Post 1209
Hello everyone! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood grey mare from Hayfield, near Aberdeen. I'm writing this blog from my stall, tucked away in a warm barn. The snow is piled high outside, the wind howls, and even my favourite field seems deserted.
It's a far cry from the busy life of 1209, which was a much milder year. And oh, such a full year it was! Today I wanted to share with you a few things about horses in 1209, a year that seems long ago now but was bustling with activity. It's incredible to think how much things have changed – but, like now, life revolved around the power and grace of the horse!
Life on the Scottish Farm:
1209 found me a young filly of four, full of energy and ready to work! I had been born and raised on this farm near the beautiful Aberdeenshire hills, the rolling land where I learned to gallop with the wind in my mane and pull a cart full of hay. It wasn't just work though. Even with all my farm chores, I still enjoyed lazy days by the river with the other young horses. There was always laughter, a friendly race down the field, or just sharing the warmth of a Scottish summer's evening.
Back then, horses were an integral part of farm life. We pulled the ploughs to turn the soil, dragged heavy cartloads of produce to the market, and provided the muscle for transport to the far reaches of our countryside. But it was not all toil. Every year, there was the excitement of the harvest festival. Imagine the smell of ripe barley, the festive banners and colourful music, the warmth of camaraderie between everyone – farmer, grooms, horses – all joined in a celebration of a good harvest!
The farmers valued us immensely. We were, after all, the engine of their livelihood! A well-bred, strong mare like me could be traded for a respectable sum of money. Even so, it wasn’t just our muscle that was prized; it was the connection between us, the unspoken understanding, the harmony of trust we cultivated through daily routines. I often find myself pondering, as the frost gathers on my stable window, if today's horses still have the same bond with their human partners as we had in 1209.
Travelling the Silk Road:
While I was happy and busy with farm life in my own little world, on a grander scale, a different kind of equestrian adventure was unfolding. The Silk Road, that ancient artery connecting east and west, pulsed with trade, culture, and, of course, horses.
It was a magnificent, perilous route. From the bustling marketplaces of Constantinople in the west, it stretched to the exotic markets of China in the east. Silk, precious gems, and spices from the Far East journeyed West, and the wonders of Europe - manufactured goods and exotic fabrics, found their way to the Orient.
At the heart of it all were the horses. Imagine - sleek, powerful breeds like the Turkoman and Arabian, laden with bales of precious cargo. Brave riders navigated mountain passes, treacherous deserts, and the untamed plains. Stories were carried on horseback, news and knowledge spreading through empires and connecting cultures.
Even in Hayfield, far away from those busy markets, we heard rumours of the Silk Road! Old Billy, our gruff but wise grey stallion, loved recounting tales from travelling traders about distant cities and strange horses with tales of strength and cunning. We youngsters listened wide-eyed, filled with longing for adventure. It filled me with an unshakeable desire to understand the world beyond the familiar fields of Hayfield.
Horses and the Crusade:
This was a pivotal year in history - a time of great change and upheaval. A momentous battle for Christendom was being waged in the Middle East. It was known as the Fifth Crusade, and a multitude of European knights, determined to recover the Holy Land from the Saracens, took to the fields. Their knights rode their steeds into the thick of war. The clash of metal against metal was the battle cry. The brave knights’ battle steeds, trained for speed, strength, and endurance, were the instruments of their ambitions.
As with all wars, it brought immeasurable sorrow and loss. In Hayfield, we had heard stories, whispered and sombre, about brave men and magnificent horses who fought and perished for what they believed in. I would watch the village women praying with anxious faces and felt a pang of sadness at the cost of war, a loss of life felt both on the battlefield and at home. But also, as we horses heard stories of horses bravely facing hardship, it inspired a new appreciation for courage, and a new awareness of our strength, as if we were the heart of the bravery, the essence of this story.
New Discoveries & New Worlds:
During 1209, the world of horses wasn't only defined by battle. There was an exciting wave of discovery and expansion. European sailors were exploring distant seas. New trading routes were opening, connecting lands in previously unheard-of ways. It was as if horses were the key to unlocking new worlds and pushing the boundaries of human imagination.
Even from my farm in Scotland, the impact was being felt. I saw merchants arriving on their journey, laden with wares that arrived from afar, like strange fruits and spices. The news carried on their lips and spread quickly, reaching every stable and stall, every paddock and farm. The tales they told about their encounters in faraway lands fueled my curiosity for exploration.
This spirit of discovery is a powerful one. And horses, through their endurance, loyalty, and power, were the vessels of this exploration. We were the driving force of commerce, exploration, and war - a symbol of power, agility, and freedom.
A Look Back from the Present
1209 was a fascinating time to be a horse, but in all those stories I shared, a question arises: Have horses changed since then? Have they lost their relevance in our fast-paced modern world? I'd like to think not! Even in a world full of technology, horses continue to play an essential role in human lives. They offer companionship, therapy, sport, and adventure. The bond between horse and human still flourishes - a unique, powerful connection that transcends time.
If I had one message to all my readers – horses, young and old, you have an amazing history. And your future is brighter than ever! You bring joy and beauty into our lives. Your presence is a source of strength and a symbol of freedom, a constant reminder of our ancient connection with these incredible animals.
Stay connected: Share your thoughts and stories from 1209 on our Equeworld forum! Until next time, my dear equine friends!
