Hello fellow equines! Emma here, a grey mare with a heart of gold (and a white mane and tail, if you must know!), from the lovely Hayfield near Aberdeen. It's time for another instalment of my equine chronicles, taking you back to the year 1622! Now, some of you might think a life as a draught horse isn't the most glamorous, but let me tell you, it's filled with a surprising amount of adventure!
A Day in the Life of a Working Horse
You see, life for a mare like me in 1622 is all about hard work and practicality. Each morning begins with a hearty breakfast of oats and barley, mixed with some sweet meadow hay - we need our strength for the long day ahead! Once I've had my fill, the stable hands will brush me down, a pleasant start to the day as it helps loosen those knots and encourages good circulation. We draught horses aren't known for our fancy grooming rituals, but we do appreciate a good rub and a bit of attention.
The day's task will determine our outfit - usually a sturdy harness to help us pull carts, wagons, or ploughs. We’re vital to our local farming community - imagine trying to cultivate the land without us! Today, I'm pulling a cart of hay across the countryside to a nearby village. We may not be trotting through fancy forests or galloping through blooming fields, but the rolling Scottish landscape provides stunning views, especially when we cross over those moss-covered stone bridges.
Working Alongside My Kind
Throughout the day, I'll be joined by my fellow working horses. You wouldn't believe how much a shared grunt and a nod of understanding can mean. It’s not all serious work though; we find time for some play. Occasionally, a quick race down the dusty path or a playful nip on the shoulder brings some laughter into the day. And sometimes, when no one is looking, we nibble on the sweet green grass, a little treat to satisfy our appetites.
Evenings bring rest and respite. Back in the stable, we're fed a hearty supper and left to relax. But our minds aren’t quite at ease; there's a gentle whinny or two and the sound of hooves tapping lightly on the ground as we share stories and swap gossip. The other horses, younger colts like Angus and the seasoned stallions like Roderick, bring their own adventures to the communal "fireplace", keeping us all entertained throughout the night.
A Peek Into the World of Equine Culture
But it's not all about our daily work. You wouldn’t believe how diverse our world is! 1622 has been a rather exciting year for equine affairs!
First, let’s talk about the “Royal Horses!” Yes, our Queen Henrietta Maria arrived in England this year! You might be familiar with her name. As the new wife of Charles I, she’s a force to be reckoned with and a lover of horses. Her presence in court has breathed a new air of fashion into equestrian circles - her preferred style of riding is elegant and refined, something that some of us are still catching up on! But one thing's for sure, the new Queen is a strong proponent of horsemanship, and she’s been bringing much-needed focus to equine sports and equestrian competitions!
There's also news from the Continent - Spain, Italy, even the French! The word is that there's a real push for using horses in everything, from war tactics to recreational pursuits. Can you believe it? Our brothers and sisters in these parts of the world are being trained for battle! That makes our own quiet farm life seem downright relaxing!
Even back here in Scotland, there’s plenty happening. You wouldn’t believe how important the Scottish Parliament is when it comes to horse regulations. Did you know they were trying to limit the number of wild horses that roamed the Highlands? And you won’t believe the lengths they’re going to to encourage horses for transport and for farming.
A Mare’s Reflections
I do love my life. It might be hard work, but it’s honest work. I see beauty in the countryside. And I relish in the connection I have with my fellow horses and humans alike. Sometimes I wonder what the future holds for our kind. But then I take a deep breath of fresh air, the scent of fresh hay, and the gentle creaking of the barn at night and realize: we're part of something much larger, a living, breathing part of history, just as our forefathers were centuries ago.
Until next time, my dear readers, may your hay be sweet, your stables warm, and your journeys filled with peace.
Yours sincerely, Emma the Draught Horse
Further Reading and Research
On Royal Horses & The Queen’s Style: To delve into the world of royal equestrian fashion and practices of the time, I would recommend finding old journals or records of royal courts in Britain and other European nations. Remember to focus on the fashion and elegance associated with Queen Henrietta Maria, and her equestrian inclinations!
On the Life of a Draught Horse in 1622: I am certain many a diary or chronicle detailing life on a farm or ranch will include accounts of working horses! Look for diaries from farmhands, chronicles from wealthy landowners or records from livestock trade that mention these horses!
On the Scottish Parliament and Horse Regulations: You can find fascinating information about laws regulating livestock and transportation in this era through official archives or old town records in Aberdeen! Pay attention to the ways horse management, wild horse populations and usage are mentioned, along with the motivations and reasoning behind these laws!
On the world of equine culture in Europe: It’s a journey back in time for research - looking into old travel journals from 1622 or historical chronicles detailing news and happenings from around the globe will help understand the state of equestrian affairs in other parts of the world at this time!
Stay curious, fellow horse enthusiasts!
