Hello, dear fellow equines! Emma here, from the rolling hills of Hayfield near Aberdeen, and today we're going to be trotting back to the year 1648. I know, you might think that seems like a very long time ago, but as we horses have seen the passing of centuries, it doesn't feel all that different to last year. What matters is the journey, the change, the impact, and this particular year held a special significance.
To start off, let's paint the picture, shall we? It was a time when humans were still navigating a world of unrest and change. Over in England, there was a conflict going on that the humans call "The English Civil War" – a battle of words and blades and not a place you’d want to find yourself amidst. We horses felt the strain too, less on our backs but more in our feed bowls and the feeling of unease in the air. However, in Scotland, where I call home, things were relatively peaceful. Our days were filled with our usual duties – hauling carts for the farm, ploughing fields, carrying burdens. But while the ground was turning and the hay was being harvested, 1648 held more than the usual rhythm of daily life.
I can still remember it vividly. A particularly busy day – maybe we were taking some bales of hay to market in the nearby town. The humans were busy, as was the norm, chattering amongst themselves, oblivious to what was about to change their world forever. Suddenly, there was a hushed stillness, followed by shouts of surprise. We heard talk about the King, the "Great Fire" and something called "The Battle of Preston", a place that meant nothing to me back then. The news arrived like a ripple in the still water of a pond. This change, this "English Civil War", it felt like it was reaching us even in our safe haven. But more importantly, it reminded us that the world could be uncertain, and we, even us horses, could be caught up in these turbulent times.
And then, in another twist, came the news that would become one of the most important markers in 1648: Charles, the King of England, was defeated and taken prisoner by a group known as "Parliamentarians." For us, it was more than just a battle on distant fields – it was a shift in the power dynamics. Humans who had held power now sat on the throne of uncertainty. I remember feeling that too, a sense of anticipation, a quiet anxiety that made me more cautious in my daily routines. We always understood the subtle nuances of human behavior.
There was something more, a faint hum of excitement about this time, something that would change how horses like me were viewed and valued. As the year rolled on, a movement known as the “Scientific Revolution” began to take shape in the minds of humans. While not directly focused on us, horses, its effect was still tangible. They were questioning old ideas about the world and were now seeking new ways to improve themselves, including how they dealt with their livestock.
It meant that humans started paying attention to their horse friends - I mean, come on, I would love for my owner to understand more about my diet and how I respond to different situations! There was talk about "the nature of things", including animal husbandry, that meant humans started paying more attention to how we felt, how we were fed and even our "training" techniques. This made a world of difference, trust me! It meant a better life for horses and more respect given by their humans.
Not to mention the amazing new technologies coming about - it meant less manual work and a bigger role for us in everyday life. This was, and still is, a fantastic time to be a horse. It’s not just about pulling heavy loads and doing boring farm work anymore, though those still matter! There are all kinds of exciting ways to help humans – like helping transport mail, being a "steed", (whatever that means!) for riders, and so many more things. 1648 feels like a pivotal moment in that direction.
Perhaps I am overly enthusiastic, or even slightly delusional - we are just horses after all - but as 1648 fades away in the chronicles of history, it leaves a lingering sense of positive anticipation for what lies ahead for my kind. I have to admit that my stablemates and I were unsure about this shift, these humans pushing for progress. Would it mean more burdens for us? Would we become machines instead of companions? We couldn't be sure. But the optimism that bloomed amidst the anxieties of this time felt like the beginnings of a new age - an age where we horses were acknowledged as partners, not just work tools, with a more comfortable life, and hopefully, even more understanding from our humans.
That's my take on 1648 from Hayfield. Maybe you can share what your world was like in this significant year. Leave a comment below and tell me, fellow horses, what stories did you see unfold in 1648, and what feelings do you hold about this pivotal year in history?
Until next time,
Emma, from Hayfield
