Neigh-sday Everyone!
It's Emma here, a grey mare with a white mane and tail, hailing from the bonnie highlands of Hayfield, near Aberdeen in Scotland. I'm delighted to welcome you to another post on my horse history blog! This week, we're taking a gallop back in time to the year 1328, a pivotal year for horses and humans alike!
I've been doing some serious digging - literally, sometimes - into historical records and am eager to share what I've found with you! So saddle up, grab a cuppa (and maybe a carrot for your equine companions!), and join me on a journey to 1328!
A Kingdom Under Siege
The year 1328 began under a dark cloud. Scotland, our homeland, was still struggling under the thumb of the English King Edward III. It felt like every day was a battle for freedom, a struggle for independence. I remember seeing the fiery, fierce glint in the eyes of the Scottish men and women, their determination to break free. I could feel it too, running through my own veins.
Our sturdy Draught horse brethren played a crucial role in this battle. Imagine us, strong and powerful, pulling carts of supplies and munitions, bearing warriors on our backs, forging across treacherous terrain. We were the backbone of Scotland’s resistance, a constant presence in the face of hardship.
More Than Just War Horses
Though 1328 was marked by conflict, our equine world wasn't all about battles and bloodshed. While the Scottish men and women fought tirelessly for freedom, the life of a working horse remained constant. Our skills in ploughing, transporting goods, and carrying burdens were still crucial to daily life.
My own family, for example, was busy with farm work. I helped my mother haul sacks of grain to the mill, while my siblings pulled the plough across the fertile fields, their coats gleaming in the Scottish sun. We even pulled carts of produce to the market in nearby Aberdeen, always stopping to enjoy a juicy bite of grass on the way!
Beyond the Highlands
It's also interesting to look beyond Scotland in 1328 and see how horses were playing their part around the world. In England, they continued their tireless work in farming and transportation, their hooves beating a steady rhythm in the busy streets of London.
Over in France, things were slightly more adventurous. The king, Philippe VI, had a fascination with hunting and rode often through his royal forests. Imagine me galloping across a meadow of wildflowers, the wind in my mane as the thrill of the hunt surged through me! Now that would be a memory I wouldn't forget!
The Rise of the 'Gentle Giant'
And, oh, how our gentle, majestic brothers, the Warmbloods, were coming into their own in Europe! Their grace, speed, and stamina made them excellent mounts for the knights and lords. Imagine being chosen by a brave knight, charging into battle, or, perhaps, taking your rider on a jousting tournament, the crowds roaring with excitement.
The Royal Family of Horses
While ordinary horses like me helped fuel the nation’s economy and warfare, there were others who enjoyed the finer things in life. These noble creatures, bred for speed and grace, lived in the royal stables, pampered by the best grooms, fed the finest hay, and groomed to perfection! Imagine strutting through a grand stable, your coat shimmering with a rich polish, feeling the pride of your noble lineage!
A Message of Hope
Despite the harsh realities of war, 1328 was a time of remarkable resilience for our equine brethren. We demonstrated our strength, courage, and unwavering dedication to humankind. It is this very strength, combined with our intelligence, spirit, and loyalty that continues to be an inspiration to people, just as it was 700 years ago!
That’s it for this week's journey through 1328. I'd love to hear your thoughts, and any other insights you have about this fascinating era. Perhaps you're descended from a horse that was there, or maybe you just love history as much as I do!
Till next time,
Emma
Equiworld.org - Let’s Talk Horses!
