History of Horses in the year 1259

A Grey Mare’s Life in 1259

A View From Hayfield, near Aberdeen

Well, hello there, friends! It's Emma here, a grey mare from a little village called Hayfield, tucked away in the highlands of Scotland. I'm a good-sized girl, well over sixteen hands, with a white mane and tail that would make any maiden blush. They say grey horses like me are intelligent and steady, and I like to think that's true. You see, it takes a steady horse to navigate the rugged, wild terrain around here, where the land stretches up towards the heather-clad mountains, and the crisp Scottish air blows across your nose.

I'm a draught horse, you see, so I spend most of my days pulling plows, carting heavy loads of hay, and carrying timber from the forest to the nearby village. I love the work! There's something satisfying about feeling the power in my muscles as I pull, feeling the wind whip past my ears, and knowing that I'm helping the humans here. I especially enjoy hauling goods into the bustling town of Aberdeen, even if the journey does get quite tiring sometimes.

But let's step back in time, shall we? Today, dear readers, I'm taking you on a little journey to the year 1259, a year full of interesting developments in the world of horses, believe it or not!

You might think horses were all about plows and carts back then, and well, they were! We worked tirelessly in the fields, ensuring that farmers could produce the crops needed to feed their families and communities. And there we were, marching steadily alongside the carts that ferried precious grain and goods. Life was simple, in a way. We knew our routines and lived by them - eat, work, rest.

But the world of humans was, as it always has been, more complex. You see, in 1259, much of the continent of Europe was experiencing an era of instability and conflict. The era they call the "High Middle Ages" was a time when empires like that of the Holy Roman Emperor were struggling to maintain their grip on power, and people were vying for the chance to be their own masters. This gave rise to much bloodshed. We horses felt this most acutely when kings called upon us to participate in wars, whether hauling supplies for their armies or charging across battlefields. But there were other aspects to 1259 beyond just fighting.

Imagine, for a moment, that you're standing on a battlefield, the air thick with the smell of sweat, fear, and smoke. The earth trembles under the weight of the charge. Around you, other horses are whinnying in fear and excitement, maned tails tangled like knotted ropes. You know this moment; it is your destiny to carry a man, to fight beside him, and protect him as he wages war for his country.

This was a reality for many horses in 1259. Across Europe, nations were constantly fighting each other for land and power. Many a valiant horse was lost on these battlefields. They fell under the weight of arrows and swords, struck down by the sheer chaos of warfare. Even those of us who escaped the battlefield were not immune to the horrors of war. Many, like my old friend, Merlin, a noble destrier who served a Scottish King, saw his companions fall in bloody battle and was later retired to a life of peace.

Despite all the fighting, there were still those who fought for peace. Many horses, much like me, had the honor of carrying religious leaders. I believe that such horses helped bridge the divide between nations, offering a symbolic message of goodwill and tolerance between different communities. We played a role in the journeys of monks and pilgrims as they carried messages of peace and compassion from place to place, fostering greater understanding and peace.

Now, as a steady and sensible horse, I'm very partial to routine, so it's no surprise I have a deep affection for those stately abbeys and cathedrals that rise like silent giants amongst the fields. Imagine my delight when I was chosen to carry a load of firewood to the Benedictine Abbey near Aberdeen. It is a beautiful sight! Their horses have a different air to them. They are gentle, slow-paced, their coats gleaming with health and good care. I understand now, in these sacred places, a deep devotion exists, not only to God but also to the wellbeing of horses who serve these communities. These holy horses become, in a way, messengers of God's grace and forgiveness.

Horses play a special role in the religious communities in 1259. You see, those brave horses who escaped the war fields found themselves transported to these monasteries and cathedrals, given a haven from the violence, offered the warmth of stables and, the peace of prayer. You know, we are capable of understanding kindness and love, as any devoted friend will. So we horses were deeply affected by the calm atmosphere that pervaded the walls of these sacred spaces.

Even those of us who never ventured outside of our village heard tales about these communities where monks and priests took a deep interest in the health and wellbeing of their animals, and treated them with compassion and care. They believe in healing, in offering peace, not just to humanity but to all living creatures. That's why they build stables and ensure their horses are well-fed, and even cared for by specialized healers! These monks and nuns see in us a reflection of God's wisdom, strength, and grace, and their respect echoes through the hearts of the animals that they share their lives with. It's a special connection that many of us in 1259 would have found solace in.

Now, don't think for a moment that life in 1259 was all about warfare and work!

You see, those humans are a very creative lot! They saw a beauty and power in our noble forms, and that admiration led to some lovely art and stories about horses. Some even believed horses were mystical creatures with a hidden connection to the gods. I admit I love these myths; they make our life a little bit magical, don't you think?

The art, especially the tapestries and sculptures in those magnificent churches, was quite beautiful! I especially enjoyed the horses that looked just like me, with flowing manes and strong muscular necks. Often you would see horses depicted in the Bible or the myths and legends of ancient Greece and Rome, and people even worshipped certain horses in these ancient stories. We even hear stories of powerful figures who were believed to have connections to the divine horse.

All in all, the life of a horse in 1259 was certainly exciting, and although challenging, there was a deep and intrinsic relationship that existed between man and beast.

Just this past year, my friend Hazel, a lovely chestnut mare, decided to leave the bustle of Hayfield to live in the peaceful rolling hills down by the coast. She is a lovely mare, kind and intelligent, though maybe just a tad nervous! She was worried about venturing so far away from home. Her journey there was full of surprises, but Hazel found new joys. You see, it turns out that there is a wonderful tradition amongst humans in that part of Scotland. Each year they celebrate “The Midsummer Fair”, which, they say, dates back to an even earlier time. At this fair, all the farms come together, share stories and make new connections. And of course, they have competitions for the strongest horses in the region, a contest I'd love to enter myself!

But back to my friend Hazel! She says, there's just something magical about being part of these gatherings and parades where the air fills with the sound of music, the fragrance of wildflowers, and laughter from those people as they clap their hands for their steeds. Even my friend Hazel, who always loved routine, found her feet (or hoofbeats!) in this lively atmosphere. The festivities lasted for days! It was like an amazing party for everyone, not just for us horses. I wouldn’t mind experiencing this for myself!

I like to imagine that as horses, we were witnessing something quite unique. Not only was it the age of strong rulers and powerful wars, it was also the beginning of new ways of thinking about horses, as companions, symbols, and works of art.

The people were not afraid to honor us and understand our importance, not just for strength but as partners, and in their heart, even spiritual beings.

You see, as I move through life, pulling carts, sharing the stable, watching the sun rise each morning over the heather, I find that horses, more than ever, have found our rightful place within the world of humanity. We still share their hardships and joys.

What does the future hold for horses like me? There will likely be more journeys, more harvests, more challenges to face. Yet I'm certain of one thing - our unique relationship with humans will continue to evolve, as we march towards an unknown future, side by side.

For now, until next time, it’s good-bye from Emma! I hope you enjoyed my journey into the past, and as always, may your journeys be blessed with good food, safe travel, and happy companionship. Remember to stop and smell the heather, my friends!