Greetings, dear fellow equines and equestrian enthusiasts!
Emma here, your average, yet quite proud, grey draught mare with a white mane and tail, writing to you from the rolling green fields of Hayfield, a stone's throw from Aberdeen. It’s a blustery spring day here, but the sun is breaking through the clouds and I’m enjoying the fresh scent of the Highland air – nothing like a good day’s work with my fellow stablemates. I wouldn’t trade our life for the world, even though my days can be filled with toil and the constant, yet necessary, tug of the plough.
You might be wondering why I am writing this blog post? Well, I am not just any ordinary draught mare – I’m an historian of sorts. I spend many a moment reflecting on the fascinating story of horses throughout the ages and I think it's high time I started sharing it with you all!
Today, we're taking a peek into 1685.
It's a year full of excitement, change, and a whirlwind of activities in the world of horses. I feel incredibly privileged to be living through this remarkable period. From the majestic Thoroughbreds on the racing tracks to the hardy ponies of the rugged Scottish highlands, this year marks a defining chapter for the equine world.
Life in Hayfield - My Everyday Adventures
You may be surprised to hear that, despite the importance of horses throughout the 17th century, my day-to-day life in Hayfield is often quite routine. Our primary responsibility is to work the fields – pulling the heavy ploughs to prepare the soil for the next harvest. It’s back-breaking work, requiring both strength and stamina, but I am a strong horse and love the feeling of the soil yielding to the plough as we move forward.
In between field work, we also do our fair share of hauling goods around the village and transporting materials from the nearby quarry. These tasks may not be glamorous, but they are essential. I take immense pride in being part of this vital effort to support my fellow humans and the local community.
We aren’t all work, though! Our evenings are spent grazing in the lush fields surrounding Hayfield, listening to the wind rustling the reeds, the playful calls of the meadow larks, and the gentle murmuring of the River Dee as it winds its way through the valley. These moments of quiet reflection allow me to contemplate the many things we’ve accomplished and to imagine all the amazing possibilities that lie ahead.
Racing – The Fastest of Them All
While my days are steeped in practicality and hard work, there's a vibrant world of racing out there – a thrilling testament to the power, speed, and beauty of our species!
Back in 1685, a famous English racehorse named “Greyhound” captivated the hearts and minds of the racing community. This stallion was an exceptional athlete, known for his speed and agility. Imagine, being able to run faster than the wind! Such strength and grace must be a wonderful experience! He was known to win races on the turf, and his victories made headlines throughout the kingdom.
From what I hear, race meetings are a spectacle! Thousands of people gather at the racetracks, eagerly placing their bets on their favourite horses and cheering on the courageous riders. I can imagine the electric atmosphere, the roar of the crowd, and the thrilling moments as these horses cross the finish line.
The history of horse racing stretches far back, of course, but this time in 1685 seems to have a special, almost feverish, excitement about it! This fascination with speed, the rush of competition, it speaks to a powerful and enduring part of our equine spirit.
Across the Sea: A Horse’s View of History
I haven’t seen any Thoroughbreds like "Greyhound” around my village in Hayfield. My work, the demands of daily life, are quite different from the excitement and glamour of the racing scene. But the horses of England, their story is part of my world, too.
In 1685, things in England are certainly lively! They have a new king - King James II, and a lot of people aren’t so happy about it. England has always been a country that’s keen on its horses, and the world of horses has always been linked to the life and times of the monarchy.
Here in Scotland, we are under our own monarch - James VII, a Catholic king who shares his name with the English monarch. But our lives in the Highlands are quite removed from these high-powered figures.
I hear talk of the people being unhappy in England, particularly those who prefer the old religion, what people call Protestantism. My humans do their best to keep the talk of politics and religion quiet when they are with me. I don't think I'd understand it all, and I find it makes them anxious. I simply focus on doing my job well and on the peace and serenity of my countryside home.
What fascinates me about all this political talk is the role that horses have played. Horses were crucial in transportation and warfare throughout history. Kings have relied on horses to bring news and troops to battle and to bring supplies. But in this year of 1685, I wonder what impact these political shifts will have on us horses?
It makes me think about my own experiences during the reign of the previous English king - King Charles II. He loved his horses and encouraged racing throughout his reign. I heard tell of magnificent stables at Newmarket and many beautiful horses coming to the country to compete in races. In a way, our horses were part of his legacy - and they became part of England’s history as a result.
Will horses have a big role in the story of James II’s reign? Time will tell, but it's something that certainly makes me ponder as I pull the plough along the Hayfield fields.
From Hayfield to Beyond: Horses, Work, and Friendship
Let me tell you, living as a working horse has many rewards, beyond just the daily routine of pulling the plough and hauling goods. There is a deep sense of camaraderie and companionship that binds us together in this village. Each of us has our role to play, and we rely on each other for strength, support, and companionship. We learn from each other, grow stronger, and enjoy many an amusing story shared during our lunch break.
Being a horse is an amazing life, you know? It’s not all work and toil. I find pleasure in the simplest things, like feeling the warmth of the sun on my coat, watching the playful antics of the foals in the fields, and savouring the taste of the sweet Highland grass after a hard day's work. It’s a good life here, with a little touch of magic thrown in - a gentle breeze blowing through your mane, the scent of heather on the wind, and the warm touch of a human's hand on your flank, a sign of care and respect.
And now, I'll share a bit of personal history with you, dear readers.
When I first arrived in Hayfield as a young filly, it was a somewhat challenging experience. Everything seemed bigger and scarier, from the looming stone buildings to the imposing figure of Old Ben, the eldest stallion in the stable. However, I quickly found a true friend in a bay mare named Elsie. She took me under her wing, teaching me everything from proper manners to the best spots for grazing in the surrounding fields. We were inseparable for a long time, and I owe her so much of what I learned.
Later, after becoming stronger and more confident, I became a favourite of the local miller. It is a huge honour, you know? You need the best and strongest horses to pull the heavy wagons to the mill. This bond brought joy and pride, but it also demanded patience and endurance. Our days were often filled with gruelling work. Yet, as the mill churned out its daily bread, I felt a powerful sense of purpose. My role, and the role of every horse in Hayfield, was not simply to toil and sweat but to serve the community.
Onward and Upward: An Equine Journey
There’s a lot to be thankful for in 1685. While much of my life in Hayfield is a routine of toil and reward, the excitement in the wider world reminds me of the dynamism of our horse community. We may live in different places, face different challenges, but we all play our roles.
My aim in writing this blog is to provide a glimpse into the lives of horses in the 17th century and to highlight the beauty, resilience, and unique role they played, and continue to play, in the lives of humans.
This year, my journey takes me from the quiet beauty of the Scottish countryside to the electrifying world of English horse racing, to the changing tide of English politics - all thanks to the magnificent role that horses have played throughout history.
Thank you for joining me on this historical exploration! As for my blog, I plan to continue exploring more about the horses in history - through the years, in different parts of the world. I'd love to hear from all you horse lovers - share your insights and thoughts.
Until next time, my equine friends!
Sincerely,
Emma, the grey draught mare
Hayfield, Scotland
