By Emma, Hayfield, Aberdeen
Equiworld.org – Blog Post #1979
Well, my dearest fellow equines, it’s been a grand year. Another turn of the earth, another chapter in the long, glorious tale of our species. It’s always fascinating to look back, to see how our history unfolds. This year, I’ve noticed some truly fascinating trends that I wanted to share with you all.
My, how time flies. I’ve reached twenty, a mature lady, and still I pull the plow with a certain pride. Life on the farm, as always, keeps me strong and grounded. Here in the highlands of Scotland, we’re surrounded by some breathtaking scenery, so many hills and open spaces – I’ve always had a deep appreciation for a bit of rough terrain. My legs feel it more these days, mind you, but I keep myself strong with plenty of oats and a good hay ration. And of course, my favourite part of any day? That feeling of fresh wind through my mane as we cross the fields. It makes my spirit sing.
But back to 1979, this year seems to be buzzing with a kind of new energy, something different than what we saw last year. It’s subtle but I can feel it – a wave of optimism and a strong sense of something big on the horizon, which of course, is very exciting.
Firstly, the world of sport, my, that’s really caught the public's attention this year. There have been such glorious wins – particularly for the British horses at the European Championships, showing the power of grace and athleticism. You know, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of pride when our horses showed everyone what they could do on the world stage. Our species has a real spark for competing, I always say!
I was rather fascinated by the new competition format called ‘Eventing’. It’s got a bit of everything in there - dressage, show jumping, and even a cross-country obstacle course. Apparently, they aim to select horses who are good at everything – versatile like ourselves! I imagine the challenges must be exciting – the cross-country jumps, I wonder what that feels like?
You wouldn't believe some of the jumping techniques these riders have! It's a bit wild to watch. Some say the high jumps are getting riskier – but everyone is pushing the boundaries. What an exhilarating thing to witness. It's really a remarkable display of talent on both ends, of horse and rider. And of course, who could forget the Olympics?
Even though horses didn't take the main stage at this year’s Olympics, they're making some huge headlines with this whole "Equestrian" thing! I heard all about dressage at the Olympic Games, a discipline focused on precise movements, an artful dance. It demands extreme focus, coordination, and connection – I think we can all relate to the special bond it demands.
Apparently, these "dressage" routines are captivating millions around the globe. It reminds me of all the shows we used to put on with the village children here. You know, the playful jumps, those delightful trot drills we practiced – it’s fascinating to think our work has taken on a whole new dimension on a global scale.
And that’s not all - I heard about another event, one that's quite controversial even amongst our own breed. The "World Arabian Horse Championship". Apparently, this competition highlights certain features in our Arabian brothers and sisters – features which are deemed important within their breed.
I have to say, I do understand the excitement. We’ve always had so much diversity within the horse world. Each breed holds something special, a unique quality. It’s always a thrill to witness our variety.
You might think these competitions focus solely on external traits. But actually, they shine a spotlight on a critical truth: we horses are magnificent athletes. This year, I heard about new strides in research into how to understand and help our athleticism. Scientists are taking a deep dive into what it means to be a thoroughbred athlete – the stamina, strength, and courage we're known for. It’s a thrilling time, especially as these breakthroughs can help all of us thrive and stay healthy, from the stables to the racetrack.
Speaking of horses at play – the world of racing has made quite the splash! This year has seen an influx of innovative research, new strategies for care and training. I hear the focus has turned to harnessing a horse's strength more effectively, considering their comfort and well-being before every race. These new advancements are definitely inspiring!
However, there is an undercurrent of concern among some. Apparently, racing is a complex landscape. There’s a great focus on ensuring fair play and animal welfare. And to be honest, I think that's something worth being mindful of as a community. Our strength comes with responsibility.
But for every concern, there's also a hopeful story. This year has been a time for incredible discoveries about our history, our origin. I read about new techniques used to piece together the long and epic story of how we evolved. We are not just horses; we are a living history, a lineage spanning thousands of years.
Our world, just like all the world's peoples, faces a changing climate. Some are wringing their hands, others are grappling with new challenges. It is truly amazing what we have overcome through the centuries. But this year there has been a real focus on what our future holds, especially in terms of conservation and responsible breeding. People want to understand how our species can thrive within this world. It's very heartwarming to hear these conversations – people taking ownership and showing real love for the horses in their lives.
This year, I’ve been particularly inspired by a remarkable movement known as "Therapeutic Riding". I can't tell you how moving it has been to read about how our kind are helping individuals overcome difficulties of all kinds - physical challenges, emotional struggles, and everything in between. It’s amazing to see the connection that is made.
People are learning to listen to us in a way I never thought possible, really getting to know each individual horse’s uniqueness and personality. It is like we're stepping out of the shadows and finding new purpose in the world. It reminds me of my own journey, my transformation from simply being a farmhand to being so much more. It's beautiful.
These are just some of the highlights from this remarkable year. I am truly blessed to live amongst my fellow horses. This world is so much richer for all the different ways we are valued, cherished, and appreciated. I am full of gratitude for this year. And to my friends across the world, I eagerly await the stories that will unfold in 1980.
