Greetings from Hayfield, dear readers! It's Emma here, your friendly grey draught horse with the fluffiest white mane and tail, back for another instalment of my journey through horse history! This time, we're galloping into the year 1202 - a year that, trust me, has some truly exciting developments for the world of horses!
From Scotland with Love, or More Like Hay!
Right now, as I'm writing this, it’s a typical Scottish day. The air is crisp and clear, the wind’s blowing a gale, and my fellow horses are whickering and nibbling on hay in their stalls. Hayfield, that’s our little village, near the grand city of Aberdeen. We’re surrounded by rolling green hills, dotted with little stone farmhouses, where farmers raise strong, sturdy horses like me for work in the fields.
Life is pretty simple here. Our days are a lovely mix of helping with the harvest, pulling heavy carts to market, and napping in the warm afternoon sun. As a draught horse, my job is primarily hauling things. From moving lumber to carrying crops, we're an essential part of the farm. We are well cared for and we work hard, a sort of honest, simple life for us horses. But just across the sea in England, things are stirring!
A Time of Knights, Tournaments, and Noble Steeds
This is a time where brave knights, gleaming in their shining armor, are riding steeds that are even more majestic and well-bred than the hardy workhorses like me. They are the epitome of strength and agility. Kings are ruling kingdoms, and tournaments are a spectacle where knights vie for glory and the heart of a lady. In fact, one of my cousins – he’s a thoroughbred stallion with a magnificent black coat – travelled to England just last year! Apparently, he's a proud servant for a noble lord who trains him to compete in these thrilling jousts. He boasts about being a "War Horse" as he pulls back the reins for a graceful gallop. They really do take their horses seriously in England!
More Than Just Knightly Charm
Now, this isn’t just a story of gallant knights and dashing tournaments. The year 1202 is also a year of significant change in the world of horses. While knights charge on their noble steeds, horses like myself, who aren't trained for war, are hard at work in the fields. And here's something truly interesting - just last month, our village priest travelled to London on the back of a horse! He was amazed by the sleek little nags being bred in the capital. They aren’t meant for hauling loads or working in the fields. These horses, called "hackneys", were bred for their elegance, speed, and endurance. This sparked a fascination amongst many about their uses – not for battle or work, but for pure pleasure, travelling and riding. Isn't that wonderful? To have a horse not for work, but for the pure joy of riding! Imagine a world where a horse could be your companion on an adventurous journey. We'll see where this journey takes the world of horses next. Perhaps this new love for "pleasure riding" is a hint at a gentler time for all horses.
New Innovations For a Better Horse Life!
Speaking of advancements, something else has captured our attention here at Hayfield. It's a marvel, a harness – more precisely, a padded and reinforced harness with a specialized "girth" to secure the load safely, and even a "saddle" that distributes the weight more evenly across the back. My friend Millie was lucky enough to get this new harness – a marvel, indeed! Millie says this "scientific" advancement makes hauling heavy loads so much more comfortable and less tiring. Imagine that! All this effort to improve our lives! Makes one wonder if perhaps, soon, there will be advancements in all aspects of our life!
Let's not Forget the Farmers!
This time, however, it is not just about knights and tournaments. It is equally, and more so, about the ordinary men and women, farmers who tirelessly care for their livestock and till the fields, often with the assistance of trusty horses like me. They are our lifeblood, our caregivers, our companions. And though I don't know their minds, I'm certain they share my belief – a belief that horses are more than mere work animals; they're our loyal companions, they deserve care and respect, and most of all, they deserve to be treated well.
Stay Tuned!
I have a feeling the year 1202 will be an unforgettable year, full of adventure and learning for us horses. Who knows what amazing things await us in the next century? So, stay tuned to Equiworld for more insights into horse history! I'll be back with another post soon, bringing you all the latest happenings in the fascinating world of horses. Until next time, keep your hooves up and your spirits high!
Warmly, Emma
(From Hayfield, Scotland!)
