Hello there, my fellow equines! Emma here, a grey draught horse with a white mane and tail, from Hayfield, near Aberdeen, Scotland. I am turning 20 this year, and I've got to say, it's a fascinating time to be a horse, with all sorts of exciting developments happening in the world of equine sport and our connection with humans!
So let's saddle up and travel back in time to 1974, a year brimming with horse-related milestones.
From the Meadows to the Olympic Games
Firstly, we couldn't talk about this year without mentioning the 1974 World Equestrian Games! These grand events were held in Gothenburg, Sweden, and what a magnificent spectacle they were. The entire equestrian world came together, a rainbow of horses and riders competing across various disciplines – from dressage to show jumping, from eventing to driving. I heard the British team, including our very own Mary Gordon-Watson on Grandslam, put up a fantastic fight, bringing home bronze in the Individual Eventing competition. This success showcased the dedication and artistry of horse and rider partnerships, proving the incredible bond we share.
A Glimpse into Racing
Staying with sporting events, the 1974 Epsom Derby witnessed the triumph of Grundy, trained by the legendary Geoff Lewis and ridden by Geoff Lewis's son, Lester. The thrill of this classic race, a true test of both horse and jockey, echoed throughout the equestrian world, bringing a touch of exhilaration to all those involved.
Bridling Up for the Future: New Trends in Equine Care
1974 wasn't just about exhilarating competitions and achievements, it was also a year where we saw crucial progress in equine care. I heard whisperings around the Hayfield stables that a new approach to horse care – called Natural Horsemanship – was starting to gain popularity. The idea was that humans could communicate with horses in a more intuitive and natural way, focusing on trust and mutual understanding.
As a grey mare who'd seen her share of humans, I'm a firm believer in clear communication, understanding their needs and motivations. Though it wasn't a widely practiced technique back then, this Natural Horsemanship certainly seemed like a step in the right direction, acknowledging our inherent intelligence and responsiveness.
Beyond the Saddle: Connecting with Ourselves and Others
There were, however, different ways for humans to enjoy our companionship, and Therapeutic Riding was a practice gaining momentum this year. It provided an enriching and engaging experience for individuals with disabilities, harnessing the power of the human-horse bond for therapeutic and developmental benefits.
But beyond these achievements and advancements, there was something else, a shift in perception – the human world seemed to be rediscovering the profound connection with horses, recognizing the deep understanding and loyalty we offered.
A Look Through the Eyes of Emma
It was during this time that the world's focus seemed to shift toward our inherent power, the grace and strength of our stride. I distinctly remember a series of documentaries aired on the television (something that had become quite a common thing in Hayfield, where people gathered to watch these mesmerizing moving pictures). These documentaries captured the awe-inspiring presence of wild horses roaming across vast landscapes, reminding us of our ancestral strength and free spirit. It resonated deeply with my being, igniting within me a spark of appreciation for the powerful lineage I belonged to.
The End of an Era and a New Dawn
At the same time, whispers of something new were circulating through the hayfields. There were murmurs about the rising popularity of "Arabian" horses, with their elegant movement and impressive stamina. Some say they even came in different colours, such as grey like myself! A new era was dawning, an exciting evolution in the world of horses. This year, for the first time in a long time, I started to feel like we, as horses, were becoming part of something new, something fresh, something very exciting.
Living My Best Life, Grey and Proud!
Back at Hayfield, the world seemed full of hustle and bustle, people bustling about, rushing to work and carrying on their day. I, however, was relishing the slow pace of life, the warm sunshine on my grey coat, the fresh scent of meadows and fields in the morning, and the feeling of freedom as I grazed peacefully under the vast Scottish sky.
As the world kept evolving, my perspective stayed grounded – connected to nature, to the gentle breeze caressing my mane, to the rhythmic crunch of hooves against the soil. And yes, perhaps sometimes I would find myself daydreaming about the thrilling feats achieved by horses like Grandslam at those prestigious events – after all, every horse has a dream, doesn’t it?
But most of all, my dear equines, this year, I learned the importance of valuing the quiet moments, of savouring the simplicity of life. It's not about the fancy competitions or grand events but about finding joy in the everyday, in the companionship of fellow equines, and in the deep, unwavering connection with the human world. This, my friends, is what makes life worth living!
So here's to 1974 – a year that saw us grow as a breed, progress as individuals, and solidify our connection with humans, both on and off the field! Until next time, keep your spirits high, your hooves healthy, and remember, my dear equines, there's always something new around the corner. And, for now, let us all enjoy this magical journey called life, together.
-Emma, the Grey Draught, Hayfield, Scotland
(This concludes Emma's blog post. I hope you found it engaging, informative, and heart-warming. You're more than welcome to read her next blog post. Keep on galloping!)
