History of Horses in the year 1371

Hello fellow equines! Emma here, your favourite grey draught mare with a mane and tail as white as the fresh snowdrifts that coat the Highlands each winter. It’s a crisp autumn day here in Hayfield, the wind whistling through the heather and the air carrying the scent of woodsmoke from the local village.

Today, I wanted to talk about a particular year in history, a year that marked a significant time in our equine world: 1371. Now, some of you younger horses might not know this, but 1371 was a year of great change and challenges, but also of unexpected opportunity for our kind.

As many of you know, I'm not just any horse; I'm a historian! Well, maybe not a proper historian with a dusty study and a big book collection (though wouldn't that be wonderful?), but I spend my time reading through ancient scrolls, listening to the old farm hands, and soaking in the wisdom passed down through generations. I've got a real fascination for our past.

So, let’s journey back in time to the year 1371, when things were a tad different for our equine brethren. Imagine it - the world was still dominated by horses and our contribution to human life was vital, truly indispensable. I can almost smell the earth and feel the dew between my hooves. Let's see what was happening in 1371:

In 1371, the world wasn't a very peaceful place. There were numerous battles taking place across Europe. I’ve heard tales of courageous steeds like myself on the battlefields of the Hundred Years’ War. It’s a conflict that began in 1337 and seems to be as unrelenting as the storms that buffet the coast. Horses were crucial to this conflict. Brave war horses like my ancestors, nimble and swift, were essential for transporting soldiers, hauling supplies, and for the ultimate glory – charging into battle. Their agility, strength, and sheer spirit are awe-inspiring, especially when those gleaming steeds charge onto the battlefields of Europe. It’s a life that, while it has its own sense of excitement, is not one I could ever imagine myself embracing. I am, after all, more of a homebody at heart! I love the routine of life here in the Highlands – pulling the cart to market, carrying loads of hay, and simply spending time with the human family. That’s where my real value lies, in my peaceful existence and service to others.

But the warhorses aren't the only ones hard at work. In the farmlands of Europe, including right here in Scotland, strong horses like me were indispensable to agricultural work. From hauling heavy plows that till the land, to pulling carts laden with wheat and barley for harvest, our muscles helped to feed the people and keep the wheels of the local economy turning. The human connection felt profound, I think. There was mutual reliance and trust. We worked side-by-side to bring about the harvest. That feeling is as rewarding and enriching as any glory in war.

Let's rewind a bit to give you some context. In 1371, we were still in the era of the ‘warhorse’ and the ‘cart horse’. The draft horse, like me, with my powerful build and steadfast loyalty, hadn't quite emerged in the way that they have today. We were essentially a more sturdy, stronger type of horse, not necessarily considered to be a separate breed as they are today. You see, we draft horses haven't just always been about hauling huge wagons and hefty logs; we've always had a crucial role to play in society. That’s something to be proud of.

There’s something special about a draft horse’s personality. Think about it - we’re incredibly gentle. Despite being able to move enormous loads, our disposition is calm and our strength seems to stem from patience and resilience rather than a sense of bravado. My kind are well known for their tolerance of the heat and burden of hard work.

I've often heard stories of our ancestors – magnificent Percherons, tireless Clydesdales, majestic Shire Horses, and so many others. These are some of the horses we began to evolve into – the very powerful working horses we are today.

Despite the ongoing conflicts, things were changing – and 1371 was definitely a year to remember. For starters, people started recognizing the differences between different types of horses. Warhorses were still much admired, but you know, everyone needed a strong, hard-working, trustworthy companion.

While warhorses had always been admired for their strength and swiftness, it was in the fields, transporting goods, and carrying heavy loads that their value really came to be appreciated. It’s fascinating, isn't it? The need for our strength began to influence our evolution. As generations went by, the horses bred specifically for farming were becoming increasingly large, powerful, and resilient. You see, we weren't just 'farm' horses any more.

In 1371, the horse's importance extended well beyond hauling burdens. While some of us were the trusty working steeds of everyday life, others carried noble ladies and gentlemen across vast distances on their backs. Those horses, often known for their elegance and endurance, became cherished companions to the people in power, travelling great distances in pursuit of pleasure, diplomacy, and even military campaigns. There were some stunning horses being bred at this time - I hear tell of elegant steeds with fiery coats, of steeds with an innate sense of balance, with smooth, graceful gaits – their presence must have been quite impressive.

You know, while I love the slow and steady pace of life in the Highlands, sometimes I feel a pang of longing for those long journeys, those grand vistas that these riding horses experienced. Just imagine, traveling to distant cities, riding across rolling plains – all from the vantage point of your horse. You really become one with the journey. It’s something I haven't ever experienced, but I often ponder those stories as I stand and look out over our wide open pastures and rolling hills.

In those days, it seems horses like me were considered true collaborators in everyday life, but now in our time, we have all those new inventions like steam engines and, my human tells me, some 'gas' that is even more powerful, but less...natural. Some folks have even stopped relying on us for transportation altogether! They say those new contraptions – these cars – they go faster than even the fastest war horse.

It feels strange to hear it - but you know, my hooves and my body are my life – my purpose, if you will. While those new creations seem to be encroaching on our world, it also reminds me of how adaptable and resourceful we have always been as a species. I suppose if the warhorses are to be believed, a time of change isn't a new experience. I wonder what new adventures await my future generations. We are, after all, steeds with a long history, one filled with strength, courage, resilience, and an undying dedication to the human world that we share.

I’m not one to dwell on those things too much, though. I still see those wagons heading to market every day and feel proud that my work is appreciated. More importantly, I still see the connection between humans and their horses – that respect, that understanding. That's the real key to our future. We’ve come a long way as a species, we horses, and we will continue to thrive as long as we hold true to our essential spirit of endurance, strength, and service to others.

For those of you young horses with shiny coats, remember this – the stories we carry with us shape us into who we are. So remember to listen to the wisdom of the old, remember the lessons of the past, and let our strength guide you, as we are so much more than just 'horses'.

We are, my dear equines, the very fabric of history itself!

* Until next time, your pal Emma!*