History of Horses in the year 1482

Hello, my lovely Equiworld friends! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood draught horse from Hayfield near Aberdeen, Scotland. It's the year of our Lord 1482, and the spring air is fresh with the scent of wild thyme and blooming gorse. The fields are a tapestry of green and yellow, and the sun shines warm on my back as I munch on my breakfast of barley and oats.

Today, I thought I'd share a little bit of my world, and what a glorious world it is! For a mare like me, 1482 is a time of strength and service. I’m twenty years old, and my powerful frame and gentle nature make me a valuable member of the farm. You see, being a strong, trusty mare with a beautiful grey coat, a snowy white mane and tail, I'm an excellent draught horse. It’s a role I love! Each day is full of adventure and purpose, from pulling the plough in the fields, to hauling heavy carts to the local market.

But I digress. Today's post isn’t about me - though I am pretty fabulous, if I do say so myself! Instead, it's all about what's happening in the world of horses in 1482. You might be surprised at just how much is going on!

Firstly, the popularity of horses for riding is definitely on the rise! While we draught horses are the backbone of farm life, the noble steed is increasingly seen as the preferred mount of those with a thirst for adventure and a desire to explore. It's all the rage in England, especially amongst those wealthy enough to afford a fine, swift warhorse or a handsome charger. This increasing use of horses for riding is even influencing our own daily lives. Just last week, a passing traveller came to our farm riding a beautiful chestnut mare. She told us of the upcoming “Horse Fair” in Stirling - an event I am determined to attend!

It's not all glamorous equestrianism though. Sadly, 1482 is also a time of turmoil, with wars and conflicts raging across Europe. King Edward IV, the king of England, is still involved in a series of bloody clashes with Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick - known as the "Kingmaker". These are turbulent times, where the power of the horse on the battlefield is undeniable. From brave warhorses charging across fields of battle to swift chargers carrying messages from the battlefield, horses play a crucial role. I think of the horses of war as brave heroes. They stand as strong, loyal companions in times of immense courage. They are brave creatures indeed!

This past month, I even overheard some human villagers speaking about art featuring horses. They were particularly intrigued by paintings of magnificent horses - some depicting the battlefields and some representing grace and beauty. They say these artistic renderings capture the essence of the horse. Some were even lamenting that, in this year, 1482, some artists prefer to portray the human figure and lack the mastery needed to properly depict the magnificence of the horse! My human friends, perhaps we are more magnificent than any portrait or statue could ever convey!

There’s even a story spreading about a horse named *‘Black Bess’, a magnificent mare whose courage and strength has become a legendary story! * She’s even been immortalised in folk songs, about her deeds during a recent campaign in Scotland. Such a noble steed. Her name will surely echo down through history.

Although riding and warfare take centre stage in the grand theatre of human history, our noble draught horses continue to play a vital role in keeping the wheels of daily life spinning. Here at Hayfield, I and my fellow draught horses are constantly hard at work. It’s important work and it has not lost its importance since 1482.

The plough we draw through the earth is an essential tool, ensuring the vital food supply for our village, our towns and cities. The carts we haul, full of grain, hay and livestock, help connect people, keeping trade and life flourishing. Our hard work is truly the cornerstone of human survival.

• Horse breeding continues to be of immense importance! The skills and traditions of breeders are a key part of life. My foals from a few years ago are now maturing beautifully.

• Horses continue to be treasured in human society. There are always people in villages sharing tales of their beloved steeds. Many a fireside has been warmed with such stories - about horses racing across fields, galloping in the meadows and enjoying life with their human friends. They love us, these humans, for we truly are loyal and powerful companions!

• Farriery continues to flourish. These men and women play a vital role in our well-being - keeping our hooves trimmed and shod. These skilled craftsmen are much valued. The quality of their craftsmanship dictates how smoothly we are able to work and play.

As I conclude my blog post for this month, I leave you with this thought, my Equiworld friends - let's appreciate our strength and our gentle hearts. Horses have always been more than just beasts of burden. They have served humanity faithfully, from the farm to the battlefield and the royal courts. And I for one will continue to be an active, helpful and vibrant part of the fascinating world of horses! Until next time, stay well and strong, and may your hoofs always find good ground to trod!