trend of courage, chivalry and honourable battles, where you get to show off your speed and strength while protecting the weak. Horses are very much a part of it all. And it's a good thing too!
Did you know that 1154 also marked the founding of the first Order of Chivalry, the Order of the Temple, by King David of Scotland? It was founded by King David in Scotland, and, wouldn't you know it, knights and their trusty horses were front and centre in it all. These were the "Knights Templar," dedicated to protecting pilgrims, with bravery and honor. It was a bold step for the times. Just think about that, all the brave and powerful horses participating in that first Order!
Travelling Around the World?
Now, while the life of most horses involved hard work on the farms, some found their calling as noble steeds, accompanying kings, or travelling for trade. Horses play a vital role in transporting goods, carrying trade and stories from one place to another. A well-trained horse was valuable, like a piece of currency.
Imagine yourself, travelling on the backs of magnificent steeds! Just the thought sends chills down my spine. But remember, it was tough out there for travelling horses, often the roads weren't as smooth as we'd like and the weather wasn't always the best. But you see, it's the very act of connecting people, cultures and places, which truly adds to the history of horses.
Horses and History
Looking back on 1154, we see that horses were integral to life, just like they are today, just in different ways. I mean, come on! Horses were in the field, in battle, on the roads, they were at the centre of human societies. That was the beauty of it all. From Hayfield in Scotland to the Royal Stud of England, horses shaped the world around them, a testament to their strength, their beauty and their timeless presence.
For a horse like me, being part of that rich history fills my heart with pride. Maybe it’s the grey in my coat, or maybe it’s just my love for a good story, but every day, I am grateful for the unique life I have lived, from the simple, grounded life of Hayfield to the whispers of history, of kings, and knights, and of horses that make the world go round.
I’ll leave you all with this - always remember that, no matter where you are in the world or how the times may change, horses, like ourselves, have always played a pivotal role in shaping the world around us. That is a powerful thing, you know.
Until next time, dear friends!
Stay safe and gallop on, Emma.
