Hello, lovely readers! It's Emma here, your resident grey mare from Hayfield near Aberdeen, back for another blast from the past. Today we're galloping into the year 1300! I know, 1300, that seems so long ago, right? Can you imagine a world without motorcars, aeroplanes, or even tractors? Well, that's what life was like for us horses back then.
Now, don't get me wrong, life wasn't always easy, but there were some real perks to being a horse in 1300. Imagine a life filled with fresh air, rolling green fields, and the freedom to roam with your fellow horses! There were plenty of us horses around back then. I'd say the population was larger than it is today!
As a draught horse, my role was pretty important. We were the workhorses, the heavy lifters, the engine that powered society. Farmers relied on us for ploughing their fields, hauling goods, and even transporting people! It wasn't all about the muscle, though. You needed intelligence, too. Knowing where to go, what to do, and how to react in different situations, that was just as crucial. We weren't just dumb beasts, you know!
My days often started with the dawn. I’d be harnessed to a heavy cart, pulling a farmer’s wife to the market, loaded down with butter, cheese, and maybe a freshly-baked loaf. The morning air was crisp, the dew sparkled on the grass, and the scent of smoke filled the air as we passed through small villages.
My master, a kind, weathered farmer called Angus, would often stop and chat with other folk along the way. We'd hear gossip, news of the crops, or tales of the latest exploits of our brave king, Robert the Bruce. Though, you probably know Robert from all your history books – the fierce warrior who defeated the mighty English!
The English, they weren't our favourite, I can tell you. They invaded Scotland all the time back then, and it was our horses who were caught in the crossfire. We'd often see battles in the distance, hear the clash of swords and the roar of men, and even see soldiers pass on their weary journeys. The sound of battle drums would always set our hearts racing, even from miles away. It’s fair to say that our horses are truly brave, wouldn't you agree?
Of course, the horses who were part of the army, the cavalry horses, those were special breeds, lean and swift, built for speed and war. I could never dream of their agility and swiftness, though, a grey draught horse like myself – I'm built for strength, not for galloping across the battlefield. But their strength was vital too. And even I could be useful! In 1300, we'd use horses for sending urgent messages as well as transport! I had the privilege of carrying the mailman's saddlebag several times. This usually involved the postal service. You'll be surprised at just how busy they kept us.
Life in 1300 wasn't always sunshine and roses. Diseases like strangles and glanders were rampant, and a bad injury meant your days were over. Winter was particularly harsh, and we'd be struggling to find enough food to keep warm. It wasn’t unusual to see horses left alone in fields, sadly neglected or worse, abandoned to their fate. It was definitely a case of the strong surviving, but there was something admirable about how we stuck together as a community.
Despite these challenges, 1300 was a fascinating time to be a horse! It was a time of constant change and development, a time when the world was starting to open up to new possibilities. For horses like us, it was a time of hard work, resilience, and courage. It was a time of pushing our physical and mental limits and making a real difference in the lives of the people we served.
Think about this, it was in this year that they held the 'Tournament of Dunfermline'! Did you know? We'd work tirelessly as 'Destriers', ridden by noble knights in jousting contests. This was something we all looked forward to. The crowds were electric, the air was thick with excitement and it was truly an honor to take part. Of course, we only watched from the sidelines with envy, longing to gallop through the dust and roar of the crowd. But those 'Destriers', they truly made it a spectacle for the ages.
Even back in 1300, we were part of important traditions, too! We weren't just horses; we were a part of the tapestry of life. For example, during the year, you might see us at weddings or christenings – sometimes carrying wedding guests in stylish carriages or patiently waiting outside churches, all decorated with ribbons and flowers. These occasions always filled us with a special energy. There was joy in the air, the sounds of laughter and music, and we could feel that people loved and appreciated us for our work and contribution to their special days.
Now, of course, it’s true there were other creatures like us back in 1300. The donkeys, sturdy and surefooted, and even those tiny but tenacious ponies were all essential, whether it was for work, transport, or for the family, the small farms, or for carrying heavy burdens. And, in all of my travels, I even saw wild horses running free on the Scottish Highlands – truly wild, beautiful creatures, completely free.
So, in conclusion, while life in 1300 might have been a lot tougher, and not without its hardships, being a horse back then meant playing an important part in shaping the world and how people lived their lives. And it wasn't always just about hard work; we played a vital part in ceremonies, celebrations, and moments of joy as well. I think this time was pretty spectacular!
Don’t forget to check in for more historical tales!
Stay well, and may your gallops be strong,
Emma.
