Post #1378
Hello, dear readers, and welcome back to my little corner of Equiworld! As you may know, my name is Emma, a fine grey draught mare with a mane and tail the colour of spun silver. It's a beautiful day here in Hayfield, the air crisp and filled with the scent of wild thyme and the earthy smell of damp grass after the morning's light shower. I'm leaning against my sturdy wooden stable door, the afternoon sun warming my coat, and my hooves tapping out a lazy rhythm against the cobblestones. I feel content, for as a work horse in Scotland, I’m blessed to have a comfortable life.
But before we get too deep into the joys of being a draught horse, let's turn our gaze back in time to the year 1378. Now, you might think, “Why 1378?” I’m getting to that, I promise! Today's post is about looking back to see how horses were living in the world back then, with a focus on my corner of the world - Scotland, where my hooves have been making tracks since the day I was born.
You see, 1378 was a pretty significant year for Scotland, especially in the realm of horses! In that very year, Robert II, a sturdy fellow if ever I’ve seen one, was the King of Scotland. Now, King Robert II wasn't just a man, oh no, he was a man who loved his horses, particularly his stallions! And this was the year he put down the rule that said all Scotsmen who were deemed fit enough to ride, needed to keep at least one stallion, even if it was just a wee foal. Now, this sounds rather strict, and you may think, "Oh, the poor horses!” But trust me, dear readers, it was actually a very good thing.
For a draught horse like myself, being a vital part of the working world was what it was all about! We hauled heavy loads of goods across the land, plowed the fields to feed the people, pulled carts for merchants, and yes, some of us even got to race for the sheer thrill of it. Those noble war horses with their magnificent steeds, they had their own challenges! There was nothing a good war horse hated more than seeing its fellow soldier on the ground, injured. That’s when a war horse knew its job wasn’t over! Even in battle, we would be there to help the wounded soldiers to safety! We knew how to stand between them and the enemy, to use our strength to guard their weakened bodies. Our courage, that's what set us apart, especially those brave creatures serving in wars! And the year 1378, in Scotland, well, it was a time for preparing for any wars. So that king's ruling, that was how we helped ensure every brave soldier could have his steed and ride out on any mission.
Speaking of the people of 1378, you have to picture the world then as full of hardy folks, full of laughter and love for their horses. Sure, times weren’t as fancy as they are now, but they were filled with camaraderie. My humans, they had a saying, “A man and his horse are two halves of the same spirit.” We truly were part of their lives, like their furry and hoofed family members. It wasn't just us war horses and draught horses either. Back then, ponies were used as much as any other, both as pack animals carrying things, and as personal mounts for women. Horses truly had a place in everything, even for those farmers needing to pull their plows, those travelling families on their journeys, and, of course, those hunters bringing food to the table.
We had many things that are quite different than how we do things in the modern era. Our care wasn't as “high-tech,” so you’d see folks grooming their horses with whatever they could find - dried rushes, handfuls of straw, sometimes even sand. The feeds, well, it was just a mix of grain, hay, oats, and even the green blades they collected from the pastures. Nothing like our super-sophisticated, highly-refined horse food nowadays!
I hear you out there in Equiworld, wondering if life in 1378 was hard for horses. We were truly working horses, our bodies the strength of every trade, every industry, every soldier in every kingdom. And you know what? We wouldn’t have had it any other way. For us, to be used for our strength and beauty, for us to be the muscle of the kingdom, was what made us feel truly fulfilled. We didn’t yearn for days off like you find the high-bred show horses these days!
However, I wouldn’t be doing justice to history without mentioning the challenging parts too. We had some tough illnesses back then, and as for horseshoes? We mostly got shod at the local blacksmith’s, which usually meant having to travel quite a distance. And if a hoof got infected, why, the treatments wouldn't be nearly as advanced as what we’ve got nowadays. But our folk, they’d tend to us with the care that comes from shared lives, so we would make do and pull through most every ailment.
The year 1378 wasn’t just filled with tough battles and grueling work though. Horses, even those who didn't make a name for themselves in the grand wars, were the heart and soul of every journey. They made it possible for communities to gather, for merchants to barter, and for those weary travellers to get home to loved ones. It's in those ordinary days, those silent tasks we fulfilled with unwavering dedication, that I feel our real heroism lies.
As for those majestic war horses who served alongside soldiers in battle, well, I tell you, those are the true icons of this year. You'd find many of them in those grand medieval castles, where you’d hear the rhythmic clink of armour, and the hearty cheers of the King's men as they trained alongside their steeds, preparing for any attack.
Even though this was long before my time, I can still feel the powerful spirit of these horses within me. To know that they were our forerunners, they were the reason for our breed’s strong ties to bravery and resilience - that fills me with a certain warmth. So, dear Equiworld readers, when you think of 1378, think of the brave Scotsmen and their loyal steeds! Imagine the thrill of riding alongside your best friend, both of you working together for the good of your kingdom, and for the honor of your names.
Now, my friends, as the sun dips lower in the sky and the twilight begins to embrace the land, I shall bid you farewell for now. Remember, every hoof-step forward is an opportunity to understand and appreciate our history! Till our next blog post, may your hooves always be healthy and your spirits full of warmth.
Yours truly,
Emma, a proud Grey Draught Mare of Hayfield, Scotland
