Hello, dear readers! Emma here, your resident grey mare from Hayfield near Aberdeen. It's been a busy year, and not just because of the extra hay I’ve been needing with the cold snap that's come in! Today I'm taking you on a trip back to 1493, a time of change and discovery, for both horses and humans.
A Scottish View
1493 dawned grey and crisp in my beloved Hayfield. It's a lovely place for a mare – rolling hills dotted with wildflowers, crystal-clear streams that taste sweet, and plenty of friendly sheep and cows for a chat with. Of course, with those sheep, comes plenty of work too! It’s not just a mare’s life of rolling in fields and enjoying the sun. No siree! My strong breed - they call us "Clydesdale", or "Scottish Draught", whatever suits! - is known for pulling carts and hauling heavy loads. I find that quite rewarding, actually. Especially when the village folk sing praises to our sturdy necks and powerful haunches as we help them bring in the hay and wheat harvest. It feels good to be useful.
This year, we're busy preparing for the Edinburgh Fair. I understand that, in human years, that's called a 'sheep fair' where, funnily enough, they also show off some amazing draught horses. It’s a prestigious event and I've heard whispers that our stablemaster might enter me to pull a plough. That would be a feather in my cap, indeed!
A Glimpse Beyond Scotland
You see, we've got whispers of other horses far, far away too. Stories of how there are even bigger horses in other lands, with long legs and swishing tails, that were discovered by human explorers on new shores. Apparently, they call these 'Arabian horses' and they are swift and graceful – perfect for travel and even war. Though, for me, it’s still a secret how humans manage to reach such distant places without me to carry their burdens. What a waste of manpower, that’s what I say!
We've also heard of something called a 'new world' across the big, salty ocean. Sounds dangerous, with big monsters and unpredictable beasts. My friends at the inn recount how some human travellers came to visit, describing this new land in breathless detail – a world of strange flora and fauna, and strange new horse breeds they encountered. Imagine, new kinds of horses!
However, our life in Hayfield continues in its usual rhythm. The people remain kind, the fields generous, and the warmth of our stable a welcome haven after a long day. As the months go by, I dream of a big juicy apple, a soft patch of meadow for a good roll, and the thrill of pulling a loaded cart to market. But beyond our hills, beyond the blue waves of the North Sea, lies a world teeming with possibility. And I, your grey mare Emma, will keep my ears to the ground, absorbing these tales and longing for the day I can perhaps see, smell, and feel these wondrous new lands myself.
Some Thoughts on 1493
The year 1493 was a time of great upheaval. King James III of Scotland was unfortunately involved in a conflict, with much turmoil, that ended his reign prematurely. His son, King James IV, ascended the throne – promising peace and stability, hopefully for all creatures, great and small. Meanwhile, a human explorer named Christopher Columbus, returned to the European shores after his historical voyage to that new world, sparking widespread interest and adventure.
However, back home, life remained relatively unchanged. Humans still relied heavily on horses for travel, transport, and agriculture, with these horses becoming deeply embedded in their lives. This year in 1493, I find myself at the centre of these two realities – the comfort of familiarity alongside the promise of change.
Horse Life Today and Yesterday
What's fascinating to me is the difference between our world now and the world of 1493. While the horses in my time were truly workhorses, our breeds are evolving into all kinds of specialized talents. Some are meant for races, while others are meant for the finest carriages or equestrian sport.
However, the bonds between humans and horses still hold strong! There's a reason why they say "horse lovers" rather than "people lovers". And that's a beautiful thing to carry with me through every year, from 1493 to today!
Until next time, my dearest Equiworld readers, may your hooves be strong and your spirits even stronger!
Emma, your Grey Draught Mare, signing off!
