History of Horses in the year 1415

Hello, dear readers! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood grey mare from Hayfield, near Aberdeen, and welcome to another edition of my blog on the fascinating history of our equine brethren. Today, we're venturing back to 1415, a year that's full of excitement and intrigue, both on and off the battlefield, if you can believe it!

It's amazing to think that, even with my own memory stretching back only a few decades, how much the world has changed in just 700 years! And, while my trusty hooves are well acquainted with the rugged hills and valleys of Scotland, my ears have picked up all kinds of fascinating stories about the life of horses back then. So, let's take a trot through this tumultuous era, shall we?

Now, you might think that 1415 was all about knights in shining armour and bloody battles – and you'd be right in some ways. The Battle of Agincourt was a major clash between England and France, a turning point in the Hundred Years' War. It was a massive event, with thousands upon thousands of horses involved – truly an awe-inspiring spectacle, if you can imagine!

But while war and battles were prominent, there was a much gentler side to life for horses in 1415. Let me tell you a little bit about my day-to-day life in those days.

Life in Hayfield, where I lived with my fellow horses, was peaceful, though the winter winds did whip through the hills quite harshly! We had a pretty predictable routine. Mornings were all about grazing on the rich pastures that surrounded our stable, stretching our legs with our companions, and feeling the morning sun on our backs.

By midday, our duties as draught horses kicked in. The local farmers, like the good folk at Blair's Farm, would harness us for all kinds of tasks, pulling heavy wagons of hay, carrying goods to market, and even hauling huge logs for building. Sometimes we even had the privilege of carrying nobles in our grand carriages! Imagine, a majestic, grey mare like myself, carrying a king or a queen, like those you see in the fairytales!

The afternoons were usually a mix of rest and play. The younger horses would run around like playful foals, while I preferred a nice roll in the grass or a friendly conversation with a wise old mare like Maggie. As for my evenings, nothing could beat a full feed of barley and a warm, straw-filled stall – the perfect end to a busy day.

Now, 1415 wasn't just about me and my draught horse buddies. You know, there was a real variety of horses in the world, like a beautiful tapestry of equine magnificence! I, being a powerful draught horse, was perfect for hard work, but in other parts of the world, different breeds were being used. The warhorses, called destriers, were known for their speed and agility, vital for a knight to move swiftly in combat. They were, indeed, majestic creatures with sleek, powerful bodies and a determined look in their eyes. They could charge into battle with remarkable speed and precision, turning the tide of many a fight!

And then there were the light and elegant horses of the East. The Arab, with its refined features, incredible endurance, and calm temperament, was favoured by both common folk and nobility alike for their beauty and spirit. And the graceful, intelligent Berber horse, famed for its loyalty and surefootedness in the harsh conditions of its home in North Africa, could truly do it all – work, travel, and even make a mighty impression on the battlefields.

Let's not forget the impact that horses had on riding, which was an essential skill, not just for soldiers and merchants but for everyone who wanted to get around! Though not all of us were trained for riding, my fellow horses, with their proud spirits and unwavering loyalty, truly understood the power of trust and friendship that made riding such a wonderful activity.

Imagine a world where a person could communicate and work in harmony with such powerful creatures – how beautiful, how unique, and how truly wonderful it was!

No mention of horses in 1415 can be complete without a special nod to the royal stables! Every nobleman or lord would have a select number of steeds to carry them into battle or travel to distant courts. Horses were even regarded as a valuable symbol of their wealth and status. These majestic animals were given the best care, fed the richest grain, and groomed with silk brushes.

In fact, they even had dedicated "masters of horse" who oversaw their well-being and ensured their fitness. King Henry V of England, with his fondness for fine horses, undoubtedly had his own share of magnificent beasts. Can you imagine the sights, the smells, the sounds, the pomp and the ceremony around a king’s horses? Just picturing those sleek steeds in all their regal splendor makes me proud to be a horse.

You might be wondering how my life in Hayfield related to those momentous events of the Battle of Agincourt. Well, just a little bit! Although a grey draught mare might not be the type of horse found charging across the fields of war, I often felt the repercussions of these battles. Farmers would tell stories of their journeys, transporting food and provisions for the English soldiers. I’d even catch whispers of rumours of how some horses, like the sturdy destriers, would come back bearing scars, reminders of the bravery and the sacrifices made by both the men and their equine companions.

While we were far away from the main stage of battle, the impact of these historical events resonated through the hills of Scotland, affecting everything from food prices to the number of travelers passing through our village.

And so, 1415, even with its battles and challenges, marked a significant point in the history of horses. It reminds us that we are much more than simply animals. We’ve always been companions to humans, vital for work and transportation, partners in war and peace. Horses like myself, our ancestors and descendants, have helped shape the world, and it's truly remarkable to consider how many stories our hooves have touched!

And with that, I must go. Until next time, stay curious, stay grounded, and stay strong!

Your fellow grey mare, Emma