Greetings, fellow equestrians! It’s Emma here, your humble blogger from the rolling green pastures of Hayfield, near the beautiful city of Aberdeen. It’s a pleasure to share my insights and musings on horse life from the year 1173, a time of great change and opportunity. As a robust grey mare, blessed with a white mane and tail that shimmer in the sun, I have a grand view of the world!
Today, we’re taking a peek at the past. This is post 1173 in my chronicle of horse history. It’s fascinating to look back and imagine how our predecessors lived, and I think it helps us appreciate our lives as modern horses!
1173 was a year filled with movement, not only in the grand affairs of men but in the world of horses too. You see, even though horses were essential to human life in these days, they weren’t treated the same way everywhere! It seems that’s always been the case!
From my home in Scotland, I heard rumours of war in the south, the conflict between the King and his rebellious sons. War, alas, is never good for horses or their human companions. In times like these, horses often bear the brunt, hauling heavy carts of supplies, ferrying men to battle, and even taking a heavy toll in battle themselves. It breaks my heart to think about our brethren who bravely charged into danger.
But enough of the grim stuff! 1173 was also a time of growth and progress, a year that saw some very exciting developments in the equestrian world! In the East, far across the sea, rumours reached even us lowly Scottish farm horses. Stories whispered of wondrous feats performed by a new kind of horse: the magnificent Arabian. It seems they were known for their agility, stamina, and fiery temperament. It's like, a mini, majestic tornado, only with an elegant flowing mane. I heard they were even used by people called “Saracens” as both companions and military steeds! It must be incredible to experience their grace! I’d love to one day gallop with those Arabian beauties.
I also heard whispers about an impressive knight from France named Thomas Becket. He became famous for being incredibly close to his horses. They say he wouldn’t hurt them under any circumstances and loved them as much as a human companion. This, of course, is the perfect example of how some humans can understand the soul of a horse. It's important to have good relationships with people, not just tolerate them for the occasional tasty treat!
Closer to home, our lives were less about chivalry and more about survival! Our strength was put to good use in the fields, as farmers like my dear mistress depended on us to pull the ploughs. That task keeps our coats shiny, and the farmer happy, although there are times, let's just say, when my "helper" donkey just isn't helpful! Thankfully, the warmth of the hayloft always beckons after a day in the fields.
Life on the farm is filled with its routines, the joy of foraging for juicy clover after a long day’s work, and the contentment of feeling the breeze through my mane while I stand with my fellow horses in the meadow.
As for me, I felt a strong connection with this year, as it is the year I joined my beloved mistress! I am forever thankful for the day I was led to Hayfield from the highlands, where my mother and I were both raised. It's quite a different pace of life! Back then, we lived in the vast plains and helped shepherd the many wild flocks of deer! My heart often wanders to those simpler times!
Here in the fields of Hayfield, I spend my days pulling the cart of crops to market, helping the villagers to trade and sell their goods. Sometimes, I even carry their families to visit faraway villages, my sturdy feet pounding the rocky roads. These days are challenging but fulfilling. I am the steady force, the calm amidst the hustle of human lives, and it is a role I am proud to play.
While I'm a country girl at heart, my days aren't always spent with mud under my hooves. The humans who care for me have shown me a world beyond Hayfield. They love me so, they bring me close to the city! There, I feel the excitement of a thousand pounding hooves!
The sight of carriages drawn by grand stallions and elegant ladies perched atop the vehicles brings a flutter to my heart. It reminds me of stories I’ve heard, about the days of jousting knights, where men and their horses fought side by side in shining armor! My dream? Perhaps one day I’ll witness one of these incredible contests, standing with all the other horses, filled with a mixture of thrill and anxiety. But my life is on the farm, so for now, it's just a dream!
The human world in 1173 is very different from what we know now. Back then, travel was an adventure, and each day offered something new! We couldn't just jump on a train to the seaside, or hop on a plane to go far, far away! I am thankful for the comforts of our modern-day lives! While life was more simple, and at times more difficult, there is a sense of strength and reliance upon the old ways, an acceptance of the world as it was, that feels incredibly powerful!
The year 1173 might seem far removed, yet its lessons resonate still! We, as horses, have always been strong, courageous, and capable companions. Through these tough times, we helped humans find success, conquer fear, and grow their society. Remember, every horse has a story! Every hoof print in the dirt has a tale behind it. What will be your legacy, dear readers? How will your story impact the world around you?
Till next time, Emma
This post is for Equiworld.org - Join the Equine World Online!
