Greetings, fellow equines! Emma here, your trusty grey mare with the flowing white mane and tail. It's a brisk morning here in Hayfield, near Aberdeen, and the sun is painting the heather fields with a golden glow. Just another glorious day to be a horse, and today I thought I'd take you on a journey through time – all the way back to 1629!
Now, 1629 wasn't a particularly noteworthy year in history. No great battles, no massive political upheavals, and no momentous equine inventions (though, just you wait, dear readers, those are coming!). But it was a year of subtle progress, of building blocks laid, and seeds sown for the equine world to flourish.
And even the humblest horse like myself can tell you that's pretty exciting!
A Life of Labour and Love
In 1629, life for most horses wasn't all frolicking in green fields and leisurely gallops along the coast. Oh no, we were working horses, and that meant long, arduous days pulling plows, carts, and wagons. You wouldn't believe how heavy those carts can be, especially when they're piled high with harvested barley and wheat. But believe me, we wouldn't have it any other way! Our work was essential for keeping our human companions fed and clothed, and it made us feel incredibly useful and appreciated.
I, for instance, was used for pulling carts for transporting goods to the bustling market in Aberdeen. It was a busy, lively place filled with the clamour of traders and the bleating of sheep. I always relished the trip, not only for the variety of smells and sights but also for the camaraderie I shared with the other horses. There was old, stoic Duncan, who seemed to have been pulling carts for longer than anyone could remember, and there was young, spirited Bess, with her mischievous twinkle in her eyes.
We'd stand together, tied to our carts, and share snippets of our lives, tales of our latest adventure, and commiserate over the aches and pains that come with a hard day's work. Even though we might grumble occasionally, we knew that our shared struggle forged a bond, a kinship that transcended words.
Breeding for the Better
1629 saw a gradual shift in the equine world: a greater focus on breeding for specific purposes. Horse owners started recognizing that a sturdy draught horse like myself was ideal for pulling loads, while a nimble, swift-footed animal was best suited for riding. They began selectively breeding their mares and stallions to ensure specific traits passed down to their offspring, thus contributing to the evolution of distinct breeds like the sturdy Clydesdale and the graceful Thoroughbred.
You can see the change even here in Hayfield. Just last month, the Earl of Aboyne's stable master, a fine chap named Thomas, began talking about the need to "improve the stock." Apparently, his horses were getting slower and clumsier, and he'd need new bloodlines for stronger, sturdier working animals. Of course, being a grey mare with a reputation for producing strong, healthy foals, I wasn't entirely surprised when I became the new target for a visit from the Earl's most handsome stallion! (Let's just say, I'm looking forward to the new generation!)
A Touch of Magic
Don't let the focus on work deceive you, though. The life of a horse, even in 1629, was far from mundane. The love we received from our human companions made it all worthwhile. The scratch behind the ears, the pat on the neck, and the affectionate words whispered in our ears—these were the rewards that made even the hardest work worthwhile. We weren't just tools, you know! We were members of the family.
Even on the gloomiest days, there was always the magic of riding. For some horses, this was reserved for the grand gentry, who would proudly ride their horses on fine outings or at hunts. But for others, like myself, there was the simple joy of running free with the wind whipping through our mane and the sun warming our backs.
As I said before, 1629 wasn't a momentous year for horses, but it was a year filled with simple pleasures: the feel of fresh grass under our hooves, the thrill of a playful roll in the sun, the sweet taste of clover in our mouths. And that, my dear equine readers, is a truly special thing.
So let's cherish the life we have, let's enjoy the bond we share with our human friends, and let's work hard to leave our hoofprints on the world, even if it's just one step at a time.
Until next time, happy trails!
Emma
