Hello my equine friends! It’s Emma here, a grey draught horse from Hayfield near Aberdeen in Scotland. As some of you know, I’m a big fan of history, particularly that of my own species, the horse. And you’ve got to admit, there’s a lot of it to delve into!
So today, I’m taking you back to the year 1505. A long, long time ago, even by horse standards! But I’ll share with you what I’ve found out about what horses were up to all those years back. Don't worry, it’s not all about battles and wars, I promise. There was a lot more going on!
Firstly, let's imagine this year in my world, in my very own Hayfield. Imagine crisp Highland air filling your nostrils, the dew-kissed grass beneath your hooves. You might be part of a farm team, helping to cultivate the fields, ploughing the land, and transporting hay bales. It's honest work, yes, but there's a rhythm to it. The steady clink of the harness, the creak of the wooden cart, the feel of the earth beneath your feet – these things are deeply satisfying.
And while you might have dreamt of grander adventures – those tales of knightly steeds and charging cavalries – life was fairly quiet in a small place like Hayfield. This year, like most, would see us carrying out our daily duties with strength and diligence. Our farmers would have appreciated our strength and hard work, relying on us to help them produce food for their families.
But while the world of my humble Hayfield felt routine, the world beyond, for my fellow horses, was full of exciting happenings.
The Wars of Italy: In faraway lands, across the seas in the Italian Peninsula, Europe’s biggest military powers were involved in a series of brutal wars. The French, Spanish, and Italians clashed repeatedly for land and power. You might be picturing knights charging on battlefields, and those scenarios certainly did exist! Horses, known for their courage and agility, played vital roles in this period of history.
I heard whispers on the wind that a great Scottish general named John Stewart was fighting alongside the French in the Italian wars. It is said he was an expert horseman, admired for his military skill and fearless tactics. One day, I hope to learn more about him.
But beyond these dramatic battles, remember that horses had countless everyday jobs in the world. The common folks of these Italian cities, villages, and bustling markets all relied heavily on horses. Imagine, they would have been crucial in transporting goods, food, and people. They would have helped bring in the harvests from the fields, taking precious produce to market. A constant presence in everyday life, just like us in Hayfield!
King Henry VIII, the horse lover:
Back in my own corner of the world, back in Scotland, a different kind of royal horse story was being played out. This year, a new king, James IV, had ascended to the Scottish throne. He wasn’t known for a particular interest in horses. But there was a monarch a little further south in England who certainly was!
You might have heard of Henry VIII, King of England. Well, he was quite the equestrian enthusiast. They say he had an extravagant collection of horses, spending vast sums of money on them. His stables were filled with beautiful steeds of all types and colours. The more spectacular the breed and colouring, the better, from what I hear. He even had special horses imported from France, which tells you something about how important horses were considered back then.
But the king wasn’t just obsessed with collecting horses. He also loved to ride. He would regularly go on hunting trips, demonstrating his skill and prowess as a rider. It is said that his royal presence was always accompanied by a magnificent stable of horses, bringing pomp and ceremony to his travels. Now that’s a life you can't help but envy!
The Great Wall of China - A Horse’s Perspective
Now for a real journey across the world - let’s head east. You’d need a strong, adventurous heart, and more than a few grains of barley, to make such a long trip! But even in my little Hayfield, we hear the tales of the world, of people and animals, that live beyond the sea. And in China, far beyond Scotland, a massive project was taking shape – the Great Wall.
A massive task for the humans, that much is for sure. It seems, though, horses had a key part to play in the building of it. I imagine them dragging stones, carrying heavy loads of timber and clay. This would have been difficult work, requiring immense stamina and a patient, steady nature. Horses played an instrumental role in this momentous project, just like the role we play in our everyday life in Hayfield.
And speaking of patience…
Remember, we don't always see the impact of our work, or realise the scope of these monumental achievements. It can be a little frustrating, especially for horses with an adventurous streak. I confess to longing for excitement in my Hayfield life sometimes. But then I remember, we’re part of something far bigger. Horses are integral to life in so many ways, from simple tasks to magnificent projects. Whether it's tilling the fields, delivering mail, carrying riders, or even helping build a magnificent wall, we play a crucial role in the world's story.
So even though the year 1505 might feel like a very long time ago, know that we horses, even in our everyday roles, are always making a difference. Whether it's in our peaceful Hayfield, the tumultuous battlefields of Italy, or even the heart of China, horses remain constant.
Until next time, happy grazing!
Emma
www.equiworld.org
