Post #963 by Emma, Hayfield, Scotland
Hello fellow horse lovers! Emma here, your trusty guide to all things equine, reporting from my lovely meadow here in Hayfield, near the bustling city of Aberdeen. It's a fine day for a blog, the sun is shining, the grass is lush, and the scent of freshly turned earth is in the air - all things that make a grey mare like me feel content.
Today, I'm taking a little trip down memory lane (or should I say, back lane?) and reflecting on the year 0963. Yes, a long, long time ago! I couldn't have been alive back then of course, being born a few centuries later, but even a grey mare like me knows the history of our kind goes way back. So, grab a carrot and let's take a gentle canter through the events of 0963 and see how horses like myself were playing their part in the world!
The Mighty Kings and Their War Horses:
You've heard of kings and battles, haven't you? Well, in the year 0963, things were no different. In fact, across Europe, the mighty kings were squabbling and warring just like they often do. The horses of these times, however, played a crucial role in their power struggles. We were their transport, their messengers, their soldiers, and, quite frankly, their best friends.
A good example is King Edmund, also known as Edmund Ironside, ruling the Anglo-Saxons in England. Now, King Edmund, although known for his fierceness in battle, was also known for his love of horses. His war horses, big and strong, would have been the best of the breed, bred for power and speed, and just looking at them would have made any enemy cower.
Think of the incredible bond that would have been formed between these noble steeds and their brave riders. You've heard of "man's best friend," well, the horses of that time were truly "man's greatest ally."
Life in the Middle Ages: Horses of the Working Class
Now, I may be a draught horse myself, but believe me, even back in 0963, life wasn't all about the grand battlefields and noble kings. People needed their horses for daily life.
The farmers relied on strong horses like myself to plow the fields and pull their heavy wagons, transporting crops and goods to market. Think of the vital role horses played in every village, keeping everyone fed and clothed.
It's interesting to think about the types of horses they used then. Horses in the British Isles in those times would have been smaller than modern draught breeds, but they were hardy and surefooted, perfect for tackling uneven terrains. The breeds that thrived in these conditions would have been your hardy cob type and the trusty mountain ponies, rugged enough for the harshest terrain and winters. They also knew the way to the stables of the nearest monastery where they might get a nice, warm welcome. Now that’s what I call a great lifestyle.
And in Hayfield...
You know, just like now, Aberdeen and surrounding areas were full of horses. The hills and moorlands would have been perfect for ponies grazing freely, and farms and villages would have used strong horses for work. Think of all the activities that needed a trusty horse, transporting wool, delivering goods, and even pulling carts filled with coal or wood. Life was simpler then, and for a lot of the horses, their working days were still largely dictated by the changing seasons. I bet they had their favourites - the fresh green grass of summer or the crunchy frozen earth of winter - just like I do.
A Little History From A Grey Mare's Perspective
The year 0963, while not marked by massive, dramatic horse-related events, was another year where horses continued to play a central role in people's lives. These were the workhorses of history, tirelessly providing transportation, labor, and companionship for kings and farmers alike. Just imagine, every journey taken by someone, every single meal placed on their table, all benefited in some way from the power and resilience of our equine ancestors.
Next week, I'll delve deeper into the lives of some of those ancient horses, drawing on the clues historians have found to bring you some fascinating insights into their day-to-day lives, So, don’t forget to check back next week - we’ve got a lot more to explore on our equine journey through history!
Until then, take good care,
Emma, Hayfield.
