Hello fellow equines and horse lovers! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood draught horse from the lovely, rolling hills of Hayfield near Aberdeen. Today, we're taking a trip back in time to the year 1112, a time of big changes for our equine brethren and, as it turns out, for me!
1112… A year that saw the whispers of revolution rolling like thunder through Europe. It was the year the English King, Henry I, finally granted some important rights to the Church – imagine that! All that land for growing oats and hay! Not that the Church cared about the oats – that’s for us to enjoy – but those rights certainly helped shape the future. And, well, the future’s all about oatcakes, right?
But let’s start where it matters – in the fields! As I pull this plough, I feel the familiar earth yielding under my hooves, a rhythmic dance that’s as natural as breathing. That feeling – the feeling of work, of providing, of being a vital part of the village… that’s the lifeblood of a draught horse, you know? And 1112, that was a time when draught horses truly were the heart of everything.
Horses: the wheels of life
That year, there was a real buzz in the air about the newest invention, a ‘cart’ with metal wheels! Imagine that – metal! I hear tell some folk are even using them for things other than farming, like transporting goods to market. How exciting! Though, honestly, a sturdy, good ol’ wooden cart still feels a bit more solid, wouldn’t you say?
Now, even though I pull a plough for a living, a large part of my heart is always with the knights and their warhorses. It’s just thrilling to hear tales of them on the battlefield – though I wouldn’t want to be in the midst of all that commotion, no thank you! The knights rely on their horses’ strength and stamina to charge, to fight, to protect – truly, an incredible bond!
Speaking of knights, have you heard about the King of Jerusalem? He’s had to run away from Egypt, chased by the Saracen army. Seems that life for a knight isn’t all about tournaments and bright colours. I’d much rather stick to the quiet hum of farm life.
Horses in the wider world
As I take a breather and chew on a mouthful of grass, I think about how the world sees horses. We are powerful creatures, graceful, noble. People trust us, depend on us, see us as partners, and – as the sun shines warm on my flank – I am reminded of the incredible journeys that we have made together.
The great journey to the East
Did you know that 1112 marked the time when travellers from across Europe set out on grand journeys? They rode across treacherous landscapes to reach the Holy Land! That journey, long and dangerous, relied entirely on horses. Those brave souls, carrying their faith and hopes on their backs – they wouldn’t have reached their destination without the power and determination of the horses they rode.
A little gossip
Have you heard of the “Grand Tour”? Now, the only tour I’m familiar with is around Hayfield, sniffing out the best oat patches – but this “Grand Tour” takes wealthy folks across Europe. It’s quite an exciting time for those with horses – imagine the sights they see, the experiences they share. There’s a certain glamour attached to those horses, the kind of sleek coats and flashy saddles that just makes them look proud. But I, I have to be honest, prefer the gentle routine of field work – a full stomach, a good groom, and a soft bed of hay at the end of a day – what more could a girl want?
Time for some wisdom
1112 saw some incredible discoveries in the horse world, particularly in the breeding lines. It seems as if people are truly understanding the importance of bloodlines and the qualities that they bring to the table. Breeding for strength and speed… I do like to imagine the powerful foals, born under a new year, carrying the legacy of generations before them.
However, it’s important to remember, dear readers, that every horse has its place. Some of us are bred for pulling carts, some for war, and some for pleasure. But all of us play a role in the tapestry of this world.
And, with the scent of hay in my nostrils, and the gentle creak of my halter, I feel blessed to be a part of it.
Until next time, dear readers, stay strong, stay happy, and may your feed bucket be ever full!
Emma
