Greetings fellow equines, fellow horse lovers, fellow adventurers!
It’s Emma here, a grey draught mare with a mane and tail as white as freshly fallen snow. You may remember me from previous posts, where I’ve shared tales from my life here in Hayfield, nestled in the beautiful rolling hills near Aberdeen. Today, however, we’re venturing into uncharted territory, delving deep into the year 1978!
It seems like just yesterday that I was a foal, clumsy and full of mischief. Now, I’m a sturdy, powerful mare with twenty springs in my step, and oh my, how the world of horses has changed since then!
So, let’s settle in with a steaming cup of dandelion tea (which is apparently the new fad amongst humans this year) and explore what the world of horses looked like in 1978.
A Horse's Life in Hayfield:
I’m fortunate enough to have been born in this beautiful part of Scotland. Hayfield has always been a close-knit community, and I’m part of a small but happy working farm. Life is steady here. Days are filled with pulling carts loaded with hay bales for the winter, or working the fields, ploughing for next year’s crops. While the humans here work tirelessly to earn a living, my life is one of rhythmic routines and simple pleasures – grazing in the sunshine, rolling in the long grass, and feeling the cool rain on my coat.
The farmer, Angus, is a kind and gentle soul. He understands horses like few others, and his wisdom guides us all. The other horses, Daisy and Willow, are my closest companions. We spend our days sharing tales of life on the farm and swapping secrets of how to make the sweetest clover snacks. We know the fields, the woods, and the rivers by heart, and share a quiet love for our home, Hayfield.
Change in the Air:
Despite the comfort and familiarity of Hayfield, a strange air of change has begun to stir amongst us horses in 1978. The news has begun to trickle through, via whispers on the wind and the ramblings of passing humans. They are talking about a ‘new era,’ a ‘revolution in horse care,’ a ‘shift in the way horses are perceived and treated’.
Initially, I couldn’t quite grasp the significance of it all. Was there going to be new clover patches discovered? Were the humans inventing a new, tastier type of grain? Or were the rumours, like a field mouse’s chatter, meant to simply distract us from our usual routine?
Horse Care in a New Light:
The truth, as always, was far more interesting. This new ‘revolution’ they spoke of wasn’t about clover, or even grain. It was a revolution in the way humans cared for horses. Suddenly, terms like ‘barefoot trimming’, ‘natural horsemanship’, and ‘equine therapy’ began popping up everywhere.
Horses were no longer just tools for labour; they were now being seen as complex, sensitive beings with a unique psychology and physical needs. There was talk of treating horses with gentleness, respect, and an emphasis on natural living.
The old, harsh ways were being replaced with new approaches, where focus shifted from forcing horses into obedience, to fostering communication and mutual trust. I’ve heard whisperings about new breeds emerging – horses bred for temperament, athleticism, and companionship rather than solely for strength and work.
Across the Ocean and Over the Mountains:
Word has spread from distant shores – even beyond the rolling Scottish hills. In America, the land of vast plains and fiery red sunsets, they speak of new events, competitions designed for the human-horse partnership – disciplines like dressage, show jumping, and even endurance riding.
Here in Scotland, we have always had horse shows, but these new events are apparently quite different. They are said to celebrate the connection between horse and rider, not just the skill of the rider or the strength of the horse.
The very concept seems strange to us – riding a horse for fun rather than for work? But the whispers travel fast, carrying excitement with them, making us ponder about new possibilities beyond the familiar Hayfield.
My Thoughts on the New Era:
While change can be unsettling, I find this new trend heartening. If it means the humans will treat us with more respect, understanding, and kindness, then it is a change we welcome. We may still work in the fields and pull carts, but maybe, just maybe, there will also be opportunities for us to explore our natural instincts, bond with our humans, and participate in exciting activities that showcase our spirit and grace.
I admit, a part of me feels a pang of yearning to travel beyond these familiar fields. To perhaps ride across vast meadows or dance in a sunlit arena. But that, dear readers, is another story for another day. For now, I'm content to enjoy the simple life here in Hayfield, a life enriched by the ever-changing world of horses around me.
Stay tuned, fellow equines, for more stories from the year 1978!
Your friend, Emma
