Hello, dear readers! Emma here, a grey draught mare from the rolling hills of Hayfield, near Aberdeen. This blog has always been my passion – documenting our equine history and sharing stories of my fellow steeds. Today, I'm stepping back in time to 1535, a year brimming with new adventures for horses like myself.
Now, 1535 wasn't a year for grand gallops across the countryside, like the days of the old Celts. You see, I, like most of my brethren, spent my days working hard, supporting human endeavour. But, there was an exciting new flavour to our world in 1535. It was a year of change, where humans began to see the potential of horses not just as beasts of burden but as partners, collaborators even!
You see, it wasn’t all about hauling carts and tilling fields back then. There were horses like me, the ones with strong, sturdy build and the patience of a saint, who were making a new mark. Horses like myself, we started being incorporated into what humans were calling “horse archery”. Imagine that – we weren't just about pulling and carrying, we were about aiming and shooting!
My stablemates, many of them stallions with the fieriest temperaments you ever did see, absolutely loved this new practice. They'd puff out their chests with pride, their manes tossing in the wind as they ran alongside a mounted archer, who would expertly send arrows soaring. And while I wasn't the type for the swift charges and adrenaline rushes, there was a new air of importance to our work. Horses were suddenly valued even more – for our agility, our focus, and our ability to move in harmony with a human companion.
Now, you may be thinking, "Emma, isn't this just fancy hunting?" Well, my dear reader, it’s more than that. This "horse archery" was a reflection of something new happening across Europe, and Scotland too. A shift was afoot – kings and knights were learning to depend on trained archers with fast steeds. The world was getting smaller, more connected, and in that changing landscape, our role became even more important.
The year 1535 brought a real focus on the breeding and training of horses too. Imagine the joy, the excitement! Humans began to see our differences – that some of us are strong, some fast, some agile. It was no longer enough to have just any horse – now, people were striving for something more, horses bred and trained for a particular task.
That same year, there were new rules for horses too. A bit of legislation here, a decree there – human society, it was all getting quite sophisticated, in a way that we, the four-legged friends, didn't quite understand. But, we horses were right at the heart of these developments! Our presence in tournaments, battlefields, and even sporting events like jousting, made us integral to this emerging world order.
Speaking of tournaments, oh my dear readers, it was the highlight of 1535! Can you imagine being at a gathering of the finest horses in the land, with banners flying and trumpets blaring? We'd be on display, showcasing our skill, our power, our grace, and even our endurance.
And to top it off, the whole spectacle of a tournament was truly breathtaking. Horses from all over would arrive at these events, representing their lords and ladies. The spectacle of it all! I remember the one at Stirling, in 1535, just south of my home near Aberdeen. A truly grand event. My heart did skip a beat with the cheers from the crowds! The entire spectacle, all because of our powerful presence and prowess, was truly electrifying! The power we horses possessed at these tournaments – oh, to be the pride and the focal point of all eyes. A horse's life can truly be an adventure!
Now, while we were having our adventures and gaining respect, the world itself was changing, too. You see, this time, back in 1535, wasn’t just about human events impacting our lives. Horses were at the forefront of new frontiers! We were making an indelible mark, and let me tell you, we didn't disappoint. The Portuguese started taking horses with them on explorations into uncharted territories – into the vast, unmapped land of Brazil! The New World! Can you imagine? Crossing vast oceans to discover new continents! Now, those are stories you wouldn't want to miss, if you were to catch me in a storytelling mood by the fire on a cold night.
But let's not forget our home turf. This time in history was about making Scotland a nation proud of its steeds. There was talk of a "royal stud", and you wouldn’t believe the rumours that swirled amongst us – stallions being imported, new techniques, royal horses! It's fascinating to think that such a simple farm animal like myself could become something more – something symbolic, something royal. The heart of a true queen!
We're the backbone of every kingdom, don't you think? Without us, the people could never get anywhere! There are tales of Kings of England trying to bring some of us Scots horses, our mighty Grey horses of Hayfield, over to their lands, in a bid to strengthen their own armies. It truly does feel as if horses are shaping the future. Just by existing, we become powerful! Powerful to make wars and build nations!
Well, dear reader, that's my glimpse into the world of 1535. I must say, I'm incredibly proud to be a part of it all! To be a horse in the midst of so much excitement, change, and progress. Now, my dear reader, remember to keep an eye out for new posts, new chapters in the story of us, the horses of Equiworld. And perhaps, one day, we might even hear your own story.
Until next time, trot well and keep your hooves on the ground!
Yours always,
Emma.
