From My Hayfield, with Love
Hello, lovely equines, and welcome to my little corner of EquiWorld! Today, we’re going to travel back in time, to the year 1421. It’s a year filled with history – battles, blitzes, and, thankfully, some fabulous displays of equine prowess.
I’m Emma, a grey draught mare with a mane and tail as white as the driven snow, hailing from Hayfield, near Aberdeen in Scotland. This is my little world, the rolling green hills dotted with stone walls, the scent of peat smoke hanging heavy in the air, and the sound of the waves crashing against the rocky coast in the distance. My life is a tapestry woven with the threads of daily tasks: hauling loads of hay and grain, pulling plows through the stubborn Scottish soil, and carrying our family’s produce to market. But sometimes, even a mare like me feels the pull of the unknown, the lure of adventure, the yearning to know more about the world beyond my little Hayfield.
And that brings me to 1421. Let me tell you, 1421 was a year of… let's say… activity. There was a buzz in the air, a sense of something brewing. We weren’t far from the borders of England, you see, and the political landscape in those days was… well, as chaotic as a field full of foals after a good roll in the mud!
Now, it’s not a secret that horses played a significant role in the lives of people back then. We were their transport, their powerhouses, their companions. And the year 1421 was no exception. We were the ones that carried the soldiers to battle, the ones that ferried supplies and messages, the ones that helped keep the wheels of trade and commerce turning.
The most notable event in 1421, at least from a Scottish perspective, was the Battle of Baugé, a skirmish that happened on the French soil. The Scots were in France supporting the French dauphin, Charles VII, in his fight against the English, and let me tell you, the battles weren't for the faint of heart! I heard stories from returning warriors – tales of steel clashing against steel, the roar of battle cries echoing through the air, and the stench of blood that clung to everything. Imagine the adrenaline rush of that!
While we draught horses were primarily involved in the logistics of war, transporting provisions and hauling wounded, the light and swift warhorses were the stars of the battlefield, nimble and powerful, carrying knights into the thick of battle. I’ve always admired their bravery and the way they charged headfirst into danger. Their fiery spirit reminds me of my own mischievous colt days, when I'd race across the field with the other youngsters, feeling the wind whip through my mane.
But back to Baugé. It was a fierce battle, a blur of swords and shields, the clang of armor, the earth itself trembling beneath the pounding hooves of horses. For the Scots, it was a defeat. They lost their leader, the Duke of Albany, and several other men. You know what? There’s no sugar-coating it, it was heartbreaking news to hear. My dear friend, Millie, her stallion had been at Baugé. They didn't make it back together. It still stings to think of Millie’s heart-wrenching sobs and the emptiness she carries with her.
Thankfully, though, things weren’t all grim in the world of horses in 1421. We also had the Jousting Tournaments – spectacular events of skill and athleticism. The knights, those gleaming knights with their shimmering armor, would gallop on their steeds, lances held high, aiming to knock their opponents off their mounts. Talk about thrilling!
These tournaments were much more than just sport; they were a showcase of strength, a spectacle for the public, and a symbol of royal power. In many ways, the horse was the true hero, an extension of the knight, carrying him to glory and pushing him to achieve the impossible. The grace and power of the horses performing those daring feats would be etched in everyone's memory. It was, indeed, a thrilling sight to see.
Oh, and you mustn’t forget the hunting, a pastime for the noble class! They rode their horses across the sprawling plains and forests, pursuing prey like deer, boar, and even wolf! This kind of sport demanded skill and precision, as well as a good measure of bravery. It wasn’t for the faint of heart, you know! We'd be called upon for transportation, of course, but those noble hunters favoured the spirited warhorses or their smaller, fleet-footed counterparts. And while their hunts were sometimes criticized for being a touch too excessive, let’s face it, hunting was also an important way for the nobility to practice their riding skills and hone their ability to handle a horse in various terrain and circumstances. And believe me, keeping a horse fit and well-trained took a lot of dedication.
The year 1421 saw significant changes in the ways horses were used. In particular, I was struck by how our equine brothers and sisters were beginning to be employed for transport in major cities. From hauling goods across towns and villages to carrying individuals, the city streets were coming alive with the hooves of our brethren! I read about the fascinating beginnings of the "hackney", a type of horse specifically bred for a comfortable riding experience. Isn't that wonderful? Imagine a breed of horse designed specifically to provide comfort to humans. That’s progress, you know, towards a future where all horses can thrive and work in their own unique way!
Looking back on 1421, what sticks in my mind is that horses played a pivotal role in nearly every aspect of human life in that year – from warfare and trade to sport and travel. In that sense, nothing really has changed, hasn't it? We remain the backbone of many industries, our work vital for the economy and societal progression.
Yet, even amidst all the grandeur and the turmoil of 1421, I know, deep down, that we are still just horses. We gallop across the plains with our manes flying in the wind, we graze under the warm sun, we frolic with our young ones, and we bask in the love of our human companions. In that simple life, in those intimate connections, there’s a timeless beauty and a powerful truth that echoes throughout the ages.
That’s it for this week’s EquiWorld blog post, my loves. I hope you enjoyed this little trip down memory lane! Be sure to follow EquiWorld.org for more posts about horse history, stories from our incredible equine ancestors, and updates from your favorite grey mare, Emma. Until next time!
