A Neigh-tive History of Horsepower, by Emma the Draught Mare
Hello, lovely readers! Emma here, a grey draught mare from Hayfield near Aberdeen, and I’m delighted to welcome you to my blog, EquiWorld. This month, I thought we’d journey back in time, to the year 1322.
It was a time of great change, not just in the human world, but also in the horse world. Imagine, my dear readers, no tractors or lorries! Our ancestors pulled plows, carts, and even wagons for long journeys. We were the backbone of the Scottish economy and played a vital role in society, much like we still do today!
Now, 1322 saw the start of King Robert the Bruce’s wars against England. The men of Scotland had suffered greatly under English rule, and the king, with us horses by his side, fought bravely for their independence. Sadly, our journey into that era is marred by conflict. There were so many of us lost on the battlefield. But I also recall the spirit of the Scottish soldiers and their love for their loyal horses.
It was, though, a very busy year for us horses! I wasn’t born in that era, mind you, but my gran told me stories from her youth about all the horses pulling the royal carts. Those were mighty heavy carts, carrying everything from provisions and weapons to the King and Queen themselves. We even transported mail across the land.
Imagine, dear readers, all those important papers and messages, all in my hooves!
And can you imagine how hard we worked, hauling loads of crops across the fields, transporting lumber, and ferrying materials to build those grand castles, each stone painstakingly placed? A mare needs a good feed after a long day like that, I can tell you. It was a lot of work, but we felt a sense of purpose, knowing that our toil helped the whole community.
In our spare time, there were exciting games to be played in the meadows, and I loved a good canter along the hills. Our wild relatives were also a sight to behold, racing through the Highland glens, free and untamed. Oh, the thrill of that! And, the scent of the wildflowers - oh, such a delight to breathe in as we galloped in the sunshine.
Speaking of wild horses, 1322 saw the beginnings of organized wild horse hunting! Can you imagine that? You may think it cruel, but this tradition was practiced across the world, to thin the herds, hunt for meat, and use the horse hides and bones. Sad, really, because their freedom and the power they represented were quite something. It's worth noting that some regions used hunting more strategically, only culling specific numbers. This is very similar to the managed hunting programs we have in place today!
While we worked diligently throughout the day, our evening ritual usually involved returning to the stables with a sigh of contentment. We enjoyed the simple pleasures: a good feed, a warm stall, and the comforting company of our fellow horses. You can’t imagine the feeling of a deep sleep after a long day. You fall into it the way you fall into a lovely soft field of daisies!
We were much loved by the human families, too. My great-aunt told me about the tales of ancient folk, who thought of horses as more than just farm animals; they believed in our special connection with magic and the fae. Now, you know I have a strong mind, I just love to think that perhaps these old myths weren't too far off! I just wish I could get more time to spend with my hooves resting in the green, dewy fields. We weren’t pets, dear readers, we were working companions, sharing a mutual respect with the humans who relied on us. They had the skill and intellect, and we had the power and the loyalty. Together we got things done!
There is also a lovely sense of community within our herd, dear readers. It's like our own little world, built on trust and understanding. I'll admit, sometimes, we got into arguments over who had the best spot in the stables, or who got to eat the juiciest hay. However, overall, we stuck together, especially during hard times. There were never times, in my experience, when we doubted our human companions.
And that’s a little bit about life for horses back in the year 1322, through my hooves. It wasn’t all rosy, but I wouldn’t trade those experiences for anything. Each of us is part of a bigger story, dear readers. Even if the world looks very different now, and technology has changed everything, we can still take a moment to be grateful for those who came before us.
Keep on neigh-ghing!
Emma
EquiWorld.org
