Welcome, fellow equines! Emma here, a grey draught mare with a flowing white mane and tail, from the lovely hills of Hayfield near Aberdeen. Today, I'm sharing a snippet of history - 1484, to be precise. You wouldn't believe what was going on in the equine world back then!
For starters, King James III, a man with a penchant for the finer things in life (especially good horses!), was on the throne in Scotland. In 1484, he had his eyes set on strengthening our cavalry, because he knew how valuable we are for defence and transportation. The Scottish Army was looking particularly strong, and there were rumours that war was on the horizon. I heard the soldiers praising our powerful breeds, especially those that had Scottish bloodlines, the sturdy Highland Ponies.
That brings me to something I found very exciting. There was this lovely pony from the Isle of Skye called "Piper" that had earned quite a reputation. Now, this was no ordinary pony; they say he had amazing agility and intelligence! Not just a handsome fellow but clever too - can you believe it? He even led a pack of horses! That was one heck of a sight!
I also heard a rumour about a young prince, a fellow with a strong passion for horsemanship and even stronger bonds with us. The stories I've heard about this prince (some call him "Prince James," but I like to call him the "Horseman Prince") are fantastic. They say he learned to ride and handle horses before he could even walk properly! Can you imagine? It sounds incredible, even for someone who knows us horses well like me. They tell tales of his deep understanding of our needs, how he understood us better than any human in the entire kingdom. Now, those are some talents!
But let's talk about a slightly more dramatic affair: a great battle happened that year. The "Battle of Sauchieburn," that's what it was called. You wouldn't believe the number of horses on that field! I can still feel the energy that must have been swirling through the air in that battlefield – a mix of anticipation and fear. They say some of us fell on that field, some lost their companions in the chaos, but that's just the reality of war, my friends. And let's not forget, without the horses, both armies would have been defeated! We play an essential role in that, in defending our kingdoms.
Life in Hayfield continued at a much quieter pace. My fellow mares and I spent our days working the fields and assisting in carrying heavy loads, sometimes as pack animals to market, or for other local errands. Of course, the local smiths kept us well-shod and in fine fettle - and with good reason, because we were absolutely vital. Every day felt meaningful as we worked together as a team to keep things going for our families, communities, and even the Royal Court! It's amazing how much our work meant! We had a very strong bond with each other; you know how much we cherish our companionship and friendship. The farm was also home to a few spirited foals that would leap and play, their energy an absolute delight to witness! We older horses loved seeing their playful joy!
I recall being told that there was a new trend starting in 1484 in Hayfield. The farmers wanted their draught horses to be as robust as they could be. This was nothing new. However, I could sense a change. People were becoming more aware that a draught horse needs not just strong legs but a good spirit too. It was an interesting change!
And, can you believe it? New breeds started appearing that year, making their way from overseas. We weren’t sure about them at first; sometimes change can be a bit unnerving for us horses, wouldn't you say? These new arrivals had bigger, stockier frames with thick necks and powerful hindquarters! We heard stories that they were amazing at ploughing the fields, with more stamina than some of our horses back home. Interesting! It felt like we were beginning an exciting new chapter.
Overall, 1484 was quite a year. The year itself felt significant! Even though Hayfield felt like a peaceful world, far away from all the drama, we definitely experienced some great change in 1484, that is certain.
And now, dear readers, it is your turn! Tell us about your memories of 1484 - did you also have some wonderful moments to share? Leave a comment on www.equiworld.org! I eagerly await your stories and experiences. Until next time, friends.
Yours in Hooves, Emma.
Equine World Post 1484
