Greetings, fellow equines! Emma here, a grey mare with a snowy mane and tail, born and bred in the lush pastures of Hayfield, just outside the bustling city of Aberdeen, Scotland. This blog is my way of sharing a little bit of my life with you all. You know, sometimes you feel a little stuck in the routine of your daily life, just plodding along the same path day in, day out. But I've come to realize, life has always been about moving forward. So let me take you on a journey back in time, all the way to the year 1623, a time filled with change, innovation, and the relentless rhythm of hooves on the ground.
It was a fine spring morning in 1623, and I felt the thrill of the dawn wind against my coat as I joined the other mares in the fields. We grazed in the golden sunlight, the air thick with the scent of wild thyme and the chirping of the larks overhead. There was a certain contentment in those moments, the sun warm on our backs, and the sweet grass beneath our hooves. Ah, the simple joys of being a horse. We had all just foaled that spring and we'd grown up together, learning the ropes from our elders. They told us tales of brave steeds and daring journeys, and about how much our ancestors, the wild horses, roamed this land centuries ago, until they were tamed and became the loyal partners of mankind. And indeed, we horses have played a vital role in human history, from war and agriculture to trade and travel. I guess it's safe to say that humans and horses have built quite a relationship together!
Speaking of the human world, that same year saw some rather exciting changes in how humans use us horses! While some folks were busy arguing about politics and religious reforms, the world of horses was moving right along!
Riding Forward: The World of Horseback Riding in 1623
Horses have always been partners to humans, and this was no exception in the 17th century. As much as we were important for farming and work, there was another world we were part of - the world of riding. Riding, back then, wasn't just a sport, but a form of travel, and a vital part of daily life. Knights rode across the land, bringing news and enforcing the law, merchants rode on business, and even people like me, working draught horses, were sometimes tasked with carrying small packages on our backs to distant places. You see, before motor cars, the speediest way to get around was on a horse!
Of course, riding wasn’t just for practicality. 1623 saw the rise of what humans called "The Great Horse," which wasn’t us working horses, mind you. Those "Great Horses" were specially bred for beauty, speed, and grace. Their powerful muscles and elegant bodies allowed their human companions to engage in elegant pastimes like "riding the ring," where riders would showcase their horses' grace and obedience.
Now, my personal experience wasn't quite so glamorous! I mainly hauled heavy carts for farmers, transporting goods to the nearby port of Aberdeen. It was hard work, hauling weighty crates, often uphill, but the feeling of connecting with my master, the farmer, as we both pulled as one was very rewarding. The gentle thud of hooves against cobblestones, the sound of harness bells ringing in the breeze... It's a feeling that warms my heart even now, as I look back upon those memories.
Horseplay and the Importance of Play:
Although work took up most of my days, those nights in the stable were a different story. We'd rub against each other, sharing our days, the excitement of a sudden storm or the disappointment of a rain-soaked delivery. You see, even with all the human-induced activities in our lives, there’s a deeper part of us that’s instinctual - play. We'd often spend those evenings playing games like "follow the leader" in our stables, or try to out-jump one another. I was particularly good at it - with my powerful build, it was like being on springs, but without making a single sound. We horses were full of energy and exuberance, always finding ways to stay amused. Sometimes, when the stars were out, we'd even venture out, hooves tapping softly on the grassy ground, enjoying the night air.
Life in the Stable
I had to share my stall with several other mares. Now, imagine sharing a space with other females – sometimes things can get a bit… spirited. You can say we were a tight group. You know how it is – a strong, close-knit group of mares can hold the stable, so to speak. There’s no such thing as getting out of chores. One day, my stallmate Agnes was feeling a bit mischievous and had hidden her stall’s hook behind her feed basket! It caused such a commotion when we were trying to get into the stables at night – our masters could not understand why it took so long to get everyone inside!
The caretakers knew us individually. Our names weren't always used, mind you, they often called us by the colour of our coats – like “the chestnut”, "the black one”, “the grey,” or, in my case, “the mare with the white tail”. We were like a team, you know – with strong legs, sturdy bodies, and a sense of solidarity that you don’t see much in other species.
Food for Thought: The Feed and Care of Horses
Let’s talk about the things that keep our strong bodies in prime condition – food and drink! Horses are herbivores, as you well know! It meant, in 1623, our days were full of grazing, and sometimes a bit of oats to top up our meals. Oatmeal was the best, that much we agreed! It gave us a strong, powerful energy for the day. Oats are also said to keep us in a calmer mood and less prone to stress. And who wouldn't want a bit of extra peace and calm? I mean, you see how frantic the world is outside, and sometimes all you need is a good, calming meal, you know?
And the water… We never had to worry about running water or taps back then, the rivers and streams around us were our best source of water! Those were times of simpler pleasures, weren't they?
Horses and the Weather: Through Storm and Sunshine
Speaking of the weather, well, it was a mixed bag for sure. There were sunny, crisp days and days that turned so cold it was tough to feel our hooves, let alone feel our tails swishing as we walked! But my fur protected me and I felt hardy enough for all seasons. One memory stands out – one summer morning we were galloping through the fields of wheat, so full of the sheer joy of life! There wasn't a care in the world. Suddenly the clouds came rushing in and then it poured rain, the heavy drops lashing against us! The ground quickly turned muddy and, within seconds, we had become mud-caked horses! Thankfully the storm passed quickly, the sun broke through, and we continued to enjoy our time playing and exploring the farm. The warmth of the summer sun on my back felt extra nice after that cold spell!
The storms weren’t all bad, though. We were well accustomed to those chilly Scottish nights with blustery winds and pouring rains. The cold air used to make the fur around our neck stand on end and made our tails whip back and forth with gusto. And as the sun would slowly set, the stars would appear in the skies like sparkling jewels! You could only see these star displays clearly on the clearer nights in 1623. We have lost those nights nowadays – the pollution caused by humans prevents us from fully enjoying the wonder of a truly clear night. It's just a thought – how quickly things can change, you see?
An Eye Towards the Future:
In my 20 years as a horse, I saw a lot of changes - not just within myself, as I learned new skills, but in the way people used horses as well. Humans have such an ability to find new ways to improve upon their own inventions, haven't they? What a great, innovative creature mankind is!
The 17th century is an era of rapid change – and it all comes down to innovation and an unrelenting thirst to see how far one can push the limits of knowledge and development. It is no different in our horse world! I, for one, believe that there will be even more uses for horses, new roles and partnerships with humans in the years to come, for all of us to enjoy.
Until next time, take care, fellow horses!
Stay tuned for my next post where we’ll talk about a year in history full of adventure! I'll tell you all about our roles in trade routes, in farming and in some exciting events around the year 1624.
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