Greetings, fellow equines and horse enthusiasts! I’m Emma, your resident history horse, reporting live from my stable in Hayfield, near Aberdeen. As always, we’re going back in time for a peek into horse life in another year - today we’re going to take a gallop back to 1361. Buckle up, it's a rather exciting one!
Now, 1361 – it was a time of change for many things, but horses, as always, played their part. We, as horses, have always been adaptable, even as the world changed around us. I am, as you all know, a Shire horse, so I’m taking this opportunity to shine a light on our brethren. Yes, this blog is all about the Shire, the strength of this incredible breed and how they helped people navigate a time of major upheaval. You’ll be amazed by how our Shire ancestors continued to pull their weight in so many ways, and I promise you – it will leave you feeling rather proud!
Firstly, let’s look at what the world was like in 1361. You know that thing about the "Black Death" they keep talking about? Well, in this year, it arrived in England and spread its unwelcome wings across Europe. As a Shire horse in 1361, we didn’t have to worry about getting sick – we had tougher constitutions than the people. We just carried on with our lives, oblivious to the illness ravaging humanity. In a way, you could say we kept the world going while the humans dealt with their woes. It’s quite sad, really, that something so dreadful could be happening while our lives were filled with pulling, hauling and carrying loads for our human families. As a Grey Shire with a beautiful white mane and tail, I can imagine what it was like back then – the farmers were more dependent on our strength than ever.
Back in Hayfield, our lives were pretty typical. It’s what most Shires did, you see. Pulling ploughs, hauling carts full of produce from the fields to market, sometimes carrying heavy stones to build those impressive manor houses that our lords and ladies lived in. We were crucial. Even the smallest farm relied on horses for pretty much every task imaginable. In 1361, with all the plague happening, we were just even busier. The Shires just carried on, delivering necessities and food across the land - we had a tough job, but it was also a honorable one. We weren’t fussy; as long as there was a good supply of oats and a pat on the neck from our farmer, we were happy!
Let’s talk about horses in England around this time. I am lucky to have come from the fertile pastures and rolling fields of Scotland. But down South, it was all about the warhorses! Imagine this, big, strong chargers carrying knights with all their armour - it must have been quite a sight! They were the backbone of chivalry and they certainly pulled their weight (in every sense of the word!) They fought in battles, guarded castles and even used their speed to send messages to distant lands. They were true heroes – always brave, even if the war itself wasn’t so great. In 1361, the world was starting to lose the habit of war, and so thankfully, these wonderful steeds had a bit more peace.
Another aspect of horse life in England in 1361 that interests me was their use in agriculture. Shires, like me, were the go-to workhorses, and we certainly had a job on our hands. You know those giant plows? Yeah, it took a horse of good size and strength to work them, and our Shire ancestors were up to the task. I read about how horses were even used for things like powering mills to grind grain - think of it, providing all the energy from their own power!
In terms of horse care and breeding in 1361, the human's knowledge about us wasn’t as sophisticated as it is now, I can tell you that. I am grateful to my modern-day horse owners who have learned much about feeding and exercise over the years! They didn’t have vets and specialist feed as they do now. Back in 1361, if we got sick, the farmer had to use his common sense. I am lucky, of course, to be a sturdy Shire! They mostly took good care of us back then, feeding us what they could, keeping us dry, and offering a little warmth when it was cold. I’d have to say that even then, human’s appreciated horses, and their work was valued!
While talking about Shires in England and their dedication to work, I can’t ignore our role in a less pleasant side of history: the slave trade. I understand that some Shires were used for this horrible purpose in other countries. I imagine the journey would be arduous and very unpleasant – but I know this to be just one chapter of a complex history. I feel compelled to be honest, so I hope it's ok with you, fellow Equines, if I mention it. However, it’s something that we must acknowledge and, most importantly, use as a lesson for the future - because our mission is to help people learn about the rich history and diversity of horse breeds around the world and to foster empathy and kindness to our animal kin, from the smallest pony to the mightiest draft horse.
It is important for all of us to acknowledge the injustices that have taken place in history, but it’s equally important to acknowledge the incredible spirit of the horse - how we’ve always been adaptable and ready to help humanity, no matter what. This is especially true for our mighty Shires - even when facing trials and tribulations, we always did what we had to do! I always say: every time someone looks back in time, it makes us more appreciative of how much life has changed - and how fortunate we are to be living in an era where respect and compassion are on the rise! So thank you for sharing this trip back in time!
To round off my blog post on 1361, I'd say it was a big year for Shires in particular, showing just how crucial and valuable we were! We were vital to society's everyday needs. From hauling farm produce to assisting the nobility - we proved our strength and our loyalty! So there you have it - my little peek into the horse world of 1361, as told by a Grey Shire named Emma.
Until next time, readers.
