Hello fellow equines,
It's Emma here, your favourite grey mare from Hayfield, near Aberdeen, and today I'm taking you on a journey back to 1977! I know what you're thinking, "A whole year, Emma?! Surely you can't cram all that in?" But trust me, dear readers, 1977 was a year chock-full of equine delights. And what better time than the present to reflect on a year that holds such significance for our kind!
The air was crisp in the Scottish highlands, a stark contrast to the warm fuzziness filling my heart. You see, it was a year of change. I had left the comforting, yet sometimes dull, life of a farm horse and found myself in a thrilling new world – the world of carriage driving. Yes, that's right! I, your humble grey, was learning the art of trotting through the bustling streets, my handsome chestnut companion leading the way, both of us pulling a carriage brimming with curious onlookers.
But first, a peek into the world beyond my stable doors. I wasn't just living through changes; the world was brimming with them too! 1977 saw Queen Elizabeth celebrate her Silver Jubilee – 25 years on the throne. There were street parties, bunting, and even a special horse-drawn carriage for her tour around the nation, bringing a wave of patriotic warmth across the country.
Back in my little corner of the world, the world of horses was humming with new developments too! Have you heard of "show jumping?" Now, this wasn't a new concept in itself. It's been around for centuries. But 1977 marked a turning point. This year, the very first official World Championships of Show Jumping were held, right here in Europe, at the magnificent Hamburg stadium! Can you imagine the excitement?! I, however, had a different kind of excitement, a bit closer to home. I was busy navigating through a world of trotting, reins, and the exhilarating rhythm of the streets.
Our trainer, a jolly chap with a thick beard and a smile as wide as a stable door, would tell us all about the famous "horseman" - Mark Todd, who went on to dominate the showjumping arena. He spoke of how Mark, even at a young age, exhibited immense talent and an understanding of horses that defied age.
Remember those days, fellow equines, when we just lived for the feel of the sun on our coats, the fresh wind on our manes, the comfort of companionship, and the joy of a well-earned, hearty, oat-filled dinner? Well, things were evolving. That familiar sense of “home” and belonging wasn't lost, it simply expanded! The world was opening its doors, not just to us as farmhands or as companions, but also as performers, athletes, even as friends!
This sense of camaraderie wasn't confined to the showjumping ring, oh no! The spirit of friendship extended across continents! In America, "The American Quarter Horse Association" was flourishing. You see, America always had a soft spot for these muscular little creatures, but in 1977, the AQHA solidified their love with a series of impressive championships and events.
1977 was a pivotal year for "western riding" too. With an expanding fanbase across America, the Western horse industry found its voice with the founding of the National Reining Horse Association, focused on the art of the "rein."
While America was busy with their Quarter Horses and Western riding, in Britain, another exciting chapter was unfolding. Remember "dressage?" Now, this was all about elegance, poise, and coordination – almost like a dance with our human partners! And oh, was it a delightful sight! Well, in 1977, the sport got even more attention with the creation of the "British Dressage" organisation. This organization worked towards nurturing talent, bringing people together, and elevating the standard of this beautiful form of communication between horses and riders.
In 1977, my carriage horse companion and I had another encounter with “dressage”, and not in the traditional, “controlled” way! Imagine, my dear readers, trotting down the streets of a busy town, the sounds of traffic and chatter forming a unique melody around us. That, my friend, is the "dressage" of the real world – elegant, bold, and graceful in its own way.
As we gracefully maneuvered our carriage, my companion’s proud stance resonated with the pride in my heart. My companion, you see, had an elegant bay coat with a flash of white on his forehead, giving him a noble air. He often quipped about how he was better suited for the ballroom, and I, of course, teased him back, calling him a "show-off"! Our differences, however, simply reflected the beautiful diversity of our equine world. We all played different roles in the big, beautiful mosaic.
While we were out and about, making heads turn with our carriage driving prowess, news was buzzing back home, about a remarkable group called "The Pony Club." Have you heard of them, dear readers? A remarkable community built around sharing a passion for horses and learning the joys of equestrian life. From pony care to riding, they provided a safe and nurturing environment where kids could build confidence and grow into true horse enthusiasts.
Of course, a horse can't always just focus on driving through the streets or basking in the world of competitive equestrianism. Sometimes, just a quiet life on a farm feels like the ultimate luxury. I admit, those moments spent on the green pasture, munching on juicy hay, listening to the soothing sounds of nature, did make me reflect. I’ve witnessed countless journeys – the evolution of horses in human history. From our role as beasts of burden to companions and now even as stars!
1977 wasn’t a mere milestone, it was a testament to how beautifully diverse and exciting the equine world could be! It showed me how a world focused on horses wasn’t confined to any one style or competition. It embraced a million different personalities, each adding a splash of colour to the vibrant equine mosaic.
As I reflect upon this glorious year, I hope it's filled your hearts with a bit of joy, a dash of inspiration, and a whole lot of pride for our equine heritage! So go forth, dear readers, embrace the evolution of our species, explore the magnificent opportunities that await us. And always, always remember the bond we share, the unique harmony that brings us together! Until next time, may your hooves graze on verdant pastures, your manes sway with grace, and your hearts forever hold the love of our kind!
Yours with love, Emma.
