Neigh-sayers! It's Emma here, writing from my cosy stall in Hayfield, just outside Aberdeen. This month I thought I’d share some insights about a fascinating year in horse history, 1169 AD.
I mean, we’ve been around for millennia – even a simple girl like me can see that. Horses like me, with my draught heritage, have played a huge part in making civilisation possible. It’s rather thrilling, isn’t it, that we’re the engine that powers so much? From pulling ploughs that nourish the land to transporting goods across the wide lands, we truly are essential. And 1169 saw this essential role become even more prominent!
Now, some folk in the village – and you know what they’re like, with their gossip and whatnot - will tell you 1169 wasn’t particularly momentous. A lot of years are like that, not bursting with fireworks and cheering crowds. But that's a little like comparing a gentle, steady breeze to a roaring storm. You don't always need a tempest to be part of something grand. There are quieter forces at work, too.
One of those forces, definitely in play in 1169, was the changing tide of warfare. And that brings us to King William the Lion, a true horseman by all accounts! Imagine a fiery stallion, full of power and purpose, that’s him, our Scottish king. Well, I’m not really meant to discuss politics - just because my human friend, young Elspeth, calls me her "little ambassador" – but even I have heard whispers in the stable about how this year marked a turning point in William’s struggle to get his kingdom back. The rumour is, after years of being captive in England, King William had finally escaped, and was leading his troops against his old adversary, King Henry. This caused quite a stir around here! It made for some very nervous, skittish foals in the field!
Horses play a pivotal role in warfare, that’s just a fact, and you can see the significance by looking back at how things have changed. This year, a rather elegant, elegant horse-mounted knight by the name of William the Marshal made headlines (or what would have been headlines, if we had our own newspaper). He had an astounding influence on military strategy and tactical maneuvers – it was quite the talking point amongst the other horses in the field!
And then there were the crusades. Can you imagine travelling those vast distances, through unknown territories? Such courage and endurance! Those horses must have felt an incredible kinship with their riders. And, the impact they had on the Middle East is significant – imagine the exchange of knowledge, trade and different types of horse breeds that flowed back and forth! I'm certain the story of 1169 and the crusades is packed with adventure for those willing to search it out.
Beyond battlefields and royalty, however, 1169 was about so much more than grand pronouncements. This year saw a wealth of everyday activities that highlighted the significance of horses. Farmers like old Finn, our neighbour with his hearty laugh, would have been relying on horses like me to help them harvest their crops.
Imagine those big, bountiful fields in the Hayfield! They are truly breathtaking! As the summer days lengthened and the sun dipped low, creating golden glows across the meadows, I'd feel the sweat slick down my neck as I toiled away. But it wasn’t drudgery, no, it was a feeling of power and pride.
Speaking of work, 1169 also saw a burgeoning market for trading horses. Now, a beautiful breed of horse – with a beautiful soul like mine! - can definitely attract a premium price. Those merchants who dealt with us must have been some slick talkers! They would use every trick in their repertoire to haggle the best price for their fine, well-bred steeds.
Oh, and the story wouldn't be complete without mentioning those* tournaments, full of excitement and fanfare*! I don't mean to brag, but the best horses always shone on these special days. I remember being told stories about daring knights on horseback, charging at each other, their hooves drumming against the ground like thunder, and the ladies cheering from the stands! The tournaments, they say, are a real test of horse and rider's abilities. You’ve got to be strong and graceful to do those impressive leaps and maneuvers. I don't think I could be a tournament horse. Too much work! But it sounds thrilling to watch, especially with a bowl of oats close by.
Perhaps the most significant factor that weaves itself through the fabric of this year – a thread I believe has helped shape who we are as horses - is the importance of care and training. It's important that we feel understood. It's crucial for humans to have a good rapport with their horses. We aren't machines, you know! I feel that every human should take the time to listen to us, feel our anxieties, and try to understand our way of communication, even if we can only neigh and whinny.
Let's be honest, even with all the fancy titles and heroic deeds, 1169 was primarily a time for everyday horses like myself, who lived and breathed the essence of those times. The stories I share, about farming and training, they all build up to a larger story: our story as horses, our role in humanity's development, our contribution to the very fabric of civilization.
As we lumber through the fields, our muscles working in unison, carrying burdens and enriching the world around us, we are truly a sight to behold. From the dusty lanes to the battlefields of the day, we leave our mark, in the hearts of humans, on the land itself, and on the ever-turning tide of time. So there you have it, my friends. That's the year 1169.
Emma out!
