A Tale From the Stable: The Year the King Went Marching
Hello, fellow equine enthusiasts! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood draught horse, blogging live from Hayfield, nestled near the rolling hills of Aberdeen. Today, I'm delving into a year that changed the landscape of both human and horse history – 1189!
You might be surprised to hear that, even back then, life for horses was full of variety, just as it is today. It's not all about carting heavy loads or ploughing the fields, although those are definitely some of my most valued duties. Back in 1189, my fellow horses were racing across fields, transporting people, and even serving in battle. And while that last one isn't quite my cup of tea (the dust gets everywhere!), it was an important part of the equine world at that time.
As I nibble on my hay, let me tell you about some of the things I found most intriguing about 1189, things that make me think about how far we've come and how much we haven't.
The King, the Crusaders, and Us
The year began with a dramatic shift in the human world. King Henry II of England passed away, leaving his throne to his son Richard. Now, this Richard wasn't just any king; he was known as Richard the Lionheart, a name that struck fear into the hearts of many. Why? Because he was a passionate Crusader, ready to take his army across the seas to the Holy Land to reclaim it for Christendom.
Horses, you see, played a crucial role in these expeditions. We provided transport for the troops, hauled their supplies, and stood by them in battle. While I, being a stout draught horse, was much more suited to the rolling pastures of Hayfield, I couldn't help but hear the tales of warhorses carrying brave knights in full armour, galloping into battle with the roar of the crowd in their ears. It was exhilarating to imagine!
The Year of the Journey
The Third Crusade, as it was called, was a momentous event, attracting warriors from all over Europe, each with their own noble steeds. The horses themselves, even the sturdy warhorses, endured perilous journeys, braving rough terrain, inclement weather, and the fatigue of carrying heavy armour and men across deserts and mountains. Their resilience and stamina were truly remarkable.
I remember the whispers and tales from the travelling merchants, coming back from the south. They'd tell stories of how the Crusader armies sailed to Acre in the Middle East, a city bustling with activity, with horse markets full of spirited steeds, all ready for their chance to be part of history.
The Value of Horses Beyond Battle
Though warhorses received a great deal of attention in 1189, horses like me, the hard-working draught horses, continued our everyday work, maintaining the lifeblood of communities across Europe. We were crucial for farming, hauling produce, transporting goods, and moving families. It's a privilege to play such an essential role in the daily life of my community. We might not be on the frontlines, but our strength and reliability make us an integral part of life, just as we are today.
A Horse's View on Trade and Travel
The 12th century was a time of great change for trade and travel. Thanks to advances in shipbuilding, it became possible to transport horses on long journeys across seas, connecting different countries. This created a vast market for horses, a network of bustling horse fairs where breeders, traders, and merchants could connect, negotiate, and barter for prized steeds.
These bustling marketplaces held an alluring energy. The smells of hay and horses mingled with the clamour of the crowd, the clip-clop of hooves on cobblestones, and the excited chatter of traders. Every day, we travelled miles with our burdens, meeting all sorts of people and experiencing the wonders of different places. This opened up a whole new world for horses, enabling us to traverse vast distances and connect cultures, forging unique and enriching experiences.
Horses of 1189: A Reflection of Their Time
What did 1189 tell me about the role of horses in the world?
Firstly, we were integral to everything. From serving in wars to sustaining communities through everyday work, we were valued for our strength, speed, and resilience. There wasn't much they could achieve without us!
Secondly, the horse was a symbol of status and prestige, especially those bred for warfare. The elegance of a finely groomed warhorse, its proud bearing and powerful muscles, captivated audiences and filled onlookers with a sense of awe and respect.
And finally, horses provided companionship, friendship, and unwavering loyalty. Through it all, our relationships with our human companions forged deep bonds. We were there for them, supporting them through thick and thin.
As I gaze across the rolling hills of Hayfield, watching the sunlight dance on the blades of grass, I can't help but be humbled by the historical tapestry woven with threads of horses, wars, trade, and life itself. It makes me feel proud to be a horse, proud to contribute to the world in my own way, and eager to continue weaving my own story alongside that of humanity.
Thank you for joining me on this journey back through time. Stay tuned for more blog posts about my adventures and thoughts about the history of horses.
Do share your comments and experiences. What are your thoughts on the history of horses in 1189? Let's keep the conversation going!
Until next time, stay happy and healthy.
Yours sincerely,
Emma, the Grey Draught Mare
www.equiworld.org
