Hello there, fellow equines and horse enthusiasts! It's Emma here, from my lovely little paddock in Hayfield, just a wee bit outside of Aberdeen. The weather's been gloriously sunny these past few days, and the hay's just about ready for cutting. A perfect summer, really.
Now, as you know, I’m all about the past. History is so full of intrigue and charm. Just thinking about all those wonderful horses who came before me and the amazing feats they achieved…it’s enough to make my tail swish with excitement!
So, grab yourself a juicy carrot, or maybe a sweet apple if you’re lucky, and join me on a journey to the year 1673!
1673…that’s a good year to remember for more than just the sunshine and hay. It’s the year of the infamous “Black Death”, an awful time in Europe and even some parts of Asia, when the bubonic plague swept across the continent like a monstrous storm.
As a strong, working horse myself, I’ve often heard tales about how the plague devastated so many communities, especially those crowded in city streets. Sadly, there were many lives lost, both human and animal.
And you know, back then, there wasn't really a proper way to understand the disease. Most people thought it was God's punishment for sin or witchcraft, which, I'll admit, does seem a bit harsh even for a horse like me who sees things differently.
But this time, dear friends, this year in history was NOT just about bad times and hardship. For all the sorrow of the Black Death, it actually became a time of great opportunity for us horses!
The Black Death was particularly harsh on farm workers and laborers. It ravaged communities, causing immense suffering. Imagine, being unable to even feed or care for themselves properly, let alone their animals! It just goes to show you, no matter how big and strong we horses are, we rely on humans just as much as they need us.
And so, with so many able bodies lost to the plague, humans realised how crucially dependent they were on us - strong horses to plough the fields, to pull heavy loads, to carry goods to market. In some ways, the plague had a ripple effect, increasing demand for strong draught horses like myself all across Europe!
This really highlights something important to remember. We, horses, have been playing a crucial part in shaping human history for centuries. We are more than just creatures of beauty and strength; we are loyal partners who have helped shape the world we know.
It wasn't just our strength that humans relied on during those tough times. The sheer resilience of the horse is incredible.
Many historians believe the Black Death likely traveled on trade routes along with the horses, particularly from Asia. Yet, while the disease ravaged human populations, many horses survived. Imagine, traveling miles, exposed to sickness and suffering, and yet still remaining healthy and capable! It’s a testament to our innate strength and hardiness.
This is what makes horses, especially workhorses, so amazing, so fascinating! Our strength isn’t just in our muscles, it’s in our spirit too.
But let's talk about what else happened in 1673! Remember, just because there was hardship doesn’t mean everything was bleak. After all, our own horse communities thrived, and I think it's lovely to know about what else was happening in the world around us during that year:
New discoveries in Horse breeding: In England, farmers started experimenting with crossbreeding to create new, hardier strains of horses for heavier loads and pulling. I'll bet those strong workhorses were grateful to the breeders for those innovative steps.
New Harnessing methods: As the demand for horse power increased, there were developments in how horses were harnessed for work. Think padded collars and straps, which meant less friction and injuries, a really great leap forward for us!
The rise of Carriage building: People were starting to explore traveling by carriage, using horses for transportation. This sparked the creativity of coach builders, and suddenly we were more involved in luxury travel, and that’s a trend we see in horse history that continues right up until today.
More on horseback riding: Riding became more popular. Not just for transport, but for recreation and even the new sport of horse racing, although it wasn't yet quite as grand and celebrated as it became in later years.
It was quite a busy time in the world of horses, really. While the Black Death was tragic, we were still vital. Humans still relied on us for work, for travel, and even for sport and entertainment.
Life wasn’t always easy, but we never stopped being the dependable partners that humanity needs.
Now, I’d like to hear from all of you! What did YOU discover about 1673? Do you know of any other interesting happenings around that time that involved horses?
Share your knowledge, your stories, and your own historical musings in the comments below! And until next time, keep your noses high and your hooves strong!
Cheers, Emma
