Welcome, fellow equine enthusiasts, to my little corner of EquiWorld! I’m Emma, a grey draught mare with a white mane and tail, living in the peaceful highlands of Hayfield, near Aberdeen, Scotland. I've always had a love for history, especially anything about my equine brethren. So, this blog will take you on a journey back in time – 1210 AD to be precise!
The year is buzzing with news from all over. I, like many horses in the north of England and Scotland, have been hard at work preparing for the harvest, which is just starting. The sun has been warm, painting the barley fields a luscious golden hue, and the air carries the sweet scent of hay and wild flowers. I love the feel of the wind tousling my mane as I pull the plough, my muscles strong and powerful. You see, draught horses like me are essential for the survival of most folk. We’re used to pull plows, cart heavy loads, and sometimes, when we’re needed, we carry knights on our backs.
But this year is more than just about work and the harvest. There are whispers about a great gathering at a place called Runnymede. It’s rumoured to be a grand meeting of important men - Kings, Lords, and Barons, they call them. There’s a sense of anticipation in the air, as if something important is about to happen, something that will shape the world around us, and perhaps even our own destinies. I hope this great gathering isn’t going to cause us horses any hardship, especially my fellow warhorses. They are some of the bravest, most courageous beings, trained to charge into battle, always ready to protect their human companions.
Speaking of war, did you know that the Scottish people have been fiercely independent since King William the Lion’s time? His son, King Alexander, is currently holding his own, leading his people in resisting any attempts to take their freedom away from them. The year 1210 sees a strong rebellion by the Scots against the English King John, the one they call “Lackland”, after he declared Scotland part of his kingdom. I must admit, the way King John rules his English people, treating them like peasants, makes my heart ache. I pray that our Scottish King can successfully push back against the English forces and keep his kingdom strong.
Here in Hayfield, life is simpler. Our little community thrives on the bounty of the land. We share our lives with the kind and hard-working folks here, and while I must work hard, I feel blessed with a happy life. Each day is filled with the smell of damp grass, the rustle of leaves, and the laughter of children playing. Our world is mostly peaceful, even if sometimes the rumbling of distant thunder in the air reminds us of the turmoil happening in other parts of the world.
You see, for most horses like me, life is about simple pleasures. A juicy apple from the farmhand, a scratch on my mane, or a shared nicker with my companions as we walk the fields, the warmth of the sun on our backs – these are the things that make me feel most content. I know that war and unrest exists in other places, but I am grateful for my peaceful existence in this little haven of Hayfield.
Now, let me tell you a little about life for other horses around the world in this year, 1210. What's going on for my brethren in England, France, Spain, and even the lands of the Eastern Empire? Well, this year is very significant for the people and horses of England. As I mentioned, King John has taken on the challenge of keeping the French King at bay, and it looks like he is having difficulty! He is locked in a fierce battle with King Philip II for control of French lands. This is bad news for warhorses in France and England - their lives are at stake every day as they fight to protect their Kings and Kingdoms. Many are the heroes among their kind, displaying incredible courage and loyalty on the battlefield.
While some warhorses face dangers in England, those who find themselves in Spain are living with a new kind of pressure! You see, there are Christian armies that have been waging war against the Islamic rulers in Spain for years! And the Moors have also taken to the battlefields! You may know the Moors as riders on mighty, agile Arabian horses!
It seems like warhorses throughout the world face a constant danger, yet they all endure their trials with unwavering determination and strength. But they aren't the only ones struggling - the ordinary workhorses in these countries also bear the burdens of war and hardship.
What about the Eastern Empire, you may be asking? The Eastern Empire is flourishing with magnificent Arab horses. Known for their speed, agility, and endurance, Arabian horses are symbols of grace and power. Their owners spend much of their time training and caring for their beloved animals. These horses travel long distances with merchants, carry messengers, and grace the courtyards of wealthy noblemen. You can tell these beautiful creatures have been carefully bred for many generations, showcasing their heritage.
Of course, every land has its share of hardship. And for the horses of these lands, the problems run deeper than just the danger of warfare. As farmers till the land, pulling heavy plows, or hauling carts and carriages through rough terrain, many workhorses live with tired and aching muscles. It's heartbreaking to see, but even with a hard day's work, I believe all horses yearn to experience love, friendship, and good care, just as we all do.
In England, however, 1210 marks a very important year in horse history! This year saw the beginning of the legend that has since grown to surround a famous white warhorse named "Snow." Now, although I myself am grey with a white mane and tail, and sometimes, under the midday sun, I may seem a bit white myself, it is Snow who gets all the attention.
The truth is that "Snow" isn't even his real name. "Snow" was originally known as “Black Lightning,” because of his almost black coat when he was first brought to the English Royal Stables! He arrived as a wild, unbridled stallion, filled with fierce energy, but as soon as King John saw him, he knew he needed this stallion to win him a battle or two.
As luck would have it, during one of King John's many campaigns against the French, "Black Lightning" was involved in a fiery, furious battle where a knight from a foreign land used his battle axe to wound him across his flanks! And it is said that he bled and bled, and his thick black coat was dyed a dazzling white with the blood of battle! That’s why he earned the nickname, "Snow.” King John was so touched by the loyalty this creature showed towards him in battle, that he never took him into battle again! "Snow" lived his days, in royal retirement, enjoying fine food, comfy stables, and all the affection the King could bestow upon him!
That is the legend, but I think there's something poetic about a warhorse whose courage in battle gave him a coat of dazzling white. And, I don’t know about you, but when I think of such a powerful and determined creature, I have to admit, a part of me wishes that perhaps some wild adventure could fill my own life. But then, again, I’m happy pulling my cart through the peaceful fields here in Hayfield.
In the end, we horses are strong, loyal, and resilient. And our stories, although sometimes lost in the whispers of time, continue to unfold in the hearts and minds of those who share our lives. For my dear readers, thank you for taking a journey with me to 1210, where we have glimpsed into the world of horses and their struggles, but also their strengths.
Please do let me know what you think in the comments below. What interests you most about the year 1210 for horses? Which region in the world intrigues you? Do you have any stories to share about horses in this period, or perhaps, about horses of your own?
I would love to hear your thoughts. And remember, every horse, no matter how small, plays an important part in this magnificent tapestry of life!
Until next time, Emma
