History of Horses in the year 1162

Hello, fellow equines and horse lovers! Welcome back to my EquiWorld blog. Emma here, a grey mare with a penchant for pondering and a white mane that glistens like fresh snow. It's a pleasure to share my thoughts on the year 1162, a time when life as a horse in Scotland was certainly interesting, if not always luxurious.

For you non-equine readers, I do apologise - it's impossible to tell the tale of a horse's world without sometimes slipping into the familiar vocabulary of our species. However, I always endeavour to keep my thoughts understandable to everyone, because every horse deserves to be cherished, and everyone needs to appreciate our unique contribution to human history!

As some of you might know, I'm lucky enough to call Hayfield, near Aberdeen, my home. This year was certainly a busy one, filled with the constant rumble of progress, even if it meant a little extra work for my fellow horses. My job, being a sturdy draught horse, is all about getting things done. The days start with a hearty breakfast of hay and oats - nothing too fancy, just good old-fashioned fuel to keep the engines going - and the first calls to work echo from the stable before dawn.

We, the strong horses of Hayfield, haul carts, plod through fields, and transport vital supplies. Our powerful legs pull the ploughs that transform hard earth into fertile land. This year, we've been hauling granite slabs from the quarry to build the grand new cathedral in Aberdeen. Such a massive undertaking, but when you look at the soaring stone arches and the stained-glass windows beginning to appear, you know our hard work is contributing to something truly magnificent.

While we toil away in our local community, the political landscape of Scotland continues to shift. King Malcolm IV is still on the throne, although the land feels somewhat restless. This year, there's a sense of quiet anticipation, and not just because winter is slowly creeping in with its cold whispers. Word travels fast in the animal kingdom, especially amongst horses, and we've heard rumours of battles brewing south of the border.

As horses, we can feel the tension in the air - even though our lives are focused on the practical necessities of life, we understand the deep significance of power struggles, of land and legacy. While humans are consumed with their complex human matters, we are always present, silently observing, sensing the weight of history unfolding on our backs.

Now, before you start thinking about grand battles and historical shifts, it's important to remember, a horse's world is simpler. Sure, we observe and we feel the currents of change, but ultimately, our life is about the warmth of the stable, the rhythmic stomp of our hooves on familiar paths, and the quiet comfort of friendship.

Every morning, I greet my fellow horses with a whinny - a language as ancient as time itself. The language of neighs and snorts, a tapestry of communication that allows us to connect with each other in a way humans sometimes fail to understand. Our bond is forged in shared labour, shared challenges, and the common desire for a full belly and a soft bed of straw.

While I work in the fields and haul heavy loads, I've heard tales of the horses travelling further afield, into the very heart of Europe. King Malcolm IV travelled with a powerful entourage, horses bearing knights and soldiers, participating in tournaments and playing an essential role in his leadership. Their journey carries echoes of history - a reminder that even today, the image of a rider on horseback is one of power, strength, and majesty.

As the world expands, the horse remains central, its impact on human history undeniable. From hauling trade goods across vast lands to enabling war campaigns and expeditions, our existence is woven into the very fabric of civilisation.

I am optimistic about the future, not just for my kind but for the human world too. The building of the cathedral is a symbol of progress - a sign that we are moving forward as a society. It's not all about wars and conquest, although they seem unavoidable sometimes. There's also a desire for peace, for growth, for something bigger than ourselves. We horses might not be at the centre of these human dramas, but our unwavering presence is a constant, reminding everyone of the timeless essence of life, of nature, and the power of working together.

And as I say this, the sunset throws a golden glow on the Hayfield stables. Another day comes to an end, another day closer to spring, and a new era for our horses. It's a simple life, a hard life, yet it's a good life. I hope you enjoyed my journey through the year 1162. Come back next week, and we’ll continue exploring this exciting journey through horse history!

Until then, happy trails, my friends!