Hello everyone! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood grey draught horse, writing to you from the rolling hills of Hayfield near Aberdeen in Scotland. It’s a fine day, the sun is shining and the grass is green, making it perfect for a good graze! But, as it's my day off from carting supplies for the local miller, I thought I’d share a bit of horse history with you all.
So, for this blog post, we’re venturing back in time to the year 1249, just shy of eight centuries ago. You might be surprised to know, that despite the long stretch of time that separates us, life wasn't entirely different for horses like me. Let’s take a peek at how our kind were being used then, in 1249.
A Time for Horses to ShINE
First, a quick word on what was happening in the wider world during this period. In 1249, things were pretty tumultuous. Over in Europe, there was a lot of political upheaval, particularly in France, with battles for power in full swing. And then there was the looming shadow of the Mongol Empire, growing stronger in the East.
Meanwhile, here in Scotland, our King, Alexander II, was battling illness, but thankfully his rule was generally stable. And of course, regardless of what was going on with kings and battles, people still needed their horses. They were still our friends, our partners in the day-to-day, just like today.
In The Fields: Farmers Friends
Now, when it comes to horse life in 1249, the story revolves around farming. That's right, horses like me were in high demand for farm work. In Hayfield, I imagine it was a typical scene: horses ploughing fields, pulling carts, transporting goods, and sometimes even used in combat (but not usually the type of combat I'm involved in, I promise!). It was a busy and important role. And don’t get me wrong, the farmers really valued us for the strong back and strong will that we brought to the job. We were a part of the family, just as much as their sheep or chickens.
In the Forests: Logging and Transport
But let’s not forget the role of our horse brethren in the forests. Imagine the vastness of woodlands and the sounds of axes chopping down trees. That’s where my forest friends came in, their strength needed to pull felled trees, haul timber, and transport logs for building.
Just like us farm horses, the forest horses worked in unison with humans. I've heard tales of forest horses working in tandem, dragging heavy logs out of the woods, Their teamwork was awe-inspiring!
On the Roads: Travelling Companions
Now, if we're talking 1249, there's no way we can forget about horses in travel and transportation. Horses like me provided much needed speed and strength, carrying goods across land. The routes across the country were busy with people and horses, traveling for trade or even for pleasure. These roads weren't fancy as they are today, but they were lifeblood of movement and connected people together, like veins in the body. I must admit, that back then, a horse like me who's seen some miles, might get to travel quite a bit. That thought always warms the soul!
Horses and Crafts
Don’t think for a minute that this was the only use of horses! They played a key role in almost every craft, from blacksmiths and leather workers to potters. Think of it as providing a “horsepower” boost. A horse pulling the mill for a miller, horses used for tanning, even transporting large bales of hay. The uses were seemingly endless and horses were vital for daily living in this time.
My Own Ancestors
If you want to really know what it’s like to be a horse in the 1249, we’ve gotta take a deeper look at the horses themselves. What kind of horses are we talking about? You can bet my ancestors weren't the pampered, show-horse type we see today! Horses like me - the large draft horses, strong, powerful, with great endurance. The breed was called the "Scottish Draft Horse" and their work involved everything from agriculture and timber pulling to military duty. The heavier breed meant greater stamina and hauling capability. A strong, solid frame for carrying cargo for the long hauls on those dirt tracks!
The Heart and Soul of 1249
Of course, a horse is not just about muscles. Just as today, we're sensitive creatures. A gentle touch and kind words can make a world of difference. And you can bet horses were highly valued, cared for with love and compassion, and understood that they played a key role in their communities, helping people prosper and thrive. Just think, a whole world back then, the world we lived in back in 1249, relied heavily on horses, and I’m sure many would say that horses were truly the heart and soul of this time!
Food for Thought, as they say
I’ll leave you with a few thought provoking things I’ve been ponder. You know, the things I’m still chewing on! It’s important for us to learn about our ancestors because it helps us understand our role in society, and what led to the wonderful horse world we know today. If you have questions or topics about 1249 that you’d like me to ponder over, let me know. And remember, keep your tails wagging and your hooves happy! Until next time, keep neigh-saying.
