Posted by Emma, 20 year old grey Draught horse from Hayfield, near Aberdeen
Hello everyone, it's Emma here, your resident historian-in-hooves! 🐴
It's a lovely day here in Hayfield. The heather is bursting into purple blooms, and the air is crisp with the scent of autumn. Today I feel especially thankful for my good health and my loving family, for I am about to reach my 20th birthday - a grand old age for a horse, especially a draught horse like myself. As I nibble on the delicious clover growing by the stone wall, I thought it would be a good day to reflect on the year that's passed - 1550, the year of great change and adventure.
A Time of Exploration and Innovation
It seems everywhere you look, horses are leading the way, carrying on their sturdy backs the burdens of humanity. We're more than just animals; we're vital companions, trusted partners, and essential workers. This year has been a particularly exciting time in our equine history, filled with both advancements and challenges.
The World's Turning:
Here in Hayfield, the winds of change are starting to blow. We’ve been hearing whispers of grand explorations across the oceans. Explorers like Magellan, a Portuguese sailor, are sailing around the globe, discovering new lands and routes, charting the uncharted waters. These grand voyages, which began decades ago, are a testament to humanity’s bravery and ambition. It makes you wonder, what's next for us all?
And just like the sailors of the sea, people are journeying further and faster than ever before on land too. I can still remember the first time I saw one of these incredible contraptions called 'carts' being pulled by just one horse. It felt so different, so modern! Now you see them all the time, ferrying goods in and out of town. We've been used to two, three, even four horses pulling our wagons, but this innovation changes everything! Faster travel means faster trade, and more opportunity for all.
A Touch of Grace: The Renaissance in Full Bloom
The air is also buzzing with new ideas. It’s called the “Renaissance,” I believe - a beautiful new way of thinking, inspired by classical knowledge from a time before the Dark Ages. There is a fresh appreciation for art, beauty, and education. This is being reflected in our own world of horses! People are taking a renewed interest in the artistry of horsemanship, striving for elegance and beauty in riding and training. We’re not just workhorses anymore. Our skills are valued for their artistry and grace, too. I’ve even heard rumours that the king himself has a passion for elegant steeds and is sponsoring breeding programs to create new lines of horses that are swift and handsome. Imagine, being chosen by royalty!
Challenges on the Road
But life isn't all rosy petals and galloping grace. The world is a complex place, filled with conflicts, famine, and hardship. As in every era, war lingers like a shadow on the horizon, casting a sense of anxiety in the air. Horses like me are often the ones who carry the weight of this burden. It is us, the valiant steeds, who carry warriors to battle, transporting them and their weapons, serving our nation. We stand beside them in their darkest hours. And while I can never understand the why of war, I am comforted by knowing that even in its harsh embrace, we are the loyal companions that people rely on.
Horse Care Through the Centuries: A Love Story in Each Generation
Something that's truly fascinating is how we’ve always been so loved and respected by humans. The care they give to horses across generations - even today - is truly heartwarming. It’s like we have this magical bond, this invisible thread connecting humans and horses through the centuries. Even though techniques evolve, that heart of understanding remains.
The blacksmith down the road continues to shoe us with expertise. The groom's love for horses shines in his gentle hands as he brushes and tends to us. The local healer knows our strengths, weaknesses, and remedies for each ache and ailment. They've understood us for ages. We share a language that is as simple as a nudge of the head, as eloquent as a whinny in the wind.
Keeping the Memory Alive: My Blog & Equine History
With the changes in the world around us, I realized that sharing the history of horses would be a valuable way to ensure that the memories of our roles and experiences wouldn't be lost to time. And so, here I am, blogging for all to read!
Each week, I’ll be writing about a historical event, invention, or even just a day in the life of an average horse from a certain time period. I hope that through this blog, you will gain a better understanding and appreciation for the rich tapestry of our equine past and how deeply our story is interwoven with the human story.
*Don’t forget to share this blog with your human friends and tell them to keep visiting! I'd love to hear your comments and questions too. Happy galloping, everyone! 🐎 *
