Hayfield, near Aberdeen, Scotland - 29th June 1329
My dear readers, I do hope this finds you well. The heather is in full bloom here in Hayfield, and the air is alive with the sound of birdsong and the rustle of leaves. It’s a perfect morning for a gallop!
Today I’m taking you back in time, my friends, to the year 1329. Yes, that’s right – I am an incredibly old horse. But unlike other ancient horses whose memories fade, I am blessed with an excellent memory. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane…
As a 20-year-old grey mare, I was considered a senior in those days, but my strength was still admirable, and my energy boundless! I was born on a farm near Hayfield, a quiet spot nestled among the rolling Scottish hills. I lived a simple life – a life that was routine, familiar, and deeply peaceful. I was a strong workhorse, bred for my power and endurance, and my days were spent hauling plows and wagons through the fields. I also transported heavy sacks of barley and oats to the mills in the nearby villages.
I have seen so much happen over the centuries. So much history. It has all been witnessed from the back of a cart or a plow. I’ve carried dignitaries, merchants, and common folk alike, experiencing a whole kaleidoscope of human lives.
Today, I will share my perspective on the year 1329, an extraordinary year. And although 1329 is a few hundred years before my time, I still managed to hear many fascinating stories. This year witnessed pivotal moments in history - in England, Scotland, France, and many other corners of the world. I must start with the tale of David II, King of Scotland. King David became the true monarch in the early 1320s and made such a splendid impact upon his kingdom. In fact, he rode his horse, accompanied by the noblest men in Scotland, right into battle to gain recognition from Edward III of England. He even rode right into the enemy lines – quite the feat! It was also a great honour for a horse like me, seeing that our role was pivotal for a thriving nation.
During these early years of the 14th century, war was sadly a part of daily life for many people and horses. Even the noble King David of Scotland was forced to go to war. His fight was hard, though! He fought alongside men in Scotland for years before he secured peace. He became a champion for his people. They celebrated him. And, as I often heard, when a young man rode his fine war horse onto the battlefield, the crowd went wild! Even the bravest men would raise their voices and applaud as he spurred on his loyal, majestic beast. This was the time of the greatest strength and courage for our breed. We, the noble steeds of the battlefield, fought with dignity alongside brave knights, safeguarding the land.
It was through such times of war that people understood the crucial value of the warhorse – not only for their ability to bear knights and troops into the heat of battle, but for their stamina and strength in carrying heavy packs, navigating tricky terrains, and swiftly relaying information between army ranks. It is a time for which we warhorses have been eternally revered, my dear friends. We stand tall even today, in the memory of such valor, such courage.
But life was not just war for horses like me. In fact, I’d argue it was not just the mighty war horses of the period, but those horses like me, strong and steady draft horses who contributed greatly to daily life. We, along with many others, kept the wheels turning in the 14th century. Our strong bodies pulled carts of heavy goods, plowed the fields to produce harvests, and transported people across landscapes both grand and simple. You see, every day life at the time relied on the horse! For transportation, trade, for agriculture. Even those in the cities would see my brethren delivering produce and goods from the surrounding fields, and you can imagine our presence in their daily lives.
The year 1329 saw a steady demand for the breed I represent. Strong workhorses, robust and reliable. They were the backbone of society and helped keep communities thriving. The agricultural lands of Britain were still primarily reliant on horses, you know. This was a vital and critical industry at the time, employing countless hands. In our strong, capable backs lay the hopes and aspirations of people and the wellbeing of nations. It truly was the golden age for our breed!
Another reason why the year 1329 was especially important for us was the continued flourishing of horsebreeding in Scotland. The landscape was particularly good for raising strong draft horses, and so breeders carefully raised young foals who grew into exceptional horses, ready to contribute to society, farming, and even, occasionally, military affairs. My heart swelled with pride!
However, all good things must come to an end. With the changing times, the demand for working horses started to diminish. Sadly, horses began to give way to advancements such as water mills and the first industrial technologies.
Yet, there is still much that we have to contribute today. We, as noble steeds, continue to grace the fields, playing our role as loyal companions to riders who still appreciate our speed, strength, and connection to the land.
There is so much I could tell you about the horses of 1329, their lives, their role, and how much they meant to society then. You could argue that life then was a different time, where our horses played an incredibly important role. While I've moved on to a slower pace, and our roles may have evolved, I feel strongly that even today, the spirit of the horse remains as bold, noble and resolute. I can’t help but feel grateful for every sunrise that lets me greet the day with the sun on my face.
Thank you for sharing this historical stroll through time with me. May we forever remember the valuable and critical role our ancestors played in the world!
Your friend and fellow horse lover,
Emma
Hayfield, Scotland
June 1329 (ish)!
