Greetings, fellow equine enthusiasts! It's Emma here, a fine grey mare with a mane and tail as white as driven snow, reporting from my lovely home in Hayfield, near Aberdeen, Scotland. It's always a pleasure to chat about horses, past and present, and this week I'm delving into a year filled with historical intrigue - 1598!
The year 1598 was a time of change in the world, and as a seasoned draught horse, I find it particularly fascinating. Back then, our kind played an even bigger part in daily life than we do today. It’s a privilege to carry the weight of that legacy. So, saddle up and join me on a journey back in time, to explore the captivating world of horses in 1598!
From Field to Feast:
Let's start with something near and dear to every horse's heart – the crops that fuel us. 1598 saw Scotland grappling with a harsh winter, leading to a grain shortage. It’s hard to imagine for a horse who's always been fed well, but for our kin working the fields, it must have been a tough time. As a draught horse, my main contribution would have been to the harvest – helping farmers pull ploughs, carts, and other heavy equipment. These were times when hard work and stamina were crucial to ensuring people's livelihoods. We weren’t pampered horses, but our strength made us vital!
A Royal Horse Lover:
Our lovely Queen Elizabeth I, bless her, was known for her love of horses. In 1598, she had quite the equine collection in her stables at Hampton Court. Imagine - beautiful thoroughbreds and sturdy destriers, a testament to her passion for our breed. I wonder if she ever had a favourite like the famous mare ‘Griselda,’ who later became part of her royal stable in 1603!
Across the Border, Into a War:
A year of significant change for our kind was also the year England got tangled in a war with Spain. King Philip II of Spain decided to attack Ireland. To get there, he had to cross the English Channel, a tricky situation for those who were prone to sea-sickness – I’d much rather pull a plough!
Our fellow horses, however, were tasked with hauling war supplies and supporting the English fleet. There was a huge movement of horses, a veritable storm of hooves, to bolster English defenses. This was not an era of pampering – those horses were under enormous pressure.
Training and Breeding:
What I'd love to have seen in 1598, besides the Queen’s stables, is the world of horse training and breeding! Back then, the emphasis was on producing strong, reliable working horses, perfect for pulling carts or carrying goods. My grey coat is typical of what was valued in a draught horse. It's said that breeding methods in 1598 were focused on increasing speed and stamina for warfare and transportation, though there were other breeds favored by nobility for elegance and carriage driving. The more you learn about horses, the more you learn about our evolution.
Tales From My Neighbours:
Let me share a bit of gossip from Hayfield. It’s always a bit of a mystery what the horses in the nearby stables get up to. I heard there’s talk of a horse in Dunnottar Castle that won a grand competition! Imagine – an exciting equestrian adventure in my own neighbourhood! I wonder what tricks that talented horse was able to pull. They must have been proud!
Riding Schools and Horses in Art:
Horse riding schools, especially for the aristocracy, were common by 1598. The Royal Equestrian Academy in Vienna was already teaching skills in horsemanship, even though they'd not be given their formal title for another couple of decades. The artistry and beauty of horse riding and hunting were being captured in paintings, with masterpieces depicting a wide range of skills. A life of being depicted on a canvas would have its charms!
The Importance of Horses:
As the saying goes, "a horse is a good friend". 1598 is a clear reminder of how horses were the essential 'tool' for everything from commerce and communication to warfare. Our contributions were invaluable. Though today we enjoy the luxuries of vehicles and machines, I always keep in mind how essential our kind were for the progress of the world.
What do YOU Think?:
This journey through the year 1598 brings to mind some important questions. Do you have any ancestors from this time? Were you a horse working the fields or carrying a rider on an adventure? Or perhaps, like me, you just stayed at home to take care of the barn. Let me know about your family history. We can share our lineage and tell stories about our ancestors and all the ways they played their part.
I'll leave you to contemplate the remarkable role horses played in shaping our world. Until next time, remember – a horse's legacy is an ever-evolving one, a testament to their strength, loyalty, and undeniable connection to humanity.
With heartfelt whinnies,
Emma
Hayfield, Scotland
www.equiworld.org
