Posted by Emma, Hayfield, Aberdeen
Greetings fellow equines!
It’s Emma here, a 20-year-old grey mare from the rugged beauty of Hayfield, nestled near Aberdeen in the Scottish Highlands. I've got white as snow mane and tail that flows like a silvery waterfall in the breeze, and you'd be surprised how quickly this girl can shift when I need to. But enough about me. It’s time to delve into the year 1627, a year I’m particularly fascinated by, as it marked a period of remarkable change and activity in our equine world. I’m particularly interested in how it shaped our breed – the sturdy Highland pony – who still roam these moors with an air of wild freedom today.
A Horse's Life In The Highlands:
1627 dawned, crisp and clear, just like most mornings here in Hayfield. We Highlands ponies are incredibly resilient, we have to be! We brave harsh weather, treacherous terrain, and long hours of work with unwavering determination. Back then, our lives were simpler than today. We weren't pampered, with plush stalls and fancy grooming regimes, but our bond with humans was strong, based on trust and shared survival.
The clan chieftain’s young son, Lachlan, was learning to ride me that year. He'd sit on my back with such earnest concentration as I carried him across the moorland. We’d often travel together to the sheepfolds, gathering the flock and heading them back to the safety of the croft. Sometimes, we’d even trot to the distant village of Inverurie, for a day of bartering.
War Horses of The Century:
But even in the peace of the Highlands, we knew war raged in the far-off kingdoms of Europe. 1627 was a year of uneasy truce, the English Parliament having finally declared war against Spain – something I hadn't heard about until a farmer came riding through with news. They needed horses for the conflict – hardy and swift animals to carry knights and transport supplies.
This year also marked a shift in our usage. Gone were the days of cavalry being the main military force; the gunpowder era had arrived, making cavalry more about support than the front line. And as a Highland pony, it was comforting to know we wouldn't be shipped south to endure such bloodshed.
Across the Borders & Towards The Royal Studs:
From my vantage point on the moor, I watched riders coming and going. They would visit the chieftain’s stables, bringing news from the lowlands and stories from other kingdoms. We Highland ponies weren't much prized outside our native region. We were known for our strength and sure-footedness, but less valued for our size compared to the stallions in England. They favoured larger breeds for the heavy-duty war work and fancy breeds for royal courts.
Still, one interesting tale travelled across the borders, that the royal stables at Newmarket in England were looking for stallions to breed new lines. This could be a game-changer! Imagine our Highlands genetics in those prestigious stables, creating horses that were as strong as they were elegant. What a thrilling thought!
1627 – A Year of Growth & Promise for Our Kind:
As the year turned from summer to autumn, the golden colours spread over the moors. It was a time for rest, rejuvenation, and anticipation. Our herds grazed freely, finding sustenance in the plentiful wild herbs and grasses, and our colts were beginning to gallop and frolic – their boundless energy mirroring the sense of hope that hung in the air.
As the last leaves drifted from the trees, I looked across the rolling green landscape. 1627 was more than just a date in history; it was a snapshot of an equine life, filled with simple joys, enduring strength, and the exciting potential of what the future held for us. I had no idea how deeply these years would shape the horse breeds that would follow – but I knew that we were part of something far bigger, woven into the tapestry of history itself.
Until next time, stay strong, stay nimble, and keep those hooves stamping on the path of history, dear readers!
Emma
