Hello, dear Equiworld readers! It's Emma here, writing to you from the lovely rolling hills of Hayfield near Aberdeen. This year has been a real milestone for me, as I've officially turned twenty. A little old, perhaps, but definitely wiser, as they say!
I've been reminiscing about the year gone by, about all the exciting events and discoveries I've made. 1973 – the year when everything felt fresh and bright, a new chapter for the world of horses! So, pull up a bale of hay and let's step back in time...
Spring had sprung with a new sense of life and vigour. I'd felt the first warmth of the sun on my back as I grazed in the lush, green fields of Hayfield, enjoying the fresh, crisp air and the chorus of bird songs. It was time for my first foal of the year, a sturdy little filly with the softest, fluffiest mane. We named her Clover.
Spring racing kicked off in full swing, and we were all abuzz with excitement! The news of "The Galloping Grey", a legendary racehorse from the highlands, came through Hayfield like wildfire. He was on everyone's lips, and stories of his incredible speed and daring gallops filled the local taverns.
Our community came together to celebrate a new era of horse riding, too. There was a brand new equestrian centre being built down the road in a place called "Dullatur". The news spread like a good rumour, sparking hope and excitement for our young riders who longed to be able to ride in comfort. And that's not all – there were whispers of new "therapeutic horseback riding" techniques being tested on disabled individuals, offering them a chance to experience the freedom and joy of riding. It filled my heart with hope, knowing we could be more than just workhorses.
Summer time brought the familiar joy of long days, lazy sunbeams warming my coat, and the delicious, earthy scent of meadows brimming with wildflowers. I worked tirelessly in the fields, ploughing and pulling wagons, a strong and dependable workhorse as always. My coat shone under the sun, a silvery-grey with white streaks running through my mane and tail. The farmers told me, “You're the best grey they've ever seen”, and that made me feel a little proud.
The most fascinating thing I learnt this summer was the increasing popularity of the Arabian horse. This elegant, graceful breed had caught the fancy of breeders all over, particularly in the US. Stories came drifting across the Atlantic about the amazing “Black Stallion” film, a movie all about this magnificent breed and their strength and endurance.
Autumn had come, painting the landscape in beautiful colours – burnt oranges, fiery reds and golden yellows. The evenings grew longer and chillier, bringing a cosy atmosphere to the farm. It was time to harvest the hay and prepare for winter. A new breed of horses were getting introduced, the American Quarter Horse, renowned for their athletic prowess and versatility. It felt as though there were more exciting things on the horizon, a kind of “new world order” happening for horses.
Then winter descended, bringing cold nights, frost-kissed fields and crackling fireplaces. The farm became a sanctuary of warmth and togetherness. The horses huddled together for comfort, their warmth a source of strength and support.
This year, I read with growing curiosity in the local newspaper about a horse who had starred in a show called "The Incredible Journey", a tale of adventure and friendship between humans and animals. The story truly resonated with me, highlighting how special the bond between horses and people can be.
As 1973 came to an end, I felt an immense sense of joy and gratitude for all the things that had happened. This had been a year of exciting progress for horses all around the world. I had watched my little filly, Clover, grow into a spirited youngster. And I knew, with a heart filled with warmth, that our world, the world of horses, was changing for the better.
From Hayfield, Emma
