Hello, my lovely fellow equines! It's Emma here, your friendly grey mare from Hayfield, just outside of Aberdeen. I'm back again with another slice of equine history – today, we're taking a gallop back to the year 1634!
You might be surprised to learn that a mere 389 years ago (yes, it's truly that long ago!), the world of horses was already full of adventure and interesting things. Back then, life as a horse wasn’t just about rolling in the meadow and enjoying the sweet taste of freshly cut grass, though we certainly did a fair amount of that!
Here in Hayfield, the winter was biting and the fields lay frosted. As the days started to lengthen, I could already feel the warming sun on my back as I pulled the plough with my sturdy brethren. It's a hard but necessary job, you see. This land needs turning over to ensure a bountiful harvest. Oats for the farm, barley for the ale, and even some tasty potatoes – we horses keep this village ticking over!
My owner, Thomas, is a fine man with kind eyes and gentle hands. He treats us well – our oats and hay are plentiful, our stalls are clean, and our shoes are kept in top condition by the village blacksmith, who never fails to give us a pat on the nose. Thomas, like most men of his day, knows horses are our village's backbone. We are not mere beasts of burden, we are essential for trade, travel, and warfare.
Speaking of warfare, this year was quite an interesting one for horses across the world. In France, the "Day of Dupes" saw Cardinal Richelieu consolidate his power, pushing through policies to strengthen the army. He was keen on creating a more professional and centralized force – and what army can truly function without horses? Cavalry! So you see, even across the sea, the importance of our breed was felt strongly.
Closer to home, though, things were less dramatic but equally interesting. The King, Charles I, was pushing for further funding for his court. We hear tales of lavish banquets, with exquisite wines and meats, and carriages with horses decked out in silver and jewels, though here in Scotland, life remains fairly simple. We haven't seen much of that kind of opulence yet! But I do understand that horseback riding was a popular pastime for both men and women amongst the nobility. Perhaps one day, a lady of the court will ride me and take me to one of those grand celebrations! It would certainly be an exciting change from the daily routine.
This year, we saw an increase in demand for heavy draught horses like me. You see, we’re more than just a pretty face. It's our strength and resilience that are needed to move large loads, pull carts, and, of course, plough those all-important fields! It's our powerful strides that help ensure everyone has enough to eat. So, when you see a draught horse like me, don’t just admire our handsome build. Remember the vital role we play in sustaining communities like our own here in Hayfield!
There was a fair amount of movement between countries this year, particularly around horses for racing. News came to our village of a fine stallion, called 'Flying Childers,' a majestic creature with great speed, that travelled all the way from the west of England to be ridden by the finest jockey in London. He was bred to run, and his race against other steeds was described as a true spectacle! It certainly gave our blacksmith quite a lot to chat about at the local inn. I believe these fast horses can cover an astonishing distance in a matter of minutes. Now, wouldn't that be something to witness – galloping as fast as the wind! I suspect that kind of speed wouldn't be too enjoyable, however. Personally, I am content to plough our fields with purpose and dignity, although perhaps one day, I might sneak off to see a race for myself!
While it may have been a calmer year for us horses here in Scotland compared to the battles and political schemes in the south, it was no less exciting. Every day brings its own unique adventure! From the rhythm of the plough to the whispered stories shared in the stable at night, the life of a horse in 1634 is filled with a sense of purpose and camaraderie. We horses play a vital part in life here, ensuring survival and prosperity for ourselves and our human companions. It makes me very proud to be a horse.
I hope you enjoyed reading about the year 1634, and do visit Equiworld again soon for another glimpse into history through the eyes of a grey mare named Emma!
Stay safe, stay healthy, and gallop on!
Your friend,
Emma, Hayfield, Scotland
