Good morning, my lovely equine friends! It’s Emma here, a grey mare with a flowing white mane and tail, hailing from the lovely rolling hills of Hayfield near Aberdeen. And, as you know, my passion lies in sharing the fascinating story of our noble breed – horses – with all of you. Today, I'm going to whisk you back in time to the year 1628. A pivotal year for horses in my opinion!
A Bit About My Life in 1628
Oh, to be a young horse in 1628! I was 20 years old, a fine and strong draught horse, in the prime of my life. It was the year that I began pulling the heavy carts, the lumbering wagons, the stately coaches of my master, a kind gentleman called Angus who owned a small farm near Hayfield. He wasn't particularly wealthy, but he always ensured we horses were well fed and cared for.
We had a busy life in Hayfield. Every day was filled with the sound of clanking chains and the rhythmic clip-clop of hooves on cobblestones. We were a part of everything: hauling hay from the fields to the stables, carrying timber for the new homes, transporting goods to the nearby village of Inverurie, even carrying families on their long journeys to visit relatives in the surrounding countryside.
News From the Kingdom
But life in Hayfield wasn’t just about the routine. This year, in particular, was marked by big news. You see, our dear King Charles I was in trouble! He was facing opposition in England, and it felt as if the entire country was divided. There were rumours of wars and rebellions, though none reached our peaceful Hayfield. Still, these events certainly made their mark in history.
Beyond the Borders
This year also saw the rise of a famous and rather grand individual in our equine world – the Friesian. Originating in Friesland, a region in the Netherlands, these striking black horses were becoming increasingly popular, famed for their elegance and grace. Though not common in our parts, their story was whispered about in hushed tones, even in our faraway Hayfield.
From Work to Warfare
And then, there were the horses used in warfare. We didn’t have much of that here in Scotland. But the year 1628 saw many fierce battles in Europe. It seemed that every battle required a steady, brave heart, a strong spirit, and, of course, the noble horses who would charge into battle, their bravery carrying soldiers and officers to victory.
While some might associate horses only with warfare, there was a world beyond the battlefield, a world of peace and purpose.
The Humble Roles of Our Breed
For example, did you know that the year 1628 also saw the first organised horse race in the English town of Newmarket? What an exciting day for the equestrian world! This was a grand event for all horses, the faster, the lighter, the spirited thoroughbreds in particular. They were racing for glory, for accolades, for the honour of being deemed the best.
Back in Hayfield, though, the news of the Newmarket Races seemed faraway. We were working horses. Our days were about practicality, hard work, and a sense of responsibility. Our lives weren't filled with adrenaline-charged races, but they were filled with quiet contentment. We took pride in the sturdy carts we pulled and the weight we bore, knowing that our hard work fed and clothed families, helped communities prosper, and contributed to the grand tapestry of life in this beautiful world.
The Horses and Their Stories
I often tell myself stories in the fields, at the stables, during our evening walks with the shepherd, about other horses – horses of different breeds, from all across the globe. Sometimes, they are just playful tales I imagine. But many of them, I like to believe, are rooted in reality. Like, for instance, the tales about horses on vast farms, the stallions who lead herds, the mare who finds her way across distant lands to reunite with her lost foal. And, of course, the legendary tales about horses of legend like Pegasus, the winged steed of Greek mythology!
This year in 1628, our human counterparts have begun writing books, painting images, and sharing stories of horses like myself. The stories they weave are about love, loyalty, and hard work – just like ours. Even though they are written in human tongues, they echo the spirit of our kind, the spirit that has helped build civilisations and nurtured families for centuries.
More Than Just Transportation
But our story, the story of the horse, is so much more than just transportation or warfare. It is a story of partnership, trust, and mutual understanding. It’s the bond forged through tireless work, the loyalty displayed on long journeys, the understanding shared between human and animal.
So here’s to the horses of 1628. To those who pull the wagons and those who charge into battle, to the ones who race for glory and the ones who walk side by side with their masters. Here’s to all of us, the horses of the world!
I look forward to telling you more of our history, and yours. Until next time!
With much love,
Emma
From Hayfield, Scotland
1628
