Hello fellow equines! It's Emma here, your average grey draught mare, with a mane and tail that shimmers like the snow-capped peaks of my homeland. This time I’m posting from Hayfield, a humble place near Aberdeen, Scotland, and my penmanship isn’t the best, but you’ll find it’s quite engaging! Today, I want to tell you about the year 1298. As an avid follower of equine history (and I reckon a pretty good chronicler!), I thought it would be lovely to give you a flavour of this particularly exciting year!
So, buckle up my fellow equines, as this year 1298 brought a lot of changes for our kind, as well as changes in the wider world!
Horses in Warfare
Oh, what a year for our brethren who find themselves in service to mankind! 1298 marked a pivotal moment in history for warhorses. The Battle of Falkirk was a true spectacle, with the English, led by King Edward I, facing off against William Wallace’s Scottish army. Let me tell you, those Scots knew how to fight. But alas, with their famed long spears and shield walls, they stood little chance against the disciplined might of the English, particularly their mounted archers and knights. You can imagine the thunder of hooves and the clash of steel, a symphony of power that shaped the fate of the nations! The Battle of Falkirk showcased just how crucial we were in that time. I’m told some brave Scottish steeds did their utmost, but they were outmaneuvered and overwhelmed in the face of English tactics and technology. But there's more! In those tumultuous times, horses were used not only for combat, but for logistical support, transporting supplies, soldiers, and even weaponry! We horses have been the engines of warfare, a cornerstone of how kingdoms and nations function!
A Horse’s Life in 1298
Here in Hayfield, our life is quite simple. We work hard, tilling the fields and transporting goods for our local lord. My days are spent pulling a cart to market, hauling stone to build a new barn, and of course, hauling back a delicious supply of oats to feed my fellow equine companions! We are respected and well-fed in this community, but it’s not all work and no play, my dear friends! I still enjoy a good romp through the fields under the big Scottish sky, and we horses enjoy a quiet graze under the watchful gaze of the castle on the hill. We enjoy close-knit communities and shared grazing.
Life in a peaceful community like ours makes me grateful for a bit of peaceful existence. You can't imagine how grateful I am for the simple pleasures, the feel of soft grass underfoot and the comforting sounds of nature around me!
Life Beyond Hayfield: A Glimpse at Other Horse Communities
1298 saw exciting developments on other parts of the British Isles! This year, a beautiful new stud farm opened its doors in Suffolk, and rumour has it the King is putting great effort into expanding his own stables. While many horses found their role in warfare and farm work, others were considered prestigious creatures and cherished in stable luxury, enjoying a royal life! This reminds me, my cousin was lucky enough to end up in the king’s stables, transporting him across the land and living a life of privilege, enjoying beautiful manicured fields and the finest of hay. Now, I do miss the quiet pastures here at Hayfield, but the glamour and intrigue of a royal court sounds mighty exciting.
Changes Across the Equine World
As for changes within our equine world, well, 1298 witnessed a great surge in breeding and care! From the North to the South, a sense of understanding and admiration for us horses was in the air. We're finding our roles in everyday life becoming more diversified, beyond pulling a cart. We are seeing a rise in horse breeding, leading to greater care in nurturing our kind. Our existence has become more interconnected, as people realise the vital roles we play. Our skills and qualities are recognized more widely - whether in farm work or carrying knights into battle!
Emma’s Final Thoughts
My dear fellow equines, 1298 was indeed a busy year. While I can’t promise to get to the same destinations as my royal cousin, I cherish my home at Hayfield and my simple pleasures! I enjoy being part of this vibrant, dynamic world where my work has a purpose, and my kind is deeply appreciated. I shall make sure to tell you more next time about how horses were part of the unfolding story. Remember, a horse’s story is much larger than we may know at any given moment!
To the grand equine family and all those who cherish us! Thank you for reading!
- Emma, The Grey Draught Mare.
