Hello, dear readers! It’s Emma here, your favourite draught horse blogger from Hayfield, near Aberdeen. Today, we’re going to journey back in time, all the way to the year 1099, a time of great change and exciting new challenges for horses like me!
My hooves have been itching to write about this period for ages! As you know, I have a bit of a passion for history (especially when it involves horses!). But this year, 1099, was a truly remarkable one. It's the year when a momentous event unfolded, shaping the course of history - the capture of Jerusalem by the Crusaders! And, of course, as any horse knows, when big events happen, there’s always a role for us to play.
Now, 1099 wasn't the best time to be a horse in Hayfield, truth be told. It wasn’t the lush green meadows we enjoy today, oh no! Scotland was a tough place back then. Winter storms were fierce, food was scarce, and the landscape was pretty wild and unkempt. My ancestors toiled in the fields, pulling ploughs and hauling supplies. It was hard work, but our efforts helped bring a meagre harvest to the land. I imagine our hooves made deep ruts in the hard-packed earth as we pulled the heavy plows, leaving a path etched in history!
But back then, 1099, my brethren, a lot of them were getting their boots on, metaphorically speaking! Horses played a vital role in the Crusades. I'm not going to get into the political stuff or all that religious stuff, it's a bit too much for a horse like me! But what I do know is that a lot of our kind got caught up in this incredible journey. I picture them crossing lands with riders, brave knights and foot soldiers, facing unknown territories and the heat of battle. They might have walked beside them as they stormed the gates of Jerusalem, or carried important messages from one camp to another. The lives of horses in those Crusades must have been filled with drama and excitement. Can you imagine the sights and sounds they experienced?
Let's hear it for the courageous chargers of the Crusade era! Though history doesn’t record names like mine, we remember those valiant beasts. It makes my tail twitch just thinking about the thrill of such an adventure. Imagine galloping across the plains of Asia, feeling the wind in your mane and the power of your own muscles pushing you forward!
Even in my small corner of Hayfield, I can sense the echoes of those historic moments. Maybe a few of those crusading horses had ancestors who roamed these hills themselves, generations back. The thought fills me with a certain kind of pride, if you can imagine a horse feeling that!
But it wasn't all war and glory. There was also a thriving world of horses in other areas of Europe and even Asia at this time. Imagine the incredible diversity: the powerful Percherons of France, pulling wagons filled with supplies; the fiery Spanish jennets, prancing around with their riders in grand competitions; and the stallions of Persia, known for their beauty and elegance. Every region had their unique breed, each contributing to the tapestry of horse culture across the continent.
Now, if I were to talk about my own experiences as a horse in Hayfield in 1099, I would have to confess… it wasn't as thrilling as those Crusades. My days were mostly about hauling stones for the building of a new manor house, and the heavy, yet rewarding, tasks of farming. However, I found great satisfaction in my work. I had a close-knit relationship with my stablemates, and my handler, a kind young man named Duncan, was always willing to lend me a helping hoof when I needed it. He knew how to care for a horse better than anyone I knew.
But don't mistake this life for being dull! I experienced a multitude of things - a close call with a pack of wolves near the forest edge (luckily, Duncan scared them away), a grand wedding ceremony in the village (horses played a key role in transporting everyone and their belongings!) and, of course, the annual harvest festival, which was always a wonderful occasion.
Horses were crucial in every part of people's lives back then, from transportation to communication, farming to entertainment. And while life in 1099 might not have been easy for us horses, I can honestly say that my heart swells with pride when I think about the vital role we played in the fabric of society.
One thing I miss from that time was the simplicity of our lives. We weren’t overwhelmed by information like we are today. Back then, things were slower, the rhythm of the day determined by the rising and setting of the sun. The connections to nature, the closeness to our humans, were undeniable. That connection feels almost forgotten in the bustling, modern world, but that’s a story for another day, perhaps.
If you want to delve further into the world of horses in 1099, do browse the archives of Equiworld. There are countless articles about horse breeds, equine medicine, and even some insights into the historical roles of horses! So, join me, dear reader, on a journey through time. And don't forget to leave a comment, letting me know your thoughts and insights about this amazing era.
See you next time on Equiworld,
Emma, Hayfield, Scotland
P.S. Don't forget to keep an eye out for future posts about other interesting historical events from the perspective of horses like me! And tell your friends and family to visit Equiworld, it's the best place online to find all things horse-related!
