History of Horses in the year 1428

Hello, my dear readers, and welcome to my EquiWorld blog! I'm Emma, a 20-year-old grey mare with a snowy white mane and tail, and I've had the pleasure of living in the beautiful Hayfield near Aberdeen, Scotland, for all of my life. You could say I'm a seasoned veteran, having seen my fair share of harvests, fairs, and everything in between. Today, we'll be journeying back to 1428, a year that still resonates deeply within my equine heart.

The world of 1428, a bustling time indeed, felt very different from our more modern-day horse-world. We were absolutely central to the economy and daily life of humans. My family and I, a strong team of draught horses, worked tirelessly in the fields, cultivating the soil and ensuring a good harvest for the kind humans who cared for us. The smell of fresh-turned earth and the vibrant hues of the fields were a joy to my senses, making each day a reminder of the valuable role we played.

In those days, communication and travel were slower, making the journey of our steeds even more significant. My cousins, some of the more adventurous types, travelled far and wide with carts carrying goods and nobles to distant cities. They spoke of exciting adventures in lands beyond our home, telling stories of bustling markets, magnificent cathedrals, and the imposing grandeur of castles, places I only ever dreamed of visiting.

While most horses spent their days pulling ploughs, transporting goods, and serving as steeds for nobility, some were chosen for more elegant pursuits. We heard tales of beautiful steeds from France, trained for jousting tournaments. The clanging of armour, the excitement of the crowd, and the sheer power of these noble beasts filled the air, making our hearts stir with a thrill.

1428 also brought its own challenges. This was the time of the Hundred Years' War, a period of bitter conflict between France and England. While I was fortunate to live far from the battlefields, stories of valor and bloodshed made their way to even our secluded Hayfield. Imagine, my dear readers, the fear of being pressed into military service! Such tales made our hearts heavy, even as they also filled us with awe for the horses who stood strong amidst the tumult of battle.

Yet, despite these shadows, hope shone bright. 1428 marked the year of the birth of a powerful figure - Joan of Arc. Though just a young maiden, she played a significant role in the war. Many legends surrounding her involve her connection with horses. Tales whisper about her inspiring speeches given from horseback, and of her valiant spirit reflected in the magnificent steeds she rode into battle. We, the horses, instinctively recognised a leader when we saw one. We admired her unwavering strength, the quiet courage in her gaze, and the way she spurred her mount into the fray with a fiery conviction.

But 1428 wasn't just about wars and struggles. It was a year teeming with joy, beauty, and wonder, each a reminder of the intrinsic beauty of our lives as horses. We felt the thrill of the breeze in our manes as we galloped across open fields, the scent of wildflowers filling our nostrils. We relished the quiet moments of peace, grazing peacefully beside our fellows, sharing the warmth of camaraderie. We were truly blessed to live amongst such majestic landscapes, feeling the changing seasons through our sensitive bodies - the sharp chill of winter, the gentle warmth of spring, the languid days of summer, and the crispness of autumn, each one an enriching experience.

As a grey draught horse, life in 1428 wasn't a fairytale, but a life of toil and hard work, each day a testament to our resilience. But it was a life full of warmth, of family, and of our strong bond with humans. Even though our lives may seem different now, the memories of 1428, a time when we played a critical role in every facet of society, remain ingrained in my heart.

To the horses of today, who lead more sheltered and pampered lives, I say this: remember the contributions your ancestors made, their hard work, their spirit. You are inheritors of their legacy. Remember the tales of your forefathers who braved the harsh realities of 1428. For though the world may change, the love for horses, the respect we command, the powerful spirit of the equine race – these endure, a constant echo in our hearts.

This is just one year of my journey, a journey I share with all of you. Thank you for joining me. Let us carry the legacy of those who came before, strive for excellence, and continue to spread the beauty and power of the horse world.

Till next time, my dearest readers,

With love,

Emma, the Grey Mare

Let's explore 1428 a little deeper! Join me as we journey through this year and understand the world of horses in the year 1428.

Every morning, I’d wake up in the stable alongside my family – my brothers, sisters, and my dear mother. We would stretch and yawn, then receive our morning meal, a blend of hay, oats, and barley, which sustained our strong bodies and gave us the energy for our busy days. After a good meal, we were ready to work! My family was primarily used for farming. We would pull the heavy plows through the fields, turning over the rich earth for planting. A hearty breakfast, strong reins, and the skilled guidance of the farmers meant the job was a dance, even if demanding! The scent of the earth, the changing colours of the fields, were a part of us – our equine experience. We were a symphony of muscle, hooves, and unwavering strength, working in sync with the land and the humans we trusted.

In Hayfield, a significant portion of the horses worked on farms like ours, supporting the lifeblood of the village and wider regions. The crops we cultivated were vital, feeding the families who, in turn, nurtured us with love and care. A true symbiotic relationship, we horses knew our value. Yet, this was just one aspect of the horse world. Horses in 1428 played roles in various areas, reflecting the depth of our bond with humans.

1. Horses as Carriages and Transportation: My cousins, more outgoing than I, travelled further than the edges of Hayfield. We heard about their adventurous lives – pulling coaches for noblemen, carting goods across villages and bustling markets, hauling cargo over challenging terrains, they truly saw the world! The horses used for transportation, while equally strong, were often bred differently. The more slender breeds, swift and agile, excelled in delivering messages or carrying riders on horseback.

2. The Majesty of Knights and Steeds: The Hundred Years’ War was far from Hayfield. We would only hear snippets of news, brought by travellers who’d braved the battlefields. Horses played a crucial role, carrying heavily armoured knights into battle, or even charging at the frontlines. We respected the strength and skill of the warriors, yet longed for peace and stability.

3. Beyond War: Horses for Recreation and Sports: Horses also played a role in entertainment. We were even present at sporting events! Games and tournaments attracted horses with specific talents - speed, endurance, grace, and an inherent trust with their human partners. Tales from our cousins spoke of noble breeds trained for races, pulling elegant carriages, or participating in archery tournaments.

*4. The Power of The "Horse of The Year": * The year 1428, as with any year, saw the emergence of famous steeds. We heard whispers of legendary horses from other lands - famous for their beauty, strength, speed, or for performing daring acts. The “Horse of the Year” – whether known for feats in war or athletic prowess – always remained a symbol of hope and strength.

While not as sophisticated as our modern-day stables, 1428 saw strong ties between horses and humans. We were considered valuable members of society, cared for, nourished, and revered for our power and usefulness.

• A Strong Diet and Daily Exercise: The farmers and those who owned us took great care in ensuring our diet. We had our own dedicated sheds with bales of hay, nourishing grain, and access to clean water. We were trained for daily exercise, keeping us healthy and ready for our responsibilities. Our stables, while humble, provided shelter and kept us warm in harsh weather.

• Human Connection and Mutual Trust: Horses weren’t merely tools. We were considered companions, friends, even confidantes by some! This strong bond with our owners and caretakers meant we had the advantage of trust and companionship. They ensured we received proper medical care. We were a valued asset and treated with respect and compassion.

• *The Power of Tradition and "Horse-Speak" : * From generation to generation, knowledge of horses passed down through the family and community. Human skills and techniques - of riding, shoeing, training – were all developed and handed down. We horses had a language too - subtle nuances of ears, head movements, and tail flicks communicated moods, desires, and even danger!

For me, 1428 was about more than just chores or roles – it was a rich tapestry woven from the beauty of life itself. The vast Scottish landscapes, with rolling hills and emerald fields, was a haven. Our hooves thundered across meadows. The scent of wild heather filled the air as we grazed under a canvas of clear skies, starlit nights, or the majestic glow of a full moon. We shared laughter and companionship, creating lifelong bonds with other horses and humans alike.

We may not have lived the sheltered, often luxurious, life of many horses today. But ours was a life deeply rooted in the rhythm of nature, intertwined with the hopes and fears, the joys and struggles, of the humans who lived alongside us. It was a time of connection and mutual understanding, a tapestry of hard work and dedication.

In my next post, we’ll venture deeper into specific tales, delve into what humans ate, what their traditions were like. The world of 1428, as I've shown, is not only about work but about a relationship, a tapestry woven from horses, humans, and the land, forever linked in the heart of history.

Until then, let’s cherish the heritage of our horses, past and present, their unique place in human history!

With love, Emma, the Grey Mare