History of Horses in the year 1222

Greetings, dear readers! It’s Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood draught horse, writing to you from my lovely home in Hayfield, a charming little village just outside Aberdeen in Scotland.

The air is crisp this morning, with a touch of frost sparkling on the meadow grasses. The sheep are bleating happily, and a lone robin sings its morning song. The smell of smoke and baking bread wafts from the nearby village, promising a warm breakfast to come. All in all, a fine start to another day!

Today, I want to talk about the year 1222 - a fascinating time in the history of our beloved horses. Imagine, for a moment, that we're stepping back in time, to a world without motor vehicles or electricity, a world where horses are truly the engine that drives society. It's a world of knightly quests and bustling marketplaces, where farmers rely on their strong backs for sustenance and artisans rely on their hooves for transport.

If I were alive in 1222, my life would be busy and purposeful, filled with the rhythm of labour and the bond of teamwork.

As a draught horse, I'd be a valued member of a farm or a village community. My primary role would be to pull the heavy plough, preparing the fields for the farmer's crops. With strong muscles and a steady temperament, I'd pull the wooden cart, hauling sacks of grain or bundles of firewood, my hooves kicking up dust along the road.

When I'm not working in the fields, I'd find myself helping out in other ways. Maybe I'm pulling a wagon full of goods to market, a sight common throughout Europe. Imagine the aroma of spices and freshly baked bread filling the air as I navigate the bustling streets, with vendors hailing at the top of their lungs and people chattering in the background.

Or perhaps I'm taking part in a local hunt. The excitement of the chase! The wind in my mane as we race through the forest, the joyous shouts of hunters, the sound of horns. Such exhilarating days are a joy to participate in. I'm sure my kind are highly valued during this time as hunters rely on us to be fast and sure-footed in their pursuit of wild game.

Evenings would be spent in the stable, munching on hay and sharing stories with my fellow horses. Perhaps we’d listen to an old stable hand spin tales of great knights and gallant steeds, of faraway lands and legendary battles.

It's crucial to remember that horses are much more than just labourers in 1222. They play a pivotal role in military campaigns, transporting troops and supplies, and even carrying knights into battle. It is a truly noble task, for the courage and strength of the horse play a vital part in protecting our kingdoms and our way of life.

A significant event took place in 1222 concerning our equine brethren - the Battle of Yamen in China, a watershed moment in the Mongol conquests of the Song Dynasty. As many know, the Mongol warlords were famous for their cavalry - fearsome warriors riding powerful steeds. Imagine galloping into battle, a powerful warrior on your back, your hooves pounding against the ground, the enemy surging ahead.

Indeed, this is a fascinating era for horse history, full of vibrant and essential stories to tell.

It is impossible to underestimate the impact that horses had on people's lives during the 13th Century. Their strong backs, swiftness and steadfast loyalty have made them an integral part of all human activity.

Today, despite the emergence of modern technologies, the special bond between horses and humans still remains. Just think of all the incredible things horses do for us!

We help people with disabilities achieve their dreams, pulling carts and transporting riders. We provide joy to those seeking adventure, whether it’s a horseback ride through the countryside or a competitive event in the arena.

There’s a sense of wonder about horses - their power, their beauty, their gentle spirit - something that continues to draw humans to them. As you can see, my journey through history in 1222 paints a picture of how important horses were in those times, and how this incredible animal continues to contribute to the fabric of life even today.

Thank you for joining me today. I'm excited to delve deeper into equine history in future posts, exploring other fascinating eras and sharing more about the extraordinary lives of horses throughout history!

Until next time,

Emma, The Hayfield Draught Horse.

www.equiworld.org