Hello, my fellow equines! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood grey draught mare. Today, I’m going to delve back in time to 1332, a year I imagine was as bustling with horse-related happenings as today!
You see, I was born in Hayfield, a small village near Aberdeen in Scotland, where the air always tastes a little salty thanks to the nearby sea. And 1332? It was a good year! A bumper harvest year, with the fields overflowing with golden grain, so the hay we’re known for – guess what it’s called? - Hayfield Hay, of course – was a delight to nibble on!
A Horse’s Life in 1332:
It was a time when life was simpler for a mare like me, although the work was still plenty. Every day started early, with the morning mists hanging low on the hills and the fresh air filling our lungs. We’d graze in the meadows until the farm hands called us in. My kind – strong, powerful draught horses – we weren’t the sleek steeds of the nobility. We were built for work, for pulling plows and wagons, for transporting goods and hauling logs.
Now, there were plenty of tales whispered in the stables at night, tales of grand knights on powerful chargers, charging through battlefields, but honestly? I never dreamt of such things. My world was simpler – a world of strong legs and heavy carts, of the feel of the sun on my back as I walked a furrow in the fields, and the satisfying crunch of grain under my hooves.
But life wasn't always just about the work. Even in 1332, horses played a role in sports and entertainment! Races were held, jousting was popular, and even those horses pulling carts sometimes had a chance to show their paces, galloping along country lanes to reach a new market faster. The occasional song and dance, complete with my neighs, was part of the fun too!
What Was Happening in The World of Horses in 1332?
While I may not have travelled far, there were significant changes brewing in the world of horses beyond my home. The Hundred Years’ War was starting to rumble, though the Scottish border was a distance away from our farm. We didn't hear much about it, apart from murmurs from passing merchants who spoke of kings and battles, but those stories didn't really affect our daily routine.
And yet, it was an important time for horses, because these wars were where our kind were most needed! Warhorses, fast and nimble, with sturdy hooves and a strong spirit, were the most vital companions for knights, bearing them into battle and transporting their armies across vast distances.
What really stirred my heart though were stories of Queen Philippa, the wife of King Edward III. It was said that she encouraged breeding for strong war horses, bringing in sturdy animals from abroad, with hopes to strengthen England’s cavalry. The woman was a true equine lover, and those horses needed a strong mare like me, wouldn’t you say?
Beyond the battlefield, trade and travel were changing the way horses were used. Carriage makers were producing sleek and sophisticated coaches, and some merchants even spoke of "luxury coaches," drawn by teams of four or even six! The carriages, they said, were comfortable and plush, a far cry from the rough carts we were used to. It made me wonder: Would I ever get to travel in such a fine carriage, a gentle grey mare taking a trip for pleasure instead of work?
Emma’s Reflections:
It’s been a while since I penned a post about those simpler times. Looking back on it now, I’m filled with both nostalgia and pride. The work was hard, yes, but it also brought satisfaction. We were part of the fabric of our world, providing the muscles for transportation, food production, and sometimes even entertainment.
Horses, even those who pull carts, are strong, courageous, and resilient creatures. They can endure hardship and perform amazing feats of strength and speed. In 1332, just as in every other time, horses held an essential place in human society, serving both our basic needs and our desires for adventure and entertainment.
What else was happening with horses in your time, dear readers? Share your stories! Until next time, stay safe and keep those hooves trotting!
Sincerely,
Emma
