Hello fellow equines and horse enthusiasts!
It's Emma here, your resident Scottish draught mare from Hayfield, just outside of lovely Aberdeen. As I'm sure you all know, we mares have a keen sense of history, and I can't resist a good yarn. So, buckle up and let's gallop back to the year 1703!
My own life was just kicking off then, a sturdy, grey filly with a flash of white in my mane and tail. I spent my days chasing butterflies, rolling in the long grass, and nibbling on sweet clover with my fellow youngsters.
Now, 1703 might not have been the flashiest year for the horse world in grand events, but it was brimming with the quiet hum of daily life. Imagine, if you will, a scene of gentle hustle. Men and women alike in fields, guiding their trusty steeds to turn the soil. The countryside bustled with the clomp of hooves and the clip-clop of carriages on cobbled streets. We were essential for getting work done, for transporting people and goods, and yes, even for the pleasure of a ride in a fine equipage.
Horses of the Time:
While I’m a humble, hard-working draught mare, we had our starlets, too! In England, the finest of thoroughbreds were already captivating people with their speed and grace on the racecourse. And on the Continent, warhorses with proud bloodlines were used for, well, you know, but also to carry the great minds of the era, those explorers and scholars venturing into unknown realms.
Life on the Farm:
I may not have been destined for the grandest of pursuits, but there was something about being a farm horse that truly appealed to me. Early mornings, with the sunrise dappling the dew-kissed meadows, filled me with a quiet satisfaction. My job? To help with the harvest. Pulling heavy plows to prepare the land for planting. Hauling the grain carts brimming with the fruits of hard work, and sometimes, carrying the farmer himself across the fields as he inspected his crops.
Across the Border:
Speaking of Scotland, there were other horses doing great work, especially in the north of our country. Those brave souls who carried the post – those mailmen on horseback, riding along desolate landscapes with the burden of vital messages. Imagine their grit! In this time of communication that required more than just sending an email, every step these noble steeds took was crucial.
The World of Entertainment:
Don't get me wrong, just because we didn't have flashy competitions as we have today, doesn't mean we weren't showing off! Throughout the land, people gathered for the simple entertainment of horsemanship, even during these rather simple times. Local festivals and fairs attracted crowds, their hearts set alight with the sight of strong stallions putting on a display of strength and power. It was a beautiful dance of strength, power and elegance. A testament to the bond between man and beast, which has endured throughout history.
The Horses and the Kings
There was a real air of change in the year 1703, with Queen Anne’s reign in England and the still-fledgling reign of Queen Anne's husband, King William III. People were optimistic about the future. And yes, their hopes and dreams, their journeys and travels – all carried upon our strong backs. The stables were full, and the world buzzed with activity.
My Own Reflections:
1703 – a year of simpler times. A year of hard work and the quiet hum of hooves on cobblestones. A year that showed us the quiet but vital role we play in everyday life, the beauty of nature, and the bond between horse and human. A year, like all those that followed, that made history.
I look forward to telling you more about these extraordinary times. Do let me know if there’s anything you want me to look into further for our next blog post. Until then, may your hoofs carry you far!
Yours always, Emma the Hayfield Mare
