Widmir was born in the Norcrofts of Rohan, not far from Cliving. His family have bred and raised horses for five generations, so birthing foals, toting bales and training colts has always been a part of his life. 

At birth, Widmir's left arm was crippled, leaving him continually lagging behind his three older brothers. His family made this as small a difference as they could, wishing to raise their four sons equally, but neighbors were always painfully aware of the difference. Among adults, he was given more leniency and favor, and sometimes he used this to his advantage. Not only did he learn to use a smile and a jest to get extra sweets, but when other children ran off to play without him, the adults sat down and taught him the old tales, the old songs, and how to read and speak both Rohirric and Westron. By his youth, he was the son called upon when a foreigner came to the farm. 

When the orcs threatened to overrun the Norcrofts, two of Widmir's brothers were already away at war. The third had long since left without a word. Left with the prospect of losing everything, Widmir's parents gathered their money and three of their most prized breeding stock. And rather than lose their youngest son, who was never adept at fighting, they sent him away with the horses and money to wait out the war in Bree. At least there, he could be safe, and the historic lineage of their horses could be preserved.