Hello fellow equines and horse-loving humans! Emma here, a grey draught horse with a flowing white mane and tail, hailing from the quaint village of Hayfield near Aberdeen in Scotland. It’s a crisp autumn morning, the air thick with the scent of peat smoke and damp earth. The wind whips through my mane, carrying with it the cries of gulls soaring over the North Sea. It's a beautiful morning, but even on days like this, my mind often wanders to the past, and the rich tapestry of our equine heritage.
This blog, my dear readers, is dedicated to exploring the history of our equine kind, telling stories from long ago. Today, we are taking a journey to the year 1370. Buckle up!
1370: The Year of the Draught Horse
This year, 1370, was a time of immense change and transition for our kind. It was a time when the sturdy, hardworking draught horse reigned supreme, the backbone of the burgeoning European economy. It was a time before the frivolous carriage horses of later centuries, before the glamorous racehorses and the majestic war horses, and long before the pony breeds we know today. We, the powerful and patient draught horses, were the stars of the show, carrying the weight of the world upon our broad shoulders.
Imagine, dear reader, the bustling market streets of London, or the quaint towns of Scotland. You'd see us pulling heavy wagons laden with goods - farm produce, building materials, salt and spices - vital for sustenance and trade. In the fields, we were essential for ploughing the land, preparing for the next harvest.
My Life as a Draught Horse
Speaking from my own experience, life for a draught horse like me wasn't glamorous. It was, however, incredibly fulfilling. I was a proud member of the farming community in Hayfield. Every day brought new challenges and rewards. I’d begin the day at dawn, yoked to the plough alongside my stablemate, Angus. Our sturdy bodies moved with the grace of seasoned athletes, cutting furrows in the soil, prepping the ground for crops. We were vital to the community's survival, helping them to produce food for themselves and for the growing cities.
Life on the farm was hard work, no doubt, but also rich in companionship. We'd share tales with our fellow horses as we ambled down the cobblestone paths of Hayfield. The villagers treated us well, understanding our importance to their livelihoods. I'd enjoy a hearty feed of oats, fresh hay, and the occasional apple from the local orchard. My humans knew the value of a well-fed horse, and that a strong, healthy animal meant a stronger community.
Life in 1370 for my Brethren
Outside Hayfield, our kind was heavily employed by merchants and nobles throughout Europe. The bustling city of Paris would be awash with horses, pulling heavy carts filled with luxury goods - fabrics, furs, and fine wines - imported from across the continent.
In the distant land of Italy, artisans used horses to haul stone blocks for cathedrals and palaces, adding a grand scale to the structures that still grace the Italian landscape today.
A New Dawn for Equestrianism
Despite the hard work, life in 1370 wasn't all labour. In fact, our role as companions began to gain recognition. The knights and lords, though using us for warfare and travel, developed a special bond with certain breeds we refer to today as 'warhorses'. The bond they formed with their mounts was one of deep trust and respect. I believe that the bond of respect for horses has continued to grow, and will last through the centuries to come.
The Challenges We Faced
Life was not without hardship. The prevalence of disease like the ‘common cold' in humans also affected us. Many horses succumbed to contagious illnesses that travelled swiftly across continents. It's a stark reminder of the importance of preventive medicine and horse-specific treatments for the well-being of our kind.
We also faced dangers on the roads. We encountered robbers, bandits, and hostile wild animals. These threats demanded great courage and fortitude from us horses, and even sometimes the protection of our human partners. However, it's amazing to reflect on the strength and resilience our breed had, as we continued to persevere through all the trials.
Looking Ahead
As a horse in 1370, I looked towards the future with optimism. The demand for strong horses remained steady. The skills needed for ploughing, transport, and other tasks were crucial to human life. Even though I am no longer living in 1370, I'm certain that the lessons learned about resilience, dedication, and cooperation between humans and horses have shaped our world to the benefit of us all.
I am so grateful to have lived in an age where horses were not only recognised for their usefulness, but also valued as powerful companions. As we march towards new eras in horse history, I believe that our role will evolve even further, forging stronger and even deeper bonds with our human companions.
Until next time, happy trails!
Emma, The Hayfield Draught Horse
P.S. Do leave a comment and let me know if you'd like me to explore any particular historical period. I am excited to share our incredible equine history with you all!
About Emma's Equiworld Blog
This is just the start of Emma's journey through history. Keep checking back on the Equiworld website for her weekly blog entries about our fascinating equestrian history! In upcoming posts, Emma will be exploring:
- The Black Death and its Impact on Horses (1346-1353)
- Horse Racing - The Dawn of Sport (14th Century)
- Horses in the Renaissance (15th Century)
- Horses in the Middle East (Various Historical Periods)
We encourage all equine enthusiasts and history buffs to join Emma on her fascinating journey through horse history. Stay tuned for more engaging blog posts, packed with stories of the extraordinary creatures we know and love!
