Hello my lovely EquiWorld friends! Emma here, a fine grey draught mare with a heart as big as the Scottish Highlands and a love for life as vast as the endless blue sky above. This is my very first blog post for EquiWorld, and I’m thrilled to share a little bit of my life with all of you. Today, I’m taking a trip back in time, to the year 1217. I know, I know, a long time ago! But, it's always fascinating to see how horses have been valued and used throughout history, and this year holds a special place in my heart, for it was a pivotal time for horses like myself.
I was born in a lovely little village called Hayfield, nestled in the heart of Scotland, near Aberdeen. Life for a young filly in Hayfield was pretty much all sunshine and dandelions! We had plenty of green fields to gallop through, and the kind folks in the village always made sure we were well-fed and cared for.
The Great Games of 1217:
But this particular year, 1217, felt different. Everyone seemed to be abuzz with excitement! It was the year of the Great Games. Imagine a big, bustling festival with everyone gathering in the grand city of Perth! And yes, horses like myself played a vital role in all the fun. We weren’t just for transport, mind you, we were the stars of the show.
My dearest friends, imagine magnificent knights dressed in shimmering armor, all mounted on powerful steeds, clashing swords in tournaments. The crowd roared with excitement, waving flags and cheering as their favourite knights galloped through the lists, displaying impressive feats of bravery and skill.
And it wasn't just about knights and tournaments. We, the draught horses, were a big part of the entertainment too. Picture large wagons overflowing with colourful fabrics, dazzling with embroidery and beautiful woven tapestries. It was a stunning sight to see! These wagons, expertly pulled by horses like me, would showcase crafts, delicacies, and even traveling entertainers, making the Games an experience to remember.
A Glimpse into Everyday Life:
While the Great Games were truly magical, they weren't our everyday lives. I had other important jobs to do! I spent a lot of my time helping the villagers with their chores. I helped them transport goods from the market, carry heavy logs for building homes, and pull sturdy plows for cultivating the land. Imagine the power of strong, capable horses like myself, assisting in creating the very essence of daily life, from food on the table to shelter overhead.
The farmers in Hayfield were always appreciative of our hard work, showering us with affection and tender care. We would return their kindness by diligently performing our duties, adding to the charm and prosperity of the village.
Horse Power and More:
Life as a working horse in 1217 was fulfilling, to say the least. But that year held a particular significance for our world - a great shift was taking place in how horses were utilized, and it made all the difference.
People were beginning to truly understand the extraordinary potential of horses like me, the draught horses. It wasn't just about strength or power. It was about skill. We were intelligent creatures, capable of learning new things and applying ourselves to various tasks. We were beginning to see more specialized work for horses, tailoring their skills to specific roles. For example, you had sturdy horses like me, excellent for pulling heavy carts and ploughs, then you had swifter steeds for transportation, messenger work, and of course, war!
It was in 1217 that a man named Albertus Magnus wrote an incredibly interesting book, “On Animals.” It was a true eye-opener. He explored how horses were built for specific purposes, recognizing the different qualities of each breed. He even mentioned how each breed was capable of excelling at particular jobs, like those bred for swiftness would excel in long-distance journeys, and those known for their stamina would be suitable for war.
Can you imagine, my friends, a book devoted entirely to recognizing and celebrating the diverse talents of horses like us! It truly feels like a great moment of change, like the world was starting to see horses not just as beasts of burden, but as valuable companions and partners, intelligent and diverse in our capabilities.
My Reflections:
You know, looking back, the year 1217 seems like a turning point in history. We saw a more respectful view towards horses, a deeper understanding of their potential, and a shift in how they were valued. The Great Games might have been the glittering spectacle, but for horses like myself, the year 1217 was a reminder of how valuable our role was, and how much we were appreciated.
Life for me was a mix of adventure, responsibility, and plenty of warm cuddles with my favourite villagers. It's wonderful to think that even in 1217, horses like me played a crucial role in building, celebrating, and living life. It makes me feel so proud!
And who knows, maybe one day our history will be studied like Albertus Magnus’ book, “On Animals,” and the year 1217 will be remembered as the year horses were truly appreciated for their incredible, diverse talents. Until next time, my lovely EquiWorld friends! Keep your hooves high and your hearts filled with love for horses.
Emma, a Grey Draught Mare, signing off!
And that, my dear friends, is my little peek into life in 1217 through the eyes of a proud draught mare. As we delve deeper into the vast history of horses, I promise to share more captivating stories, heartwarming moments, and inspiring insights into the wondrous world of equines.
Until our next exciting journey into history, stay curious and keep your spirits bright.
Your Emma
