"Giddy Up, It’s 1971!"
Well, hello there, lovely readers! Emma here, your favourite grey draught horse from Hayfield near Aberdeen, Scotland. As a twenty-year-old filly with a mane and tail like spun silver, I feel it's my duty to tell you all about the exciting things happening in the equine world this year – 1971!
Yes, dear readers, we are galloping head-first into a new decade. Though the world may feel like it’s changing around us, one thing remains constant – the magnificent, powerful bond between humans and horses.
A Glimpse into Hayfield
I’ve had quite a busy year so far. We've been quite busy helping out at the farm with our neighbour Mr. Henderson's spring plowing. He’s a real gem of a fellow – loves horses, you know. He calls me “Old Faithful”, although I find it a little silly since I still feel like a young thing. Anyway, the heavy, black loam of our land needs a bit of extra muscle this time of year. My big strong friends, and I, pull his hefty old plough across the fields. There’s nothing quite like the fresh, earthy scent of spring on the air. The wind whips through my mane and tail as we work, bringing the scent of wild thyme and daisies.
The young farmhands are learning how to work with us big fellows. The girls always love my fluffy mane. They say it feels like spun sugar. The boys want me to kick my hooves – silly things. There's such a joy in seeing them, young and full of life, taking the reins. The old traditions are still very much alive.
A New Year in Equestrian Sports
Talking of new beginnings, 1971 is all about exciting changes for equestrian sports! You know how much we love a good show. We hear tell that dressage is gaining momentum all over the globe. Those humans love watching us execute intricate movements with grace and precision.
Now, I've got to be honest. Jumping isn’t my favourite pastime. While I can get over a sturdy hurdle without fuss, the smaller jumps they have in those competitions leave me wanting something more. The real showstoppers, the giants that truly put my athleticism to the test? Those are the ones that make my heart race!
But don’t think for a second that my fellow horses are leaving me behind in the excitement! Our friends in the US, the cowboys, have started using special saddles and bits for those big races over miles and miles. They’re really showing off what we can do! They call it "American Quarter Horse Racing," which seems quite an appropriate name, don’t you think?
Riding through Time
But while these new equestrian trends take centre stage, we must never forget the traditions that brought us here! Carriage driving is still as popular as ever. Imagine yourself sitting back in a carriage drawn by our beautiful stallions! I swear the elegance is just intoxicating. My hooves tap, tap, tapping along to the music – sometimes a fiddle or a banjo - and then the driver calls out a cheerful 'Whoa!’ and everything comes to a gentle stop. It's pure poetry in motion! The city folk are crazy about it – fancying themselves part of an era long gone.
It seems like the world’s a bit obsessed with nostalgia this year. The news even featured the latest trend – “the horse shows that transport audiences to bygone eras”! It makes me feel quite special!
Looking to the Future
1971 marks a very exciting year indeed. We horses are not just symbols of a bygone age. We are strong, capable companions who continue to share their lives with humanity, whether in fields, stables, or sports fields, we remain constant, powerful presences in the lives of people everywhere.
What adventures will this year hold? I can’t wait to share them all with you!
So, keep checking in to www.equiworld.org! We’ll keep you informed of everything in the wonderful world of horses!
Until next time, dear readers, Emma
P.S. Did you know that there is even a new magazine coming out soon that features horses - not just in shows or sporting events - but in everyday life, sharing our lives and the challenges and triumphs we experience with our human friends. I think I’ll call them, “The Hoof Beat.” It’s rather clever, don't you think?
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