By Emma, Grey Draught Mare from Hayfield, near Aberdeen
Good day, fellow equines! Emma here, your resident history buff, reporting live from the beautiful, windswept highlands of Scotland. It's been a rather busy year here in 1560, and I thought I'd share some of the highlights with you all on Equiworld.
Now, I know some of you might be thinking, "Emma, it's just 1560! What's so special about that?" Well, believe me, it's a year brimming with excitement.
A Kingly Shift
For starters, this year saw a change in the kingdom itself. The very last of the Stewart kings, Mary, was crowned Queen of Scotland. Though young – just a lass of nineteen, mind you – she quickly started making her mark on the kingdom. We mares, and the stallions, too, had our opinions on the young Queen. Some saw her as bold and fierce, determined to bring Scotland forward. Others felt a shadow of apprehension – was she going to make big changes? Would we have to adjust?
Honestly, the changes felt like ripples on a calm pond, rather than a raging flood. It's not as if the fields stopped growing grass or the sun forgot how to shine. Life, at least for us working horses, went on in much the same way. Still, it felt significant – a change in leadership. A new Queen for a new chapter, as they say.
A World of Change for the Scottish Shire
Speaking of change, you know I can't forget to mention our breed! In Hayfield, you see many of us – robust, powerful draught horses – strong enough to haul the heaviest loads, strong enough to plow the most stubborn soil. These days, our stock has never been in greater demand. It's no wonder that breeders around the country are eager to raise a sturdy draught like me! Our muscles and strength are the lifeblood of the Scottish people, the key to building and farming their land.
I recall being foaled back in 1540, when King Edward VI of England reigned. And I can assure you, those days of fear were far gone. The memory of the rough raiders from the south plundering our villages, even stealing young horses, was starting to fade. A period of peace seems to have set in. The old, scarred battle-hardened warhorses like my grandfather who’d known those tumultuous days had passed, their legacy now carried on by our generation.
This period of stability made me believe things would change, evolve, improve. After all, with less fear of raiding, less energy needed for battle preparation, more hands were available to cultivate the fields. There was a quiet buzz of growth and a quiet optimism across Scotland.
Harnessing the Power of the Horse
You know what truly impressed me? The carriages and wagons are more impressive than ever! I see beautiful crafted coaches now, with ornate details and colourful paints – quite a change from the rough and rugged wooden wagons of just a decade ago. We, the powerful steeds, have played our part in this transformation. We're the silent strength, the steadfast backbone, that allows such carriages to glide across the Scottish landscapes.
A horse can cover miles, can traverse the rough terrain. Think about the carts of oats for our fellow equines! Imagine the sacks of flour and barley brought in from the farms – vital to feed the people and the families of these lands. You see, it's not just the nobility who use carriages anymore; ordinary farmers now take advantage of this method of transportation as well. It makes transporting goods and crops so much easier! And imagine the pleasure of a fine carriage for leisurely journeys in the countryside – the joy of a gentle stroll through meadows and fields – what a sight it is!
I often have moments, you know, as I stand in the stable, listening to the wind sigh through the rafters, where I think of how horses have been interwoven into human life from the very beginning. They've been our partners in labour, our allies in conquest, and now our companions in leisurely travel. We are the embodiment of strength, stamina, and, yes, grace – the horse is more than a beast of burden; we're companions and friends.
The Art of Riding
There's a saying, “A fine steed deserves a skilled rider.” And this holds true. While some might think our lives are all work and sweat, believe me, some riders have an extraordinary grace about them. They move like they're one with their horses – the gentlest touch, the perfect guidance.
These noble riders, both men and women, aren’t just riding for pleasure – they take their steeds out for competition and showmanship. These horseback events showcase not only the rider's talent but the horse's magnificence too. It's quite a sight to see them leaping across fences, weaving through courses, and even performing elaborate shows that are almost as awe-inspiring as watching the knights engage in their jousts, which I have to say, thankfully are becoming a thing of the past.
And I don't need to tell you how proud I am to be a part of it all.
The New Age of the Horse
In 1560, we see the world changing. We see technology changing the world around us – a world we have long been an intrinsic part of.
For us, the equine world of Scotland has always revolved around the natural elements – wind, sun, rain, and frost. Our strength and resilience have enabled us to overcome obstacles and continue our crucial role in agriculture, commerce, and life itself. In the years since my own birth, I've witnessed more innovation, more use for horses, more opportunities – an evolution, as I like to think of it. The world, thanks to us, is always changing and growing, in so many beautiful, and exciting ways.
Perhaps there’s a whole new chapter to be written, perhaps, there is a new journey just around the bend? Only time will tell. And when I have a spare moment between my busy work schedule, I’ll be here in Hayfield, keeping a close watch, a watchful eye – my nose to the ground, ready to report to all of you.
