Hello my fellow equines! It's Emma here, your resident history buff from the bonnie hills of Hayfield, near Aberdeen. Today, we’re going to be galloping back to the year 1201 - quite a time for horses! You might think a grey mare like me with a flowing white mane and tail would be at home in such a time, and you’d be right! You see, the 13th century was a period when our kind were absolutely essential for people.
1201 - A Year of Kings and Knights
The year 1201 was a year of change. In France, Philip II Augustus was king, a strong and cunning ruler, constantly jockeying for power. In England, King John had just ascended the throne and wasn't enjoying the popularity his brother, Richard the Lionheart, had.
For me, the most fascinating aspect of all of this? Horses! The nobles of those days travelled in style – riding noble warhorses like myself. You know how much I love the look of a proud, powerful stallion, especially when they are fully adorned with splendid war armour and the finest bits! But those aren't the only steeds getting their moments of glory. You see, these kings and knights were fighting amongst themselves a lot in those days, and they needed fast and sturdy steeds to take them into battle! So, it wasn't all parades and chivalry, dear reader - war was a big part of life, and horses played a crucial role.
The Knights are Always Brave - But They Can Be a Little Rough...
In this day and age, you might see horses in racing or dressage, all sleek and shiny with beautiful tack. Imagine my surprise, though, that 1201's "dressage" came in the form of jousting tournaments! And that armor, oh, it wasn't light and flashy like modern show gear; it was meant for fighting. It meant a rider might be clumsily falling off when he was knocked off the saddle – not quite the elegance of a modern show rider! But the sheer power of the warhorses! There was no mistaking their magnificence, and let’s face it, all the pomp and ceremony around the jousting makes it fun to watch!
Now, my life as a work horse was nothing like this – I was pulling carts of supplies or leading a plough, much to the farmer's satisfaction, but also his patience – not a day goes by without a good tug on the reigns, or, better still, a slap of his hand! I mean, I’ve got a good temperament but I have my days! There’s definitely something powerful about seeing a draught horse like me with strong muscles doing their duty - they had to be, and we still have that strength to this day. You can say that being a hard-working draught horse is definitely in our blood - it was hard work but we loved what we were doing and knew we were contributing something good, to help make things work and move people and goods around the land.
We Even Played a Role in Getting Married!
But the kings and knights aren't the only ones riding, you see - many a bride arrived at the church on a horse's back – the very idea makes me feel all fluttery inside!
Now, we horses have seen many types of marriages come and go, and they certainly do influence the way we’ve been used throughout time - for example, if it was a big royal wedding - that meant a royal stallion would be getting a big fancy feast! Even in humble weddings, our horses get the joy of playing the starring role in getting the bride to the church! I love seeing these festive celebrations! Sometimes brides, they would be sat in a litter or on a decorated horse’s back - what a privilege it was!
I bet if you had been a bride, you would have wanted your arrival at the church to be the best! You can bet your bottom dollar the village horses would be decked out in the very best finery - flowers, ribbons and maybe even a pretty velvet blanket! I still can’t get over the sight of horses getting dressed up. I’m told sometimes, these grooms, who get their ladies to the church – that’s why I get so much attention - after all, I was once used in a marriage and we’re part of something big. It wasn’t just a day like any other. That’s what makes horses so important - we’re in all these major events! But Don't Forget - We’re More Than Just Horses!
Yes, yes, you know I love to tell tales and I find history incredibly exciting – I often feel like I've been transported right back to 1201.
And now you’ve learned some things about 1201 - a time of both war and love! It really makes me think about how vital our roles have been, from warfare and travel to getting everyone together at important celebrations - and don’t forget how hard-working we were! But it wasn't all hard work, dear readers, as every year brings the fun part - the fair.
Oh, The Fair! A Feast for All the Senses...
I could always smell a good time, and a horse fair always gets me excited, a celebration for us all! All the beautiful colours and bright lights! The sound of trumpets playing as people move through the crowds! It’s truly exhilarating. The atmosphere, dear reader, is unlike anything else! I do love how people are so enthusiastic for horses; sometimes it can get a bit hectic though! You see, a lot of traders came from all over to trade at the fair - horses were in big demand in those days, and lots of the townsfolk came to watch and maybe even pick up a new riding horse or workhorse. Some of them even had time for us, feeding us carrots and oats. What’s better than that?! Oh yes, the sounds, the sights, the scents, all blended together - it makes it the highlight of my year!
I bet all the farmers who would come would have had the same excitement as I did, as they couldn't wait to look for that extra strong, magnificent steed to help them do their farm chores - a strong workhorse can mean a difference to any farmer! And of course, if the farmers didn’t like a horse - you better believe they had to find another horse to sell. We have to give the farmers their due; they always seem to get the deal done, and find just the right horse!
Sometimes There's a Sadder Side…
There's this story about this little filly - now, this is not your typical horse story, but we gotta tell this, don’t we?! A young filly, her mother died and she couldn’t find her. Sadly, it made me feel deeply. We horses, we are sensitive creatures, but all I had was a sense of deep, raw emotion and sorrow when a fellow horse went through so much pain.
A while ago, I got caught in a wild storm and felt the elements against me! Rain, wind, and lightning were terrifying to me. We are resilient animals but we get afraid like anyone. And this little filly? She felt just as frightened. Thankfully, some of the humans came and found her. Thankfully, she survived. They got her back safe. Now that, dear reader, that is a testament to the bond between horses and humans - but more on that in another post. That filly has really left her mark - I bet you all feel her sorrow when you hear it!
Now you may think we horses might not feel the deepest of emotions, but you see, my dear reader, this little filly's journey just went to show how much pain we all feel. There's so much happening with us horses - every year feels like it’s just starting and I feel I have more and more to say!
But enough of my chat, as I'm sure you all need a little break from this whirlwind of history!
Do tell me all about your horses in 1201 - what they were up to in the comments below. Stay curious, my friends, and until next time!
