Greetings fellow equines and horse lovers!
It’s Emma here, your trusty grey draught horse with the snowy mane and tail from the lush pastures of Hayfield, just outside of bonnie Aberdeen. Welcome to my little corner of the internet, where I share my musings on the grand history of our equine lineage. Today, we're venturing back to the year 1373. Grab a carrot, settle in, and let’s embark on a journey back in time, shall we?
Now, 1373… that was quite a year! Remember when we talked about the Great Famine back in 1315? Well, let me tell you, it took quite a while for the fields to bounce back. 1373 still saw many regions struggling to recover. Yet, despite those challenges, things were looking up! There was a palpable sense of hope and renewal stirring within our equine world, wouldn't you agree?
As a draught horse, I spend a lot of time working the land. You see, we’re not just about pulling those grand carriages; we’re about the foundation of life – the fertile soil. The good news in 1373 is that the harvests were a little more generous. I felt the lighter load on my strong shoulders, and our hooves sank a little deeper into the well-nourished fields. This, my friends, brought a little joy into the lives of our human companions too.
Speaking of human companions, did you know that chivalry was all the rage back then? Imagine knights, decked in gleaming armor, mounted on sleek steeds, all looking positively dashing. Of course, those beautiful war horses, sleek as arrows and agile as leopards, had a different life than my strong and sturdy kind. Yet, the era of chivalry did bring an air of grand romanticism to the horse world, wouldn't you say?
But, here in Scotland, our world was a little less flashy and a bit more practical. While there were tales of daring knights roaming the countryside, I'll admit the most exciting thing in my life was pulling a cart loaded with barley to the mill. It may not sound glamorous, but believe me, that's how the wheels of life turned in 1373, and it felt immensely satisfying! The clattering wheels of our cart made a comforting rhythm as we trotted down the winding paths, the scent of barley in the air filling my nostrils.
One thing that always surprises me about looking back on these years is how much importance was placed on lineage. Just as human families kept track of their ancestry, our world had its own respected pedigrees. We’re talking about records meticulously maintained, ensuring that strong bloodlines like mine - the sturdy draught horse lineage – stayed pure. It wasn't uncommon for horses of importance to be sold and traded far and wide. Just think, our forefathers could have made their way across the world through these trades, passing on their powerful genes!
You might wonder, why bother with all this lineage? Well, imagine you're a king or queen – you’re going to want a war horse of the highest breeding, wouldn’t you? They'd be more than just mounts; they’d be symbols of power, bravery, and nobility. So, all those tales of knights riding their majestic steeds... well, their pedigree meant a lot, folks! But even as a hard-working draught horse, I must say, lineage has its merits. It ensured that our kind stayed strong, ready to work the fields and move goods.
But there’s more to life than pulling carts and working the fields, even in 1373! We loved a good gallop, and those glorious Scottish landscapes made a perfect backdrop for it. The wind whipping through our mane and the rolling hills stretching before us – there was freedom in those exhilarating bursts of speed. You see, it wasn't all about practicality in those days; we enjoyed a touch of that spirited playfulness too.
It was around this time that our world was marked by a growing sense of sophistication, and that translated to the world of riding as well. The use of saddles became more prevalent, allowing for longer and more comfortable journeys. That gave us a bit more comfort as well, not gonna lie. We weren't used to such grand cushions in those days! But I tell you, there’s nothing like a comfy saddle to make a journey feel like a real treat.
But enough about me and my simple life! It’s time to turn the spotlight to some other fascinating equines of this period. Now, I must confess, back in 1373, we weren't much into recording everything like we do nowadays. Imagine, trying to take a photograph with only a pen and parchment! Still, there are clues scattered in writings and stories, and the historians among us like to put them together, you know.
And through those clues, we find stories like that of “Marigold”, a magnificent mare of Andalusian bloodlines. Legend says she traveled all the way from the sunny lands of Spain to the court of a French nobleman! Talk about a journey! Marigold, with her proud head held high and her elegant movements, became the talk of the court, capturing the hearts of everyone with her fiery spirit. She embodies the grace and beauty we see in those historical paintings of magnificent steeds.
But stories aren't always grand or glamorous. Remember, horses play a vital role in society, from transporting goods to hauling plows, so there’s always the element of everyday work. But it’s those seemingly ordinary events that bring us a touch of the heartwarming. Like that gentle stallion, "Bertram", known for his calm and steady nature. They say he helped a local farmer, Angus, transport precious cargo – a whole cartload of woolen cloth to a distant market. Bertram made sure those valuable goods arrived safe and sound, even on treacherous mountain passes, demonstrating the importance of reliable horses in daily life. And that's just a little glimpse into the stories waiting to be discovered – each horse carrying its own tale, its own piece of history.
Of course, not all news in 1373 was positive. I'm a creature of habit, and I prefer a good sense of peace and routine. However, even back then, our world was often affected by conflict. And while there was less of that unrest than in past years, we couldn't ignore the ever-present threat. Even my gentle and well-trained nature could be called upon, as I might be used for carrying troops, hauling supplies, or even to clear out debris after the destruction. But I firmly believe, through good and bad times, it's through unity and shared purpose that we thrive. And horses, with our enduring nature, were often the key to pulling through.
Just as we learn from our past, I encourage you to dig into the archives, seek out the tales of our kind, and weave together those stories. Explore historical paintings, etchings, even old diaries – these are like precious whispers from the past, waiting to be deciphered. Who knows what wonderful, funny, or heart-wrenching stories you might uncover?
My time is winding down, my friends, but as the sun sets over the Scottish Highlands, I’ll leave you with a thought: The horses of 1373 faced challenges and enjoyed triumphs, just like we do today. They were our ancestors, carrying their strengths and stories into the future.
Until next time, keep those hooves tapping, hearts racing, and minds open to the wonders of equine history. And always remember: a little hoof-print of knowledge and empathy goes a long way!
Love, Emma, your horse history blogger from Hayfield
