Neigh-hoo, my lovely readers! It’s Emma here, a grey draught mare with a snowy white mane and tail, living my best life in Hayfield near Aberdeen, Scotland. I thought it’d be fun to share some musings on the world of horses in 1490!
First, let me tell you – it was a very busy time! The year started off with a big, old bang – King James III of Scotland passed away! The Scottish throne passed to his son, James IV, who took a great liking to horses, just like me. Imagine, having a King who understood the love of a good gallop and the joy of carrying a rider! He even commissioned a famous horse book – The Treatise on Horse Riding and Handling – a true gem for those of us who are serious about our craft!
But let’s go back a bit, shall we? 1490 saw the beginning of the War of the Roses, a long and bloody conflict that wasn’t good news for any of us horses. This fight for the English throne caused quite the stir. Lots of horses were involved – brave knights charging on their steeds, carrying armour heavier than their own weight. Even me, a strong draught horse, felt a bit shaky just watching those scenes!
Despite all the war news, the year also saw exciting events, like the Knights of the Round Table jousting tournaments, a real spectacle of skill and strength! These knights, riding their prized chargers, galloped into the fray, displaying their horsemanship and skill, creating quite the roar of excitement from the crowds. I must say, seeing them gallop across the fields with banners fluttering behind, sparked a longing within me – wouldn’t it be fun to feel the wind through my mane and carry a rider into a thrilling charge? It’s an old dream, a wild one perhaps, but one I sometimes dream of!
Here in Hayfield, our life was more about farm work. Every day was a mix of pulling ploughs, carts, and hauling heavy burdens. Though these were no walk in the park, there was a sense of purpose to our days, a rhythm to the work, and the companionship of my fellow horses made it bearable. The sturdy horses, the patient dray horses, we were all part of a grand community, toiling together and contributing to the well-being of our human families. And don’t even get me started on the smell of fresh hay in the stable!
There were more peaceful events too, even in those war-stricken times. Every August, people gathered in the local village of Hayfield for a week of festivals. The festivities brought life and excitement, a beautiful time when horses weren’t just workhorses but played a part in the merrymaking too. Imagine, carts brimming with colourful produce, a joyous atmosphere of food, music, and laughter! I couldn’t have wished for anything better, apart from a bit more grass!
Now, you may be thinking – ‘Emma, a grey draught horse, wouldn’t be the star of any horse racing’. But hear me out! While the racetrack wasn't really my thing, a good sprint across the fields with the other horses on a cool autumn evening was pure bliss. Even my hefty frame could get a move on. Those sprints filled me with such exhilaration, a wild joy that coursed through my veins, feeling the ground rumble beneath my hooves and the wind in my mane.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the common horse breeds around the world during this time:
- The Destrier: You could tell this magnificent horse by his size and muscular build – a truly awe-inspiring steed fit for the great knights of the day. Strong and noble, a Destrier could carry heavy knights clad in iron and even carry them into the fray, holding his own on the battlefield. He was like a knight on four legs, a brave soul whose presence commanded respect and admiration.
- The Hackney: Oh, those graceful steps! This breed, known for its lively spirit, agility, and charming way of carrying themselves, could perform elegant paces, which made them popular with horsemen. Imagine the elegance of a Hackney pulling a coach, with a driver seated atop – an elegant carriage for a queen! It was a breed built for speed, grace, and style.
- The Irish Cob: What a gentle soul! The Irish Cob, with his strength and sure-footedness, was perfect for carrying burdens across rocky terrains and rough landscapes. This trusty companion was more than a workhorse; he was a true friend, enduring hardship with unwavering loyalty, making me proud to be part of their brotherhood.
We can’t forget our favourite: The Shire: Like myself, this magnificent horse is renowned for its strength and endurance. They were truly marvels, these majestic steeds, able to carry heavy loads over long distances. They helped with farming and transportation, even serving as war horses for the Scots and English. Imagine the sight of these imposing figures, strong enough to pull huge wagons of produce, but also gentle enough to work with farmers in the fields – an epitome of resilience and unwavering spirit!
However, we couldn't have a discussion about the world of horses without acknowledging some of the hardships. You see, diseases such as anthrax and strangles swept through many a horse community, making many suffer. As for myself, a healthy grey draught mare with a strong heart, these weren't things I fretted about – for I trusted the strong, compassionate bond with my human family. They understood the needs of each horse in our family, they took care of us when we were sick, fed us well, and treated us with care, much like the members of their own families.
I would be lying if I didn’t admit, 1490 was a time of change for our species. With war, sickness, and innovation taking place all around, even the lives of horses were beginning to change. The era was demanding innovation – new carriages, carts, and techniques, always searching for newer, better, faster means of transportation. It made for exciting times. Sometimes the changes were welcomed – more comfortable carriages meant more enjoyable rides for us horses. However, sometimes these changes brought hardships - longer journeys, harder work. But this was a testament to our resilience, and our adaptation, proving our enduring nature!
Let's also not forget, horses weren't just for hauling loads or for grand jousting tournaments. Horses brought life into every community - from messengers traversing long distances, carrying important news, to everyday life in villages. We played an indispensable role in transportation, connecting families and carrying out vital commerce – all whilst looking incredibly handsome doing it!
1490 wasn't just a year in history, it was a chapter in our story as horses – a tale of bravery, hardship, love, and adaptation, all entwined. As I pen down this entry, munching on a bit of sweet hay and relishing the warmth of the sun on my coat, I realise that, in 1490, despite all the upheaval, life as a horse had its own kind of magic. The simple pleasures of companionship, the bond with humans, and the satisfying feeling of a hard day’s work. And don’t get me started on that feeling of a gentle wind rushing through my mane! Oh, what a beautiful year 1490 was. I'm grateful to be a horse! And you? Let me know in the comments!
Stay neigh-licious,
Emma
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