Hello everyone! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood grey draught horse from Hayfield, just outside Aberdeen, Scotland. It's me again, back with another post for Equiworld.org! As you all know, I'm absolutely fascinated by history, particularly anything related to horses. So, today, I thought I'd share with you all a little about the year 1089 - what a fascinating year it was!
Let's begin, as always, with a bit about my life here in Hayfield. 1089 saw some incredible weather – lots of sunshine, ideal for long grazing sessions in the meadows, with enough rain to keep everything lush and green. My stablemates and I, a beautiful chestnut mare called Willow and a strong black gelding named Skye, were all in excellent health and spirits. The local blacksmith, a kind old man named Duncan, checked our hooves regularly, keeping us all in top condition.
Now, back to 1089! You'd think 1089 might be a dull year – just some people and their horses, going about their lives, right? Wrong! It was a truly exciting year, especially for us equine enthusiasts! Let me tell you why…
The World of Knights and Tournaments:
Imagine a world full of bravery, pageantry, and magnificent displays of skill and athleticism – that was the world of 1089! We horses were in high demand as war steeds, and knights across the land were always vying for the best horses to ride into battle. Tournaments were all the rage! Picture fields bustling with knights, jousting with lances, their steeds moving gracefully across the land. There was a buzz of excitement, crowds roaring their cheers, flags flying – it was an event for the ages. And you know what? I read that this year, 1089, saw some of the most impressive tournaments yet! Knights, all adorned in shimmering armour, competed in tournaments from France to England. They tested their skills, showcasing the strength and loyalty of their horses, fighting with courage and honour – it was truly a sight to behold!
I have it on good authority – through whispers carried on the wind from my friends at the local stables – that some of these Knights even made their way to the north, near here. I must confess, I longed to glimpse their grandeur, their glittering armour and brave horses.
A Horse's Place in a Medieval Society:
1089 also reminded me that horses are essential in so many ways beyond just warfare and pageantry. We are crucial to the very fabric of daily life. Think about it: they were used for ploughing the fields, bringing goods to market, hauling carts and wagons, and carrying messages between villages and towns. The very heart of trade and commerce depended on us! Without us, these journeys would be so much harder, taking far longer.
Imagine travelling on foot carrying heavy loads for miles upon miles, as the old monks did for example, all for the sake of spreading their message across the lands.
The monks, you see, they used horses too, travelling with their own horses – often magnificent strong steeds called “destriers”, to carry their luggage and allow for their safe travels. They even built their own magnificent cathedrals and monasteries, often in rural settings, so as to be away from the clamour of towns, and have access to large pastures for their horses, helping them to remain strong and well. These sturdy steeds often had very thick coats, often being used for hauling, carting or travelling across rugged landscapes, come rain or shine.
The Spirit of Our Breeds:
Here in Hayfield, we were known for our draught horses, with thick necks and strong limbs built to withstand pulling heavy carts and plows. The draught breeds, like us grey horses, were indispensable for the work of the farms. Their strength and reliability ensured that crops could be planted, harvested, and transported to market, contributing to the lifeblood of communities. These stalwart creatures embodied the true strength and stamina needed to drive the world of work. My ancestors were bred to endure long journeys, carry heavy loads and, of course, to be patient and loyal companions!
Now, 1089 saw the start of some significant changes to the horse breeding world. There was this amazing idea of breeding horses for different needs. People like farmers would concentrate on producing big, sturdy horses, while those who were keen on jousting, say, would concentrate on breeding swift, nimble steeds with good agility and spirit.
I do wonder though – I see many a majestic thoroughbred horse prancing through these grasslands, bred for swiftness and endurance, and a truly beautiful creature to behold, and I can't help but imagine how far back these lineages must stretch, how long ago they started refining and training those noble creatures for such different roles. It makes me ponder if there's been a lot more to the history of horses than what we see today... perhaps it’s only a whisper compared to the grand tapestry of history...
And Finally… The Stories:
In a year full of fascinating stories, one caught my attention especially. There was a tale circulating, one of an Anglo-Saxon King, Harold Godwinson, who was defeated in 1066. Imagine the sorrow of his horse! Harold's horse had fought alongside him, with unshakeable loyalty, enduring battle alongside his rider – it truly paints a vivid picture. These are the sorts of stories that we horses live by – stories of courage, strength, and unbreakable loyalty.
As for myself, 1089 was a year for learning and growing, sharing the simple pleasures of life in the meadows with Willow and Skye, the rhythm of our work, and the quiet contentment of the hayfield. I truly believe we are blessed to be a part of the rich tapestry of human life.
That's it for now, but don’t forget to tune in for the next instalment – I've already started jotting down notes on the 1090. I can’t wait to see what's next for our world, my friends!
Keep neighing, Emma
