*"Well, darlings, what a year it's been! It's Emma here, your favourite grey mare from the highlands of Scotland, back to whisk you away on another journey through horse history. This time, we're stepping back to the year 1495 – a year that feels so full of excitement and a touch of danger. *
From Hayfield to the World
It’s hard to believe I'm even 20 years old this year. Goodness, it feels like only yesterday I was a mischievous foal, scampering around Hayfield near Aberdeen with the other youngsters. But here I am, a strong draught mare, helping to pull the plough and cart around these lovely highlands. It's tough work but I love it. The crisp Highland air, the rolling hills, the sight of the barley growing tall in the fields, it makes you feel alive. And, of course, the companionship. My stablemates are my best friends - I could never imagine life without them.
Now, you may be wondering how I know all this history stuff. You see, I'm lucky – the humans who tend to me, especially a kind lady named Elsie, are quite the readers. They love stories and they tell me all about the things happening in the world. They love talking to me about the history of horses – where we came from, what we've done, what the humans are planning for us. Elsie, especially, reads all sorts of interesting books – you know, the ones with the old letters in them, that talk about the things that happened long ago. So I hear it all, from Elsie and the others. And I share it all with you. That's why I started my blog, to bring you a little bit of the amazing world of horses from the heart of Scotland.
War Horses & Their Valour
Speaking of things that happened long ago, did you know that in the year 1495, King Henry VII, of England, was busy defending his new throne? The War of the Roses was finally over, with the red rose victorious. This whole period was very hard for horses – wars mean so much riding, heavy burdens to carry, and lots of dangers to overcome. I’ve heard from some of the old horses who were born in England then – they remember the chaos and hardship of those days.
But horses also play an important part in victory, of course. They carried valiant knights into battle, pulled carts loaded with supplies for armies, and brought messages from the frontlines, which were absolutely vital. Imagine a horse carrying a crucial piece of news on its back, galloping through the night – how exciting, how courageous, how essential to keeping peace! These brave warhorses truly are heroes, a testament to the extraordinary power and spirit of horses.
Trade & Travel – From Sea to Shore
But it's not all war, you know! While the humans are fighting, they are also trading. Ships carrying goods sail across the seas. I've heard they have incredible adventures, meeting new people, experiencing new cultures, all thanks to horses, like my cousins who are working on the ships. You see, a horse's role goes far beyond battlefields. Our kind are crucial for moving goods across land, pulling heavy carts and wagons that transport everything from food to fabrics. And in this year, 1495, those trades were becoming more important than ever! They say that all this coming and going creates a big sense of change, that the world is becoming smaller. What an amazing idea! It feels like all those journeys bring a taste of different parts of the world back to my quiet Scottish hills.
A Horse's View of the World
You know, being a horse in this time has been a bit of a balancing act. The humans have a great love for our power and strength – they need us to work and transport goods, for farming and travel. They even admire us – just watch the kids giggling when they see me pulling a cart full of apples! But there are challenges, of course. We have to work hard, sometimes through tough weather, and there is always the risk of illness. There are humans who are harsh with horses – they don't understand that we have feelings and deserve good treatment. I've even heard about places where humans have made us fight with each other! It makes me very sad, for sure, but thankfully those terrible fighting pits are becoming less common.
It's all part of being a horse, a part of the beautiful and challenging world we live in.
Keeping a Horse Happy
We need to make sure our kind is treated with respect. Elsie is always telling me about the need to treat horses with kindness and care. She talks about the importance of regular exercise, good food, a comfortable stable – those are vital to a happy and healthy horse! And good human companionship, of course, is something we truly need – it keeps us healthy, alert, and happy! That's why I love it here in the highlands – I'm surrounded by good people, people who truly understand the special bond we have.
And you know, there's a whole world out there beyond Hayfield. People in different places, different cultures, different traditions – they all appreciate us! So let's explore that world together, you and I, through my horse history blog. It's a vast and fascinating world, filled with adventures and challenges, just waiting to be explored!
Until next time, darling, remember to be kind and courageous like the brave warhorses! And if you get a chance to meet a horse, don't be shy, give them a friendly pat. You might just learn something new from them!
Love,
Emma, your Grey Mare from the Scottish Highlands.
Stay tuned for more of Emma's stories on www.equiworld.org. This blog post is a work of fiction based on the general understanding of horses in that era, and may not be historically accurate in every detail. For further details on the history of horses, consult reliable resources. Enjoy!
