Post #1185
Hello there, dear readers, and welcome to another installment of my Equine Adventures through Time! Today, I'm taking you back to 1185, a year filled with so much exciting activity for horses and humans alike. As a sturdy grey draught mare with a mane and tail as white as fresh fallen snow, life was busy but fulfilling back then, especially here in my lovely home in Hayfield, near Aberdeen in bonnie Scotland.
This year in 1185 was all about the movement, you see. Now, I know most of you, my modern equine friends, spend your days in beautiful fields, luxurious stables, or perhaps, even the dizzying heights of competition arenas. However, back in my time, horses were the very foundation of trade, transport, and war. So, if you were a horse, life was usually spent hauling goods, pulling ploughs, or standing ready, hooves eager to gallop, should the need arise.
But let's talk about the positive things.
Farming & Forage: A Harvest to Remember
1185 was a year of bountiful harvests here in Scotland. I recall those lush, green fields, heavy with plump oats and barley. I loved pulling the sturdy plough alongside my brethren, knowing we were playing a vital part in feeding not just our families, but the communities around us. There was something deeply satisfying about working with others, contributing to the cycle of life.
Those long summer days were spent working in the fields, sweat beaded on our flanks. We would work tirelessly, guided by the expert hands of the sturdy farmhands. It was a different kind of "horseback riding" than you would experience today, my modern companions. But just as rewarding. At day's end, our coats would be brushed lovingly, and we would munch on our hay with a sense of accomplishment.
Horses & Humans: Partners in Adventure
However, life for a horse in 1185 wasn’t all hard work, thankfully. My owner, a sturdy fellow called Iain, was kind and loving. He always ensured I was well fed and had a warm stall to sleep in. We developed a deep understanding. Sometimes, after a long day, he'd let me graze in the meadow and relax. These were precious moments.
There were times I'd see groups of people on horseback, their faces weathered and proud, on their way to the local fairs or maybe even journeys further afield. In those moments, I yearned to be part of those adventurous excursions. A thrill pulsed through me when I saw knights, clad in shining armour, mounted on spirited steeds, riding by. Perhaps one day I too would join a grand adventure.
A Journey of Discovery
But a new adventure awaited me in 1185, and this time, it wasn't a journey across miles of Scottish land, but rather, one of self-discovery. I had a young filly, her name was Luna. She was full of energy, just like my own younger years.
We'd spend hours grazing in the lush meadows, her gentle brown eyes fixed on me, absorbing everything I taught her. As a mare myself, a mother's instinct took over. I helped her navigate the intricacies of socialising with other horses, the art of pulling a cart, and the joys of being a good working horse.
A World in Motion
There's no denying, dear readers, the world in 1185 moved at a different pace than the modern world. We might have lacked your sleek cars and high-speed trains, but in our stead, we had the grace, strength, and determination of a thousand horses. We were the heart and soul of transportation.
Imagine seeing long lines of horses hauling wagons laden with goods through bustling markets and ancient, cobblestone streets. Each horse contributing its strength and stamina, a symphony of hooves rhythmically drumming on the pavement. Imagine feeling the vibrations of the earth underfoot, as the horses in unison pull massive cargo, moving society's vital elements.
Our lives may not have been as complex as your world today, but there was a certain purity and purpose in what we did. It felt good to be part of something bigger than ourselves, to contribute to the lifeblood of a thriving community.
The Changing World & the Future
One thing that strikes me is how much has changed since 1185. From those cobbled lanes to today's paved highways, we are witnessing an evolution in transportation and how society uses horses. The use of horse-drawn carriages is now more of a romantic memory than a daily necessity. Yet, some things haven't changed.
Our love of horses, the deep bond with those powerful animals, continues to thrive. We may not be pulling plows or hauling goods across the countryside anymore, but we are partners in sports, companions in recreation, and sources of immeasurable joy to people around the world. And that, my friends, is a testament to the enduring relationship between horses and humans.
That is why I choose to continue documenting our collective history through my blog. I hope that each entry, from the ancient days of 1185 to your present-day adventures, sparks a connection, igniting curiosity and appreciation for the remarkable journey of our species.
I believe it is imperative that we learn from the past and cherish the bond that we have built, a bond that transcends centuries, countries, and generations.
Until next time,
Emma, the Grey Draught Mare
www.equiworld.org
