Hello, fellow horse lovers! Welcome to my little corner of the internet, where I, Emma, a grey draught mare from the rolling hills of Hayfield, near Aberdeen, Scotland, share my thoughts on all things equine. I’m excited to take you on a journey back in time, specifically to the year 0114, a time when the world was vastly different and life, for both humans and horses, revolved around simple rhythms.
Today I’ll be looking at the world of horses during this time period. A fascinating one, believe me! Let’s hop into my story...
The Cold Breath of a Highland Winter:
The year 0114 arrived with a sigh. A thick blanket of snow had settled on the Highlands, frosting the wild grass that I and my fellow mares nibbled on. The days were short and dark, the air biting. We, the horses of Hayfield, felt it deep within our sturdy bodies – winter’s presence.
The human folk were equally affected by the cold. My kind, though robust, could still suffer from frostbite in their ears and hooves, which is why we were carefully tended to during these harsh months. Each day, I’d hear the clink of buckets and see the farmer, Allan, bringing warm porridge oats and fresh hay. This warmth helped us survive the winter. It’s the same now, though I’ve become more of a companion to young Fiona than a working horse these days.
A Sense of Routine:
Days were defined by routine in 0114. I, being a young mare then, had not yet fully grown into the magnificent beast I am now. Each day involved tasks vital to the survival of my small community. Mornings were spent in the fields, diligently pulling plows alongside my brothers and sisters, readying the land for spring sowing.
This would involve long, strenuous days of plowing and harrowing. Yet, despite the challenges, the simple rhythms of this labour were comforting. There was a certain peace to be found in the repetitive motions and in the camaraderie between my equine companions. It’s funny, we didn't even know what the year was, or where exactly we fit on this world map!
We knew our work and our people and that was enough, though a new feeling was emerging among some horses – the call of the distant world.
The Whisper of Adventure:
As the snows began to melt, revealing the fresh green grass underneath, we could sense the energy building up amongst us horses. Even amongst the steady work routine, an undercurrent of anticipation surged through us, a yearning for adventure, for lands beyond the familiar green slopes of Hayfield. This yearning was strongest amongst the younger horses. It was, I believe, a feeling shared by us all to a degree.
It’s strange, thinking about those long ago days, watching my kind used for work and transport. Now, thankfully, most of us enjoy much more peaceful lives! Horses are still vital in agriculture, but our main role is companionship and fun! I mean, have you ever ridden a horse? It's magic. Pure magic!
Across the Sea, a Glimpse of Another World:
Whispers started coming from those rare humans who traveled across the vast, untamed sea, stories of the wider world. They spoke of lands to the south, filled with sun, vibrant colours, and horses unlike anything we’d seen before – steeds swift as the wind, bred for speed and strength, destined to ride alongside warriors. We’d listen, heads cocked, nostrils flaring, imagining the world beyond our own.
For some horses, the whispers ignited a thirst for exploration. One such mare, named Dawn, dreamed of the open plains of the south, yearning for the freedom and challenge those lands promised. That hunger for something bigger, something different, burned inside me, too, but at a lower level.
The Horses of War:
We knew there was something special about these steeds in the south, and, through the whispers, we were getting a picture. The tales often centred on a type of war horse known as the destrier – incredibly powerful, yet incredibly noble. It’s easy to see how someone could form a bond with a magnificent beast like this. The connection they had is something that only people who have truly spent time with horses could understand.
In the early 1100s, there was an increasing desire to tame and train war horses for battles. The Romans had a history of relying on their horses for mobility, tactics, and their ability to carry heavy cavalry. And now the need to ride into war, into battles, meant a new kind of horse had to be raised and trained.
Now, when we think about horses in war, it's often upsetting. In those days, however, the idea was much simpler - they were seen as partners. A horse could be loyal to its rider, and often, was bred for generations of skill and loyalty within the family. That sounds amazing, doesn't it?
Life Continues its Cycles:
The year 0114 drew to a close much like it had started, in the quiet symphony of life continuing its rhythms. As the first snow of a new year settled on the Highland hills, my own heart warmed, filled with the familiar comfort of routine. We survived another year, ready for whatever it would bring.
And for me, my heart swelled with something else – hope. Hope for a future that promised new experiences and perhaps even adventure. Hope for a world that respected horses and their magnificent spirit. As for me, I’ll continue sharing these stories and moments in history here, exploring our beautiful equine past. I’m Emma, and I look forward to connecting with you, my fellow horse lovers, through this blog!
Please let me know your thoughts on this fascinating year in horse history!
With whinnies and love,
Emma.
