Hello my equine friends! Emma here, a 20-year-old grey draught mare with a white mane and tail, and as you might guess from the title, I'm here to take you on a journey through time, specifically the year 1600. It was a year of adventure, hard work, and yes, even a bit of excitement here in my little corner of the world: Hayfield, near Aberdeen in Scotland.
Now, I'm sure you've heard whispers about life back then - “life was simpler,” people say. Well, they aren't entirely wrong! But let me tell you, simplicity in those days came with a whole lot of work, especially for a horse like me.
You see, 1600 was a time when horses were the backbone of society. We pulled ploughs, transported goods, carried people, and even served in battles! For us draught horses, we were the backbone of the farm and the lifeblood of transportation. My days started early - often before sunrise. My farmer, a kind but stern man named Alistair, would rouse me gently with a scratch behind the ears and a warm "good morning, Emma".
Our days revolved around the rhythm of the seasons. In the spring, we pulled heavy wooden plows, churning the soil, making way for the new crops of barley, oats, and rye that fed the village and provided sustenance for the livestock.
Summers meant hauling carts loaded with hay for winter and timber for the houses, a grueling yet necessary task. We travelled long distances across fields and through forests, the wheels rumbling along cobbled streets or rutted country lanes. I loved these summer trips, as they gave me the opportunity to see beyond my field and learn of the world outside of Hayfield.
Come autumn, we’d be hauling wagons brimming with barley or flax, heading towards the mills to be processed into food and fabrics. The journey was long and sometimes hard, especially when the weather turned foul. But I found solace in the camaraderie with the other horses and the occasional chat with the villagers along the way.
Winter was for rest, though it wasn’t exactly leisure. The snow might make our duties a bit more challenging, but even in the cold, our presence was vital. We were called upon to clear snowdrifts, enabling people to get about and maintain access to vital supplies. We were true lifesavers.
Our world was also one of a deep connection with people. There were stories whispered by the stable door in the evenings - tales of ancient battles, heroic feats, and the dangers of wild beasts. A sense of belonging, of being an integral part of something much larger than ourselves, filled our days.
However, being a horse in 1600 wasn’t all toil and labour. There were moments of sheer joy too!
The occasional trip to the market town of Aberdeen was an event to look forward to. Seeing people from distant lands, bustling with activity and the tantalizing scent of fresh bread and cheeses, it was a change of pace I thoroughly enjoyed.
We also had the joy of being a part of community gatherings. I recall being part of the grand celebrations held during harvest time - feasting on abundant crops, with song and laughter filling the air. My favourite part was the dancing. Although I couldn't join in, my humans did their best to mirror the graceful steps and swirls.
Beyond our regular routines, I witnessed a new craze that swept through the countryside – the "riding craze". While draught horses like me were strong and hardworking, the lighter, more agile breeds, such as the Galloway and Highland ponies, were now being favoured for their elegance and speed. A few well-heeled gentlemen began keeping these fine steeds in their stables and were often seen riding them along country roads, looking very dapper with their feathered caps and brightly coloured breeches.
Seeing these spirited horses race through the countryside sparked something within me. There was a new breed of horse, agile and powerful, seemingly enjoying a different kind of life, filled with the thrill of movement and speed. This marked a changing time for our kind, a time where horses were beginning to be appreciated for more than their physical labour.
My memories of 1600 are filled with the scent of hay, the sound of hooves upon cobbled streets, and the shared sense of community among us horses and our human companions. Though the days were hard, our bond was strong, and the connection we shared with our humans felt as profound as the connection with our fellow equines.
This was just a glimpse into life as a draught horse in the year 1600. But don't fret, my equine friends. There's much more to share about my journey and the evolution of the horse in subsequent years. Join me again soon for more horse history stories on EquiWorld.org!
Until next time, may your stalls be warm, your oats be plentiful, and your hooves be swift.
Your friend, Emma
