History of Horses in the year 1579

Hello my lovely fellow equine friends and admirers! I'm Emma, a 20-year-old Grey Draught horse with a snowy white mane and tail, and this is my very first blog post for Equiworld! You could say I'm a bit of a late bloomer in the writing department. However, with all the adventures I've had, and seeing all that has changed and evolved for horses across the world, I've always wanted to share some of my equine wisdom. So, here goes!

I'm born and bred in Hayfield, just a little village near Aberdeen, Scotland. Our world in 1579 is full of change, just as it is now. It's exciting to see how things are developing, for us horses and humans alike.

We draught horses are still very much at the heart of life here in Scotland. You might think life's simple for a working horse like me. Up with the sun, get hitched to a sturdy cart or plough, work hard throughout the day, then come home to a warm stable, hay, and the comforting companionship of the other horses. Well, it's pretty close to that, actually! We horses are still the lifeblood of farming, hauling heavy loads, helping till the fields, transporting people and goods to the nearby markets. It's rewarding work, making a real contribution. And my hooves love a good long trot, carrying goods or families across the rolling Scottish landscape!

For those of you that don’t know Scotland, it’s truly a beautiful and wild country, a wonderful place to be a horse. From the towering peaks of the Cairngorms to the rolling green hills, it’s full of open space for roaming and grazing, and with the cool, fresh air blowing across the Highlands, well, life truly is a delight!

It’s not all sunshine and grazing in 1579, of course. Conflict is unfortunately always a part of our history, even if our human friends wish it wasn’t. There are times, such as the current turbulent era between England and Scotland, when the skills and courage of horses like me become even more crucial. We serve in the King’s army, hauling heavy cannons, or standing steadfast as cavalry horses, the mighty steeds who carry warriors into battle.

Though this kind of duty can be dangerous, we horses are by nature courageous and loyal creatures. We are driven by a primal instinct to defend our human companions, so that, no matter the odds, we never back down. I'm not ashamed of my role in this aspect of life, but I truly wish that all humans could just be friends.

And yes, my blog wouldn’t be complete without mentioning our love of humans! Our riders treat us well, and even if they can sometimes be a little rough and ready, it is a genuine relationship of respect, reliance, and loyalty. We horses aren’t simply work tools, you see. We’re seen as faithful friends and companions, with each of us having a personality, and a strong bond with the particular humans who look after us. I find it endearing, if sometimes baffling, how much love and trust they place in us.

There’s a new feeling of change in the air. Word has even travelled as far as Scotland, of the discovery of the Americas by explorers a few decades ago. Who knew there was so much land to explore and conquer? We’ve had our role in it too. Although these journeys are more likely to be made by swift, strong steeds rather than a big, strong girl like me. They call them 'Barb horses' or ‘Andalusians’, if I remember right. The humans say they’re bred for speed and stamina and a love of open spaces. I’d like to meet some of those horses, imagine the stories they could tell!

I feel something new happening on the continent of Europe too. Humans, particularly those in the ‘Low Countries’, as they call them, are beginning to breed horses specifically for pulling carts and carriages – and the ones I've seen have the most fantastic, elegant gait! It’s clear, though, that we’ll continue to play a central role, whether it’s the humble farm cart or the finer carriages of those well-to-do humans.

There’s even talk of something called ‘breeding programs’. My human friends seem fascinated by the possibility of carefully selecting parents for a ‘superior’ horse with specific qualities. Perhaps faster or stronger, or more graceful than ever before! I suppose there’s nothing wrong with that… just so long as all of us horses are loved, respected, and treated fairly.

I’ve even heard that a type of riding has started to develop in England where horses are used solely for pleasure and relaxation. Can you imagine? No hard work, just gentle trotting through the countryside. Riding just for fun, purely for the love of it. Perhaps someday, that sort of freedom will spread to us draught horses, though I confess I wouldn't mind being in charge of pulling a fancy carriage full of beautiful humans around!

This reminds me, the other day, the youngest lad on the farm came bounding towards me. "Emma!" he cried, eyes bright with excitement. "My grandfather's promised me a brand-new saddle! One day, I'll be able to ride just like the King!" The innocence in his eyes, his belief in this wonderful dream, reminded me of how important our bond with these young humans is.

It’s these moments, the tiny moments of human connection, that remind me how blessed I am to be a horse. There is nothing like the sound of children’s laughter echoing in the stable, or the feel of a well-loved hand on my mane. That sense of belonging and affection warms even the coldest heart, you see.

As the years turn into decades, it’s clear that the role of horses continues to evolve. We’re constantly finding new ways to help, to work, and to serve our human companions. And with new breeds emerging, the possibilities for the future of the equine world are truly limitless. But just because we change with the times, that doesn't mean our love of grazing in sun-dappled fields will ever diminish. It doesn't mean we will forget the vital part we play in everyday life.

I believe that this bond between us horses and our human companions will grow even stronger in the years to come. And I, for one, am excited to be a part of it! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I hear some delicious oats being brought in…

Until next time, dear Equiworld readers.

Yours hoofily,

Emma, the Grey Draught Horse from Hayfield, Scotland.

But Emma isn't the only one making her mark! Here's a bit about what’s going on in the world of horses beyond Hayfield.

A Few Horse Tidbits from Around the World

• Riding Schools in Europe: They’re becoming a bit more established, you know, particularly in the Netherlands. They're places for the gentry and nobility to learn the finer points of equestrianism. There's a sense that the focus is now shifting to elegance and form rather than simply transportation.

• Horses in Art: In many countries, our horses are finding a permanent place in art, you know? Look no further than famous artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Albrecht Durer who are known for capturing our beauty and power in their work. It seems a lot of humans find our grace and presence captivating, which I find...slightly amusing. We don’t really see ourselves as all that ‘special’ but, then again, most of us are not artists, either!

• Trade and Transport: It’s truly a fascinating time. You may have noticed, there are new types of goods and foodstuffs appearing in our market towns, like tobacco from faraway lands! And all these changes mean that horses are becoming even more important in trade and transportation.

• Racing is Evolving: This was a major talking point recently – a rather important gentleman, or perhaps he's more of a nobleman? - made a lot of noise about ‘horse racing' for humans. And not the rough-and-tumble types of races we see near Hayfield, where folks might be betting a little bit. But in London, they're actually holding "horse races", organized and run by wealthy, influential folks!

So much to Discover!

And I'm still learning too. I hear whispers of horses with longer legs and slenderer builds, of "hot-bloods" and their amazing abilities for endurance and speed, of horses bred to be smaller and even smaller! They call them ponies or "mountain ponies". Imagine a world where the landscape itself shapes our form and abilities! It truly is an amazing time to be a horse.

I’ll keep you all updated on this amazing world, as much as my hooves can carry me, and all the extraordinary changes it brings. For now, if you have any thoughts or tales to tell, please don’t be shy! Tell me everything you know in the comments. And until next time… keep those hooves kicking!

Stay well and gallop freely!

Emma