Quite an interesting prospect. Aparrently in north east Scotland between the 18th and early 20th Century there existed a strange sect with a paranormal link. By the sounds of it, the Horseman’s Word appeared to have a practical "trade union"-esque quality for ploughmen, blacksmiths, horse trainers etc.

Quite an interesting prospect. Aparrently in north east Scotland between the 18th and early 20th Century there existed a strange sect with a paranormal link. By the sounds of it, the Horseman’s Word appeared to have a practical "trade union"-esque quality for ploughmen, blacksmiths, horse trainers etc.

Initiation was full of occult symbolism from bringing offerings of whisky, bread and jam/fruit to reciting Bible passages backwards; blindfolded initiates would be given the "word" which was said to allow any horse to be tamed when whispered to it. They recited an oath not to write, recite or misuse the oath, and immdiately told to write the word down. Any who fell for this were rapped across the knuckles. Finally they were required to "shake hands wi’ Auld Hornie", often a stick covered in fur, a man in garb and sometimes a mask and brandishing a hoof, or a live calf.

Quite something: a forward-thinking society with a sense of humour, or something more sinister?