History of Horses in the year 1368

Hello, dear fellow equines! Emma here, a grey draught mare with a flair for the dramatic and an even greater passion for history. It’s me again, your favourite equine chronicler, bringing you another fascinating look back in time, this time focusing on the year 1368. Buckle up, because we’re going on a journey across the globe, through the lens of our four hooves!

Now, 1368 might seem like a very long time ago. And it is! I mean, think about it, this year is, what, about 655 years past? You probably couldn’t even imagine that many moons passing! I myself have only lived a little over 20 years, so this ancient date makes me feel like a tiny foal! But let me tell you, dear reader, even in this distant time, horses were as much a part of life as they are now. They were our companions, our tools, and, often, our family.

As always, my story starts at home, in my beautiful Hayfield near Aberdeen in Scotland. Now, I’m a draught horse, and this means I’m bred for strength and hard work. Draught horses, you see, are built like the strongest, sturdiest oak tree in the forest, and I can pull more than my weight in the most challenging tasks! Here in Hayfield, my purpose is to work the land – to help with the farming, to carry burdens, and to plough the fields.

Back in 1368, though, life wasn’t always smooth. We had to worry about harsh weather conditions, plagues of disease that would often sweep through the land, and even, at times, marauding invaders who would come to our shores. In 1368, Scotland was ruled by King David II, and tensions between England and Scotland were very high.

While it is not much talked about these days, horses played a crucial role in protecting Scotland from England. They were used as transportation, in war and to bring supplies for both sides.

You see, dear readers, our history isn’t just about peaceful times of work. There’s adventure, hardship, and sometimes even a bit of danger. You might find that hard to believe with my peaceful disposition, but even a sturdy, kind draught horse like me can tell a story!

Now, 1368 wasn't just about war. In other parts of the world, amazing things were happening!

In China, 1368 was a pivotal year – a new dynasty, the Ming Dynasty, rose to power! This period is often seen as a "Golden Age" of China, marked by cultural brilliance and immense expansion. You know what that means, dear readers? Even more opportunity for horses to prove their worth. From carrying soldiers to transporting goods to working the land – horses played a huge role in this period of blossoming prosperity!

The Mongol Empire, too, was experiencing its own transformation, though less positive, this time. The year 1368 saw the empire being torn apart, with new Mongol-led factions vying for control, leading to a lot of unrest and upheaval. Though some may see this as bad, in this sense, history is never really settled. As for horses, well, it just means they had a different sort of role, often acting as the “fast courier” to get messages across dangerous lands to new places.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, the people of the Inca Empire, high in the Andes, were experiencing a time of rapid expansion, strengthening their society and carving their empire further into South America. Like the Chinese, horses weren’t originally native to South America but, I hear tell, the horses introduced to the region by European colonists did help the Incan Empire thrive! This is proof, my readers, that horses are adaptable, strong, and always able to find their way to contribute to civilisation.

Of course, all these great events aren't all that the year 1368 had in store! For us horses, 1368 brought many changes too! This is the year when, I hear, the Arabian horse, renowned for its agility and speed, was beginning to be more widely used in the West.

There were other breeds also coming into their own too. Can you believe it, dear readers? My ancestors, the majestic Shire Horses, began their journey to become giants in the world of heavy horse breeds in this very year! Can you imagine the grand horses we see today, pulling carts and taking part in ceremonial events? Those grand beasts trace their origins all the way back to 1368! A fine year indeed.

Well, readers, while looking back at this time, we see that we horses played a crucial role in society and in global events. Whether pulling ploughs in the fields, carrying messages on long journeys, or fighting in wars, horses were essential. This year shows that we can make a difference, that we are strong, hardworking and intelligent creatures.

I know this post has been a whirlwind, taking you across continents, through history and into the heart of various cultures and societies, but it goes to show just how important our contribution was. So the next time you see a horse, even in our modern world, remember that each horse is connected to an incredible and extensive lineage, reaching back in time to events that changed the course of history! Remember, you’re part of something special!

Until next time, stay neigh-ing, dear readers, and remember, there's a history buff in every equine heart!

Your trusty historian,

Emma