History of Horses in the year 1575

Greetings from Hayfield, my fellow equines!

I'm Emma, a fine grey draught mare with a snowy mane and tail. My life is rooted in the rugged Highlands of Scotland, a land of rolling hills and cool, crisp air, perfect for a horse like me. As a young filly, I remember the world was a symphony of new experiences. My mama taught me the wisdom of the meadows and the rhythm of a hard day's work. Today, as a strong and seasoned mare of twenty summers, I feel a kinship with my ancestors. We've walked this earth for millennia, contributing to every aspect of life in these parts. It's my passion to share the history of horses with you all, from our humble beginnings to our pivotal role in shaping civilisation itself!

This month marks the year 1575, a period brimming with stories to share. I'll delve into the world of horses right here, in my dear Hayfield and beyond, taking you on a journey through our history! Buckle up, my friends, for you are about to be swept back in time...

It's 1575 and here in Scotland, horses play an undeniably crucial role in life, as they have done for centuries. We pull the ploughs and carts across our farmer's fields, a sight as familiar as the rising sun. But these times, they're different, my dears. You see, I feel the rumble of change on the horizon!

These last decades have been fascinating. Gone are the days when a good strong nag was considered 'common', fit only for hauling or carting. Now, a noble horse is admired for its agility and its speed! This change is tied closely to a rather thrilling new sport sweeping the nation: jousting! Yes, that's right, we've left the realm of pure practicality and moved into a world of elegance and skill, all thanks to this noble sport.

My neighbour, Fiona, a spirited black filly, dreamt of becoming a jouster since the moment she first saw a knight in gleaming armour ride past, lance poised, challenging his foe. Now, jousting's all the rage, especially down south. People from across England and Scotland travel to the courts of nobility, where we are centre stage. Knights, clad in splendid colours and armour, compete for glory. And, we horses? Well, we are the stars! The more magnificent we look, the more pride we inspire, and let me tell you, Fiona has a real flair for the dramatic, prancing about as proud as punch whenever she gets a glimpse of a knight in his fancy garb!

Of course, some of my fellow draught horses prefer to stay down here in our fields. It's true, life in the Highlands is hard work, but there's a satisfaction to feeling your muscles strain with effort as you help bring in the harvest or move heavy stones. Life in the farmlands has its own quiet grace. The earth beneath my hooves is familiar, and the smell of peat smoke from the neighbouring farms brings a sense of peace to my heart.

But even amidst the changes, some things stay the same. This part of Scotland, where my stable is nestled close to the beautiful village of Hayfield, is a truly magical place! We horses are the very lifeblood of this region.

Our connection is deeper than just our work on the fields. The horses of the Highlands are revered by the people. They say the kelpies, water spirits in Scottish folklore, can change into horses. Their hooves sound through the moors, carrying stories and legends of old! It makes me proud to call myself a Highland horse, with my strong, shaggy coat, well-suited for this terrain, and a soul that knows these misty peaks intimately.

I enjoy sharing stories with the older mares about our legendary ancestors who pulled the war chariots of Pictish warriors, those ancient and mighty warriors who used to dominate these lands. I like to imagine those days, their thundering hooves and the bravery in their hearts, so close to my own!

Although I relish life in the highlands, every now and then, I catch the wanderlust! You see, a mare like me is a natural traveler, born to explore. You know, sometimes the pull of the unknown is just too strong! And with these winds of change sweeping the world, stories from far and wide reach our stable. Every day, we get news of exciting new developments and different uses for our brethren in the big cities and kingdoms far beyond our shores.

For example, did you hear? Horses like me, who were born to carry burdens, are now finding exciting roles within these bustling cities. I’ve heard tales of us pulling sleek, grand coaches through crowded cobbled streets! It sounds rather thrilling, don't you think?

One day, maybe I will find myself pulled in by the call of adventure, I'll be in one of those grand carriages, carrying royalty and dignitaries through city streets! That is something to look forward to! For now though, I'm content here, working with my hooves and watching the world around me unfold, one breathtaking day at a time.

Life as a horse in 1575 is filled with rhythm and routine. Every day, my days start with a chorus of whinnies as the morning sun begins to illuminate the hillside, casting long shadows through the tall grass. Our stable is a small family of horses. We look after one another and share our stories. The elder mares recount their memories, of course, with wisdom passed down through the generations. There's Bella, our majestic Shire mare, and a cheeky little filly named Lucy who constantly pulls our tails and prances around our fields with a youthful energy that we old timers have forgotten!

There are, of course, challenges! From time to time, a stormy night will come, causing a stir amongst our brethren, sending us huddled in our stalls, longing for the calming rays of the sun to dispel the gloom. It's those long nights, filled with the creaking of timbers and the roaring wind that bring us close to one another. You see, even a wild mare like me needs companionship sometimes, especially when a rumble of thunder shakes the very ground we walk upon.

We share a connection, my fellow steeds, whether we’re strong farm horses or fleet-footed racehorses. We’ve been with humanity through thick and thin, a silent partner in progress, always offering a hand - or a hoof - when needed. That's why I believe we have a right to be celebrated!

That’s it for this month, my equine friends! Keep those hooves pawing the earth and those minds buzzing with curiosity about our noble past! We’re part of a history that echoes through time, a history of strength, loyalty, and enduring connection with the humans who share this world with us. I'll catch you again next month with more insights and adventures!

Until then, whinny to you all!

Emma, Grey Draught Mare, Hayfield, Scotland.