Hello everyone!
Emma here, a 20-year-old Grey Draught mare with a white mane and tail, writing to you from my beautiful home in Hayfield, near Aberdeen, Scotland. It's the year 1557, and oh, what a year it has been!
The world of horses is changing so quickly. The days of simple carting and farm work are slowly fading, replaced by new, exciting, and a little bit terrifying, opportunities. The air crackles with possibilities - and just a little bit of anxiety.
I remember when I was just a foal, my mother, Belle, a chestnut mare, teaching me about our responsibilities on the farm. Our lives were simple then. We’d wake to the rooster's crow, help gather the cows for milking, and pull the carts to market with barley and wheat, our coats glistening with the morning dew.
These days, we’re still hard at work, of course, but with a new energy in the air. Our strength and stamina are being recognised in ways I could never have imagined when I was a foal.
The greatest shift in our lives has come from the introduction of gunpowder. I hear whispers of 'cannons' and 'war' and it's frightening and yet strangely thrilling.
These 'cannons', they are big, loud metal tubes that, if you believe the stories, hurl balls of fire with incredible force. The sound of a cannon going off must be deafening. I shiver just thinking about it! But these cannons also propel projectiles over vast distances, and that’s where we horses come in!
Suddenly, we are no longer just beasts of burden for farmwork, we are now tools of war! Imagine that!
You see, these cannons need a lot of horsepower to be moved, and we horses are the only creatures capable of providing it. We're now called 'Artillery Horses' and it seems we are in great demand.
Now, I'm no war-loving mare. In fact, my mother always taught me that war is an evil thing. But, when a cannon is placed upon my back and a handsome young man leads me to a battleground, I cannot deny a certain pride.
I remember when King Henry VIII, known as 'The Tiger King' passed away in 1547. I was still a youngster then, but even I heard about his bold nature, the many wars he waged. King Henry’s children have all continued to rule since then, and these royals, too, love to ride! It's thrilling to be associated with such powerful individuals.
Though we Draught horses are valued for our strength and endurance, I’ve heard of a smaller breed of horse called 'Hackney' that are known for their grace and speed, being used by these royal folk for their leisure.
It seems, horses are now much more than farm workers; we've become an integral part of society, a testament to our power, grace, and endurance.
Even here in the tranquil Highlands of Scotland, the buzz about 'artillery horses' has reached our stables. Many horses in our village are preparing to embark on this new chapter in their lives. I am excited for what the future holds, even if the news from the southern kingdom paints a picture of chaos and uncertainty.
Our farmer, a kind and weathered man named Robert, spoke to us last week.
“We're part of something big, you know,” he said, looking at the herd with a kind smile. “You, my strong steeds, are the engine that keeps the world running.”
I believe him. Though my hooves have walked upon dusty farm paths and plowed fields for many years, now, with every thunderous gallop, every breath of air I take, every pull of the cannon’s weight, I feel a different sort of energy coursing through my veins.
Our strength, our loyalty, and our agility, these are our gifts, gifts we use to serve humans and the world, and, it seems, the world is becoming increasingly reliant on them.
Life is no longer predictable, no longer quiet. But life is, indeed, full of excitement, even a little danger, and I am confident, and perhaps just a little bit excited about what the future holds for us, all you fine horses out there in Equiworld!
Keep your ears open for more stories, news, and happenings in the wonderful world of horses. I will be back soon with another post!
Your Friend, Emma
Here are a few other tidbits about horses in 1557:
Racing: Horse racing continued to be a popular activity for those who could afford it. Queen Mary I even owned a thoroughbred named 'The White Greyhound'. The racecourse at Newmarket in England was popular among high-society types, although races in Scotland were less organized and typically more simple events for locals.
Breeding: There was no formal system of horse breeding in place yet, which meant horses were primarily selected for their use rather than being carefully bred for specific traits. Horses were more likely to be 'crossed' with others of the same breed than deliberately 'bred' for desirable characteristics. Though in a few villages across England and Wales, dedicated horse-breeders had been working for several years to establish lines for both strength and beauty, there was little focus on breed standards at this time.
Horses for Riding and Driving:
* Draught horses, such as my lovely brethren, were primarily used for heavy work, plowing fields, hauling carts, and carrying loads of all types, but, as we have seen, also for moving the cannons.
* Riding Horses: In addition to war-related pursuits, riding horses were commonly used for both sport and pleasure among the gentry, though most villagers didn’t own a riding horse. I see them when the lords of the castles come visiting with their retinues of riders.
* Harness Horses: These were mostly smaller horses bred specifically to pull lighter loads in carriages.
The Importance of Horses: Horses were absolutely essential in 1557. Their ability to move people, goods, and armies determined everything from trade to the fate of nations. Without horses, the world would have been a much different place, with slower travel, less communication, and a much simpler way of life.
Until next time, stay healthy, happy, and, of course, stay equine!
