Welcome, my lovely fellow equines!
Emma here, a proud grey draught mare with a white mane and tail, writing to you from the rolling hills of Hayfield, just outside the bonnie city of Aberdeen in Scotland. It's been a blustery morning here, but the sun is peeping out from behind the clouds now, casting a warm golden glow across the fields. A beautiful day for a gallop, I must say.
Speaking of beautiful days, have you ever wondered what life was like for us horses back in the year 1274? I've been doing a little digging (pun intended!) and have unearthed some fascinating facts about the equine world back then. So, grab your favourite hay and settle in, because I'm going to take you on a journey back in time!
A World of War and Work:
1274, a time of turmoil and upheaval in the human world, with constant whispers of war and rebellion. The year had its fair share of conflicts - there was the ongoing struggle between Scotland and England, which was at a standstill after the signing of the Treaty of Westminster. Over in Europe, there was the conflict between England and France, which was rumbling on under the reign of the powerful King Edward I of England. For a poor horse, it wasn't much of a difference if they were a part of a Scottish or English war party as far as I'm concerned!
Despite the unsettling unrest, horses continued to play a crucial role in human society. In war, we carried knights clad in shining armour into battle, our strength and speed their primary weapons. Imagine, charging into the fray with a fearsome knight on our backs, our nostrils filled with the acrid scent of smoke and fear. Brave and strong, we carried the burden of battle on our backs.
Of course, it wasn't just war that our hooves carried us through. We were vital partners in agriculture, hauling plows through fields, carrying heavy loads of produce to market, and providing the power for grinding grain and powering the blacksmith's hammer. Our muscles and endurance were valued possessions back then, just like they are now.
Riding in Style:
You might think that horses were all work and no play in 1274. Well, that wasn't exactly true! In the courts and among the nobility, horses were seen as a status symbol. Knights and ladies of high stature rode us, flaunting our strength and beauty. And imagine the elegance of a sleek Arabian or the majestic grace of a Friesian stallion, ridden by a noble lord or lady on a grand outing! There were some pretty incredible breeds back then, many of which we still admire today!
There was a certain fashion to horseback riding back then. For example, women typically rode side saddle - perched upon the right side of the horse, with their left leg gracefully tucked around. Riding side saddle is actually quite tricky, but I must admit, they looked pretty doing it. I heard from the farm gossip that a good number of our human companions at Hayfield used this method!
Harnessing the Horse's Power:
1274 saw some advances in horse harnessing technology. In the agricultural sphere, the collar harness gained more popularity than the older, less effective yoke. This meant our necks could be relieved of some of the burden of pulling. A welcome change indeed, if you ask me! Of course, this meant working with our human companions, building a trust between us and those we served.
We horses weren’t just pulling ploughs either - in this period, we began seeing horses used to pull wheeled vehicles, carts and wagons. You know the ones - those amazing machines that haul heavy goods! The use of the wheel became more common as time progressed, so there was an increased demand for the powerful horses who could make the machines work.
Looking Back with Pride:
The year 1274 may have been a tumultuous period for the humans, but we, the horses, continued to work diligently and bravely, shaping history with every step and every snort. It was a year filled with challenges, but also triumphs - proof of the strength and spirit of the horse, from the battlefields of Scotland to the fields of Hayfield.
And that, my friends, is just a small glimpse into the world of horses in the year 1274. I'm looking forward to discovering more and sharing them with you in the coming days, weeks and months! Stay tuned for more thrilling stories, historical tidbits, and fascinating facts from the life of a horse.
Until next time,
Emma Hayfield, Scotland
www.equiworld.org
Extra thoughts from Emma:
I find it amazing that the same skills we relied on back in the year 1274 are still relevant to many horses today. From pulling ploughs to taking riders on trails and transporting goods in different ways, our strength and endurance still have a place in the world. As the years roll on, I wonder what will be the next stage of the journey for us, our trusty steeds? What exciting possibilities will await our equine offspring and their human companions?
Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got a field to graze and a hay bale to demolish. See you next time on Equiworld!
