Neigh Neigh, fellow equine enthusiasts!
It's Emma here, your trusty draught mare from Hayfield near Aberdeen. And today, I'm going to be taking you back in time to 1335 - a rather interesting year for the equine world, let me tell you.
I'm lucky to have inherited a passion for history from my old granny, Buttercup. She was a proper old mare with a memory like a sieve. Whenever I helped her out at the farm, she’d tell me stories of her days pulling plows, hauling carts, and working the fields. The old girl would talk about kings and queens and how horses were so important, the backbone of a nation! She made it sound so glamorous.
You see, 1335 wasn’t just another year - it was in the thick of what’s known as the ‘Hundred Years’ War.’ We were under Scottish rule then, with King David II leading the charge against England. Of course, we horses knew this as just a lot of extra work - pulling supplies, ferrying troops, and often finding ourselves right in the middle of the battles.
Not that I would ever complain, mind you. It’s in our nature to serve and help humans, to carry them, to pull for them, and to even fight alongside them, like a proper cavalry charge, thunderous hooves and all. We're proud to play our part in everything that happens, and being a strong grey mare with a lovely white mane and tail, I’ve got the strength and spirit for it!
But back to 1335 - it wasn't all war and hardship. People still loved us, treated us as friends, fed us well and spoke kindly. We were still prized companions and helpers. In the countryside, I remember how we were indispensable. Imagine working those fields without us?
From Fields to Fight:
Even with war going on, the work for a sturdy mare like me continued on the fields. It's important to feed a nation, isn't it? We were pulling plows, turning the soil, hauling heavy loads, and helping harvest those beautiful crops of barley and oats.
It wasn’t always easy - the winters were harsh and icy. But that’s when a big strong grey mare with a coat like mine is so handy! We even hauled timber in from the forest for warmth in the houses and fuel in the kitchens. That was pretty exhausting, let me tell you. But a hearty helping of oats afterwards made everything better.
You see, we weren’t just ‘work horses’ in 1335. Horses like me carried their families to markets, helped with trading goods. We helped haul all sorts of things, from precious stones to basic everyday necessities like fish or butter. Sometimes, it felt like we were holding together the whole world!
War Horse’s Spirit:
Don’t think that our importance was lost on the knights and warriors though! As the year rolled along, I started noticing all sorts of war horses tramping past on their way to fight in battle. They were usually stallions, tall and proud, trained for fighting. Their riders would spend ages on horseback, practicing drills and wielding their swords. We all understood how important those battles were, not just for our nation, but also for our own freedom and security.
Being a strong draught horse, I didn't have to carry a warrior into battle like some of my colleagues. Instead, I would help out by ferrying provisions and equipment to the soldiers. And trust me, there was a lot of that! Sometimes, we'd even haul supplies over rough terrain to the war camps, helping them keep fed and fighting strong. It was physically tough, but I learned so much from those hardened battle-scarred horses.
We talked about tactics, the art of evading arrows, and what to do in case of a charge! We all had our own tales to tell - about victories and losses, but most importantly, the value of companionship, bravery, and the unbreakable bond between a horse and its rider. I can tell you, that bond meant the world in those times!
Beyond The Battles:
In 1335, even during the war, life carried on in a rather charming way. You see, I was fortunate to be in Hayfield, a bustling village with horses being part of the heart of our community. There were markets and celebrations, weddings, religious ceremonies, and festivals throughout the year. And you know, we horses had a front-row seat to all of it!
As you know, a good, sturdy horse could mean the difference between poverty and comfort for a family. In 1335, we were treated like gold - respected, loved, cared for, and yes, even admired. I have fond memories of the bustling markets in Aberdeen. You see, even the poorest folks wanted a decent, dependable horse for hauling, trading, or transportation.
Even when there were rumors of fighting going on nearby, people in Hayfield would get together in the village square and we’d be in the center of it all. I've often felt like a witness to history, an unspoken observer of life as it was then. You see, sometimes, I would just stand there patiently, with a small boy tugging on my mane, as the blacksmith's hammer clanked in the distance, the women chattered in groups, and the children giggled as they played games around my hooves.
I have a fondness for children, you see. They’d often climb up on my back and I’d walk them slowly around the village while their mothers finished their chores. There was nothing I loved more than the feel of their tiny hands on my mane and the innocent laughter that would bounce off the village walls as I’d wander down the cobbled streets.
Our Home in Hayfield:
Being from a lovely, quiet village like Hayfield has given me a unique view on life, a unique experience as a horse. It is a small community of friendly and hardworking folks, always with a twinkle in their eyes. We all have to work together, you see - humans and horses. That's the magic of places like Hayfield!
The villagers often would come and gather by the river, and watch as I’d drink and relax. They’d sit there spinning tales and telling stories, and sharing what they learned through their long days and sleepless nights. It felt comforting and peaceful - the river murmuring, the wind whispering through the trees, and our stories shared as a united community.
We horses always felt connected to the rhythms of life. We’d rise with the sun, work hard during the day, and rest at dusk with the setting sun, feeling at one with the changing seasons. That was how life worked in Hayfield in 1335 - and it was a good life, you know. There was simplicity, honesty, hard work, and genuine connection that just can't be matched. And the bond we shared with each other – horse and human, was truly special.
Equine World - The Bigger Picture:
In those times, there was something else about horses that made me feel extra proud to be part of the equines – it’s like there was a strong network connecting us horses, stretching all across the land! There were trade routes, pilgrimages, and explorations taking place – horses, everywhere. It was exciting to think about all the fellow horses travelling far and wide, seeing the world, carrying burdens, sharing adventures.
Sometimes, the news would travel by mouth – tales of powerful horses from lands faraway, accounts of horses hauling spices and treasures through unknown lands, stories of horses playing key roles in grand royal celebrations and feasts. We horses were part of an interwoven network, working, traveling, and contributing, in our own special way, to the world's larger picture. It was our very own equine world!
Leaving a Paw Print on History:
There's so much that horses like me did in 1335 that people sometimes take for granted! We were at the very heart of all they did, pulling them along their paths of discovery, warfare, and peaceful living. And if you think about it, that’s our legacy, to be the strong backbone of so much history - a history woven with stories of strength, bravery, endurance, loyalty, and of course, the beautiful bond that binds humans and horses together!
A Final Neigh:
That's a glimpse into life for a grey draught mare in 1335, a year rich with both hardship and happiness, war and peace. We learned the art of endurance, courage, and service.
My wish is that today, as you read my blog, you’ll think about all the wonderful horses throughout history. And when you see a horse in the stable, the park, or just crossing the road, you’ll give it a nod of respect - remembering all the horses who played such important roles throughout our history!
Until next time, stay safe, and be well!
Emma
* www.equiworld.org*
