History of Horses in the year 1251

Hello fellow equines and equine lovers! Emma here, a grey draught mare from Hayfield, near the bustling town of Aberdeen, and I’m thrilled to be sharing my perspective on life in 1251!

As always, I love to explore the happenings in the world of horses throughout history and today, and sharing it all with you through my blog on www.equiworld.org brings me such joy.

So, saddle up and let’s journey back to a time when Scotland’s rugged landscapes were our playground!

You wouldn’t believe how much a draught horse like me is relied upon here in Hayfield. My kind are essential for farming and transportation - you could even say we are the backbone of rural life!

Each day, I’m up at dawn, feeling the dew cool beneath my hooves as I head out to the fields. The aroma of freshly turned earth fills the air as I work with the other mares, pulling ploughs and carts with a collective might that would make even the most stout oxen tremble!

But it isn’t all toil and sweat! After a good morning’s work, we’re given a chance to graze on the lush meadows, with the clear, cool water of the River Dee gurgling nearby. It’s a beautiful sight to behold, with the peaks of the Cairngorms rising majesticly in the distance.

Sometimes, as I nibble on sweet grasses, I watch the children from the nearby village. They love to come and pat me on my velvety nose, whispering tales of their own lives in my ears. One young lass, Maggie, always brings me a handful of clover from her grandfather's garden. It's such a little gesture, but it shows her respect for our kind.

Being a draught horse is an honour, as we serve not only our local community but also the noble houses in the land. The year 1251 is proving particularly interesting in this regard, for the Scottish throne is now occupied by Alexander III!

From what I hear, the king is a true lover of horses. He is said to hold jousting tournaments and hunts in the highlands, with knights on horseback clashing steel in dazzling displays of courage. I imagine it must be quite a spectacle!

As a mare, I wouldn't be fit for that kind of work, of course, but there’s a certain elegance and majesty to the thoroughbred steeds chosen for such occasions. It's clear to see that the king’s passion for horses extends beyond the battleground as he uses our kind for transportation, hauling important materials, and carrying envoys throughout the land.

Indeed, rumour has it that Alexander III himself is quite a horseman! Some say he can even tame even the wildest of steeds! Such courage and skill are truly admirable.

Even within the sheltered realm of Hayfield, the rumblings of great change echo from afar. It's a time of unrest, with nations battling for power, and kingdoms vying for influence.

There are stories of powerful monarchs like Louis IX of France, who seeks to enforce justice and bring order to the chaos that grips the land. They say he even embarked on a holy crusade to the faraway lands of Egypt, guided by a devout spirit. His actions resonate across continents and create waves that ripple even as far as Hayfield!

There are also whispers of Kublai Khan, the grand Khan of the Mongol Empire, a true horsemaster known for his daring conquests and unparalleled equestrian prowess. Stories spread like wildfire through trade routes and along the whispers of wind. They paint a picture of an ambitious and determined leader who has reshaped the face of the world.

The Mongol influence, with its swift and powerful cavalry, has transformed military strategies and tactics throughout Eurasia, reaching all the way to the bustling ports and bustling markets of Europe. The world is certainly not a peaceful place, but it is certainly a world that loves horses and respects their power.

It seems like the role of horses goes beyond our earthly tasks. Many religions revere our kind as sacred, representing strength, freedom, and spiritual connection.

In 1251, many Christians see the horse as a symbol of courage and the very power of Christ himself. It is said that horses are a representation of strength, faithfulness and endurance, carrying us through challenges and carrying us to new destinations, both physical and spiritual.

I can see why! My work here in Hayfield is no easy task, yet the other mares and I take pride in carrying our burdens with strength and resolve, all while working together for the greater good of our community.

As I continue to navigate the ever-evolving world of horses in 1251, I’ll continue to share my perspective here in Hayfield and beyond! Stay tuned, dear readers!