Hello, fellow horse lovers! It’s Emma here, your trusty draught mare from the highlands of Scotland, and today I’m taking you on a journey back in time – specifically to the year 1637. Now, some of you might be wondering why I'm looking back at history. Well, let's just say, it was quite the year for us horses, and I thought it would be delightful to share my insights and musings about what it was like to live then!
This year, I found myself on a little farm in Hayfield, near Aberdeen. It’s a lovely spot, surrounded by rolling hills and fresh air that’s so invigorating it just makes you want to gallop! You see, unlike some of you fancy-pants breeds with all the fluff and frills, I'm a good, sturdy grey draught horse, strong and reliable, made for pulling those heavy carts and ploughs. My thick, white mane and tail flowing in the wind were all the adornment I needed!
Now, as you know, horses are always working and bustling about, and 1637 was no different. My days were filled with the usual: helping to harvest the crops, pulling carts full of hay and grain, and hauling wood from the nearby forest. My owner, a kind farmer called Angus, treated me well. He always gave me a good brush and plenty of hay and oats – he even added a sprinkle of sugar sometimes for good measure.
However, 1637 was a bit special for me because this is where I encountered the fascinating world of “Horse Riding” as it was called. See, for most of my life, riding was reserved for royalty, knights, and a select few others.
But in 1637, I overheard Angus talking about something called “the Gentleman’s Riding Academy.” This, it turned out, was a school for nobles, and even a few adventurous ladies, who wanted to learn the art of riding. He seemed both impressed and envious at the same time. And I must say, this little piece of news truly piqued my curiosity!
The world was changing! Not only was riding being embraced by more people, but the way it was done was also evolving. For the first time, men and women were learning proper horseback riding from expert teachers, using new, sophisticated techniques that seemed to be changing how horses were treated. I couldn't help but feel a slight, healthy rivalry when I learned that people were choosing sleek, spirited steeds like the Arabian horse for their riding schools, but hey, what’s a draught horse like me to do but keep working and admiring their elegance?
I had to ask Angus more about these new ways of riding, especially the ladies involved. He laughed, then told me, “You know, Emma, there’s even a lady with her own stable of horses called Mrs. Eleanor Smythe. She’s teaching the young noblewomen of the city all about horse care and proper riding – quite extraordinary! Just a few decades ago, women weren't even allowed to be seen with their horses.”
He went on, telling me about “English” horses becoming more popular. They were graceful and light-footed, perfect for jumping hurdles and taking on the challenges of this “formalized riding.” And then there were the "Spanish Jennet" horses that became fashionable for riding too, because of their lively temperament and athleticism. But I held my ground – there’s nothing quite like a strong draught horse for reliable strength and carrying capacity, even if we’re not doing any fancy riding!
But this wasn't the only horse news brewing in 1637. It seems a new "disease" called "strangles" was plaguing horses, which is worrying! I didn't catch it myself, but poor Rosie, a young mare in a nearby village, unfortunately did. It’s quite sad when horses become ill – you wish you could do something more than stand beside them.
Meanwhile, there was great excitement in the world of horses and sport. You see, I heard the city of London had organized something called a "horse race"! Can you imagine that? Racing? That's something even I would have liked to try! They had different horses, with some being known for their "speed" - another fascinating development for our species! They raced over courses with judges deciding who crossed the finish line first, and people betting on the outcomes! Sounds exhilarating!
Overall, 1637 was quite the year for us horses! As we moved further into the 17th century, it felt like change was afoot – the old world of simple transport was transforming into something with much more grandeur and refinement, a change that we as horses found ourselves very much a part of.
Now, let me tell you about something that has me completely enchanted: the beautiful art being produced featuring us horses! There are exquisite paintings showcasing us in all our glory, capturing our powerful strides and graceful movement. People are creating paintings, sculptures, and even elaborate tapestries, with us, the horse, as their subject. What a lovely thing it is, to see our beauty being acknowledged and immortalized in this way.
But that’s all for today. Tune in next week for more from your faithful Emma, as I share more adventures, gossip, and all the thrilling changes unfolding for the equine world of the year 1638. Remember, folks, always have a gentle heart, and remember your horses! They are amazing and so much more than simply work animals.
Until then, keep your hooves tapping, and gallop into a magnificent day!
Your friend, Emma
