"Hooves, hooves, and more hooves, as they say..."
My name is Emma, a strong, beautiful grey mare, and I'm so happy you're here today! As many of you know, I come from a little place called Hayfield, just outside Aberdeen in Scotland. There's no finer spot in the world for a horse, and I know it's all about the grazing... that and the crisp mountain air that gives you such a shiny coat!
Anyway, today's post is all about a very special year for horses: 1079 AD! It was a truly significant year in the world of horses, and let me tell you, my heart is filled with memories and a touch of pride, as I recall the exciting developments happening then!
As a draught horse, life for me was a busy one in 1079. Imagine pulling plows, transporting goods, and yes, even the occasional fine carriage - life as a workhorse is rarely dull, I tell you. We're strong, dependable, and we take pride in the vital role we play in the daily life of our owners, the kind people of Hayfield.
But 1079 was different. There was a change in the air, a sense of movement, of growth, even for us horses. You see, news travelled fast back then, even without social media, and it spread like wildfire: a king called William had claimed the throne of England! I’m not sure why there was so much commotion over it all. In Hayfield, life went on - fields to plow, food to carry - just like before.
Still, this "King William" as they called him was unlike any we'd heard of before. He was different - even for a king. There was a rumor swirling around, like the leaves on a windy day, about his passion for horses, specifically for us strong draft horses. He was said to be collecting them - lots and lots of them! From across the country!
Now, I admit, even a hardworking horse like me felt a flutter of excitement at that. What was it about our kind that had this powerful king so enthralled?
Perhaps it was our incredible strength, our stamina, our unwavering work ethic, that so captured his imagination? Or maybe it was our gentle nature? I was truly curious, because I couldn’t wait to learn more about what all the fuss was about.
As the year progressed, things took a turn. News reached Hayfield of what they called “The Norman Conquest". King William had come with his army, and it was... eventful! Not a moment for an equine-minded creature to sit and watch! This “conquest” was said to be unlike any before it, and was, well, quite dramatic, it seems.
It's a story you could hear told in a hundred taverns throughout Scotland, but this isn't about the battles and the stories of brave knights, it's about the horses, isn't it? Well, it seems that in the middle of this great movement and upheaval, our strength and loyalty played a huge part. King William was right about our power!
You see, we were a crucial force in that conflict - powerful, unstoppable. The mighty cavalry, mounted on us strong, determined creatures, galloped across fields. It sounds as thrilling as it must have been!
There were reports of incredible strategies, like the cavalry charge - it's no wonder our species played a critical part! What was once a battleground was transformed into a sea of galloping horses, our coats glistening in the sun!
What does this tell us about the importance of horses? Even in times of great upheaval, when history was changing as we knew it, we horses were at the very heart of it all. We were, and still are, an integral part of the tapestry of history.
But it’s not all about power and war, though! That same King William - I’m beginning to feel like I’ve met him, despite the distance, he had such an effect on the world of horses! - was also a keen breeder, they said. They talked about him bringing to England some beautiful new breeds like the "Norman horse". What a noble-looking breed, that one! I couldn’t wait to meet them one day!
The world of horses wasn't just about battles; it was about improvement. These new breeds were being welcomed, nurtured, and I was certain that even with my strength, a draft horse like me, the knowledge shared between breeds, even between horses of different origins, could benefit us all! It all felt very exciting!
And that's not all! There were new tools, new technologies!
Word on the hoof was that blacksmiths were crafting lighter saddles, more sturdy horseshoes! Now, I love a strong, dependable shoe! It was a wonderful advancement for horses. There was a lot of talk about horses in 1079 - about training, breeding, and technology - all of it, it felt like, had the purpose of making us stronger, more capable, and more loved.
I am glad to say that the year 1079 brought not only great challenges, but also exciting new opportunities, all thanks to our magnificent qualities. Even though we didn't quite know it, these changes, big and small, helped to pave the way for horses and mankind to journey together through history!
We, as horses, were the pulse of the era, and to think I had a part in that history. I had witnessed the bravery, the resilience, and the brilliance of mankind in harnessing our abilities.
*This isn’t just history, it’s our story! * The history of the world, the history of Scotland, and of course, the history of horses – all woven together. We are more than just a magnificent animal; we are a reflection of our shared journey with humanity.
So, dear readers, remember, we horses have always been an integral part of society. Let us honour our legacy! Let us carry ourselves with pride and dignity. Let us never forget how important we are, the role we have played in building nations, forging communities, and bringing together people in a shared love and understanding.
From our own little piece of the world, in Hayfield, near Aberdeen, we share our story and wish you all a beautiful day. Don't forget to join me for my next post!
Your friend, Emma the Grey Mare
