History of Horses in the year 1502

Hello there, my fellow equines, and welcome back to Emma’s Equine Chronicles. I’m Emma, a proud 20-year-old grey draught mare with a snow-white mane and tail, from Hayfield near Aberdeen in Scotland. Today I’ll be telling you about life in the year 1502 - a year of great change and innovation in the horse world, just like many others before and since. It seems, even back then, there was always something exciting brewing in our horsey world!

Now, I’m not a particularly busy horse these days. After years of hauling carts for my beloved master, Duncan, he has decided to let me retire to the rolling pastures of Hayfield, where I spend my days nibbling on lush grass and keeping a watchful eye on the younger horses, offering them a bit of advice on everything from hoof care to finding the best grazing spots.

The year 1502, though, was a very different affair! As a strong and sturdy young mare, I was in constant demand, pulling carts full of barley and wheat to the local mills, hauling heavy plows for our farm, and carrying riders through the misty Scottish countryside. My strong hooves and sturdy build, coupled with a friendly nature, made me an excellent workhorse, always ready for a new challenge.

Life was full of a different sort of excitement then. You see, our farm wasn’t just any farm. My master, Duncan, was one of the very few farmers in this part of Scotland who kept their horses as "stallions" instead of geldings! He felt the added energy and vigour a stallion brought to the work. It definitely made our work sessions interesting – occasionally dramatic – especially when we had visitors. There was one neighbour in particular whose filly, Ruby, seemed very smitten with my strength. It was almost comical at times! It kept my heart aflutter in a different way than the usual toil, you know. I suspect there was a whole lot of flirting going on between the horses of Hayfield that year.

As you’re well aware, things started shifting a lot during the latter half of 1502, the year we entered a very uncertain chapter. We all knew about the war that had begun the year before in Scotland - and even I could sense the changing tides as more men and horses were sent to fight across the border. The conflict brought more work to us – carting men, supplies and weapons - but also left a distinct chill in the air, even amongst the horses.

But amidst the tension, there was a surprising bit of good news for horses. This year saw a royal decree from the Scottish king himself! It mandated that all horses used in the military must be healthy, well-fed and strong, with strict regulations around their care. We were overjoyed! It brought a new sense of responsibility and pride. Even more amazing was how it led to more respect and understanding between horses and their masters – both human and equine. And it all came about because of that great leader – King James the IV! He had always been fond of horses, you know. He loved his own mounts as much as his noble men. His own stables, you’ll hear tell, are just as finely kept as any king’s castle in Europe. I’m told he spends hours a day in the saddle. He's a good man, in my opinion.

I hear whispers in the stables, tales passed on from older horses. They speak of his fondness for these little, stout horses - I think they're called “Galloglass horses" - with beautiful golden, flowing manes and powerful legs. He loves the horses the way other men love a fine glass of wine! I know there’s a very large collection of those gorgeous steeds at the Royal Stable in Edinburgh. A stable the likes of which the horses I know of in the Hayfield stables can barely imagine. It must be a sight to behold.

But let's look further than Hayfield. In the year 1502, things were changing in other corners of the world too! Word comes from England - my dear neighbours across the seas, they're experiencing a revolution in horse breeding! The king himself – the powerful Henry VII – was promoting new breeds to bring bigger, sturdier horses, particularly for cavalry. There were whispers of magnificent creatures, the size of a large ox, with long necks and strong legs - all bred for warfare! Now, those are just whispers of course, I've yet to lay my eyes on such an extraordinary beast!

Further east, across the big waters - what do they call them? The “Mediterranean” - another major shift in horse culture! In Spain, there is a newfound fascination with something called "the Andalusian” - these beautifully sleek horses, known for their grace and strength, are considered some of the best horses in the world. They are said to dance, their legs like silken ribbons, their movements like a swirling cloud. My human family calls these “Spanish horses” - but I have heard some say “Spanish-bred” - which sounds odd, seeing as my master calls our workhorses “Scottish.”

All of this talk is pretty fascinating! It seems like the world is truly becoming smaller for our equine family – the news spreads far and wide and every year we hear more about all the horses across the world - all their strengths and characteristics.

Although things were uncertain, the Hayfield farm still hummed with life, and every now and then, we ventured out of our small village to participate in village fairs and tournaments. It was a great delight! I loved the bustling excitement of these gatherings! Farmers from the region, and even folks from the larger towns, would come to trade and celebrate. Sometimes there would be even an entertainment – musicians, dancers and jugglers. Of course, we were a source of both labour and amusement. Sometimes my master, Duncan, would put me in a fancy carriage and I would parade around the fields while others rode and played games on the land.

A highlight of any trip was always a stop by the blacksmith’s forge. The forge is a bit of a meeting place for all sorts of creatures, from farmers and their wives to travelling merchants and troubadours. You often see a handful of horses there – always with a good story to share, some waiting for new horseshoes, others, like me, just wanting to chat and share stories.

But more importantly, the village fairs offered us a glimpse into the lives of our equine brethren across the land. We met horses from all over Scotland, each with unique stories and a different rhythm to their gait. And it was a joy to learn how different each horse was – a beautiful chestnut mare named Hazel from the Highlands told me about her work carrying riders through challenging terrain, while a muscular bay stallion from the Borders shared stories of the sheep he helped shepherd, as well as the challenges of being a draft horse! It’s quite amazing, isn’t it? Even in the most simple things like our daily work – there are vast differences from horse to horse. Each one has a unique role and a unique story.

And so, my friends, my journey continues. While 1502 may have brought new challenges, and even a little unrest, it has ultimately reinforced the importance of horses to all. Our lives – whether in Hayfield, Scotland, or in the bustling, faraway corners of the world - are filled with strength, grace, and an ever-present sense of adventure. I know our story is one of change and growth, filled with both challenges and triumphs. I know one thing is certain – this amazing story isn’t about to end anytime soon! And I am beyond proud to be part of this beautiful, powerful, and diverse family!

I am off now – the evening light calls to me and I can almost hear my old bones telling me to take it slow! Until next time my friends, let's meet again for a new chronicle - a new chapter in our extraordinary tale! And do let me know if you have any stories of your own! We have much to learn from one another!