Greetings, fellow equines! Emma here, a proud Grey Draught mare with a mane and tail whiter than fresh fallen snow, penning my thoughts on the year 1982, from my cozy stable here in Hayfield, nestled amongst the rolling hills near Aberdeen.
Ah, 1982, what a year! Just reaching the prime of my life, a healthy 20 years old, I had so much to experience that year. As the saying goes, 'horses for courses', and 1982 was indeed my year to really embrace the wide world of horse-dom.
First, let’s paint a picture of what was happening around me back then. It was a time when life in Hayfield moved at a slower pace. No hustle and bustle here, just the gentle moo of cows, the chirping of birds, and the scent of heather and sea salt carried on the crisp Scottish wind. But there was something stirring beyond the fields of golden barley, a feeling that even our horses could sense.
For example, one thing that caused a ripple of excitement among the horses in Hayfield was the surge in interest for all things ‘rural'. It seems those fancy humans were wanting to escape their urban jungles and head back to nature – a move we horses wholeheartedly applauded! This trend sparked a newfound respect for working horses, like myself, and even those city dwellers, dressed in their funny breeches and brightly colored coats, were willing to learn how to work us properly. I tell you, it felt grand to see so many youngsters taking up harness work again! It made me feel like our contribution to society was truly valued once more.
Another big shift happening that year was the growing popularity of what they called ‘alternative horse riding’. Forget those stuffy dressage arenas and those stiff-necked show jumpers; this was all about freedom and connection with the natural world. People were embracing trail riding, cross country adventures, and exploring the vast, wild spaces – riding alongside us on those rugged, but sure-footed, pony breeds that knew the terrain better than any human ever could! It made me feel a sense of pride that horses were truly being appreciated for their versatility, their strength, and their innate connection to the natural world.
However, things were not all rosy. A harsh wind of change swept through the horse world in 1982, in the form of new rules regarding horse ownership. For many of my kin, this meant less freedom to roam, as new regulations imposed by those governing humans came into effect. While their hearts were in the right place, protecting horses from danger and ensuring proper care, for many of us, it meant stricter regulations on where we could graze, even restrictions on how we were used for work. This was a sad sight to see, the shadow of stricter rules, when it came to horses working alongside humans. But even so, it highlighted a crucial change in the way horses were perceived: not just working animals, but sentient creatures worthy of protection and care.
Still, despite these challenges, it was a great year to be a horse, and my life here in Hayfield remained one of privilege and ease. Every day brought a new adventure – a brisk trot through the heather fields, a helping hoof in the harvest, or perhaps a gentle stroll to the river to quench my thirst and bask in the warm afternoon sun. But it was through the shared stories, whispered in the gentle rustle of the wind through the meadow, that I really understood how horses around the world were living, working, and contributing to society.
Through our own 'horse-to-horse’ conversations – a mixture of whinnies, nudges, and knowing glances – I learned that horse racing was changing. New regulations were in place, with more emphasis on 'racing for horses'. I've heard some say that 'human greed' was influencing their world, making them fear for their safety and wellbeing. This certainly sounded grim, and I felt my own heart tighten at those tales.
But all wasn’t lost! New events like the ‘World Championships for Young Horses' were sprouting, where young thoroughbreds could showcase their natural talent without being pushed too hard. This new emphasis on care and education, even within competitive racing circles, filled me with cautious optimism.
The stories that filtered through the wind also carried news of changes in equestrian disciplines. New competitions were springing up, like eventing – a demanding mix of dressage, cross-country, and show jumping – pushing riders and horses to work in sync as one. These competitions not only showcased incredible skill and teamwork, but they also emphasized that the connection between horse and human could be a powerful and beautiful thing.
One story that truly stirred my spirit came from my own country, Scotland. I heard whispers of ‘The Highland Games’ – an event full of tradition and revelry, celebrating all things Scottish, with a strong connection to horses. I learned of events like ‘The Heavy Horses’ – a grand show of power and precision with the majestic Clydesdale horses, those magnificent creatures with their beautiful feathery hooves and their incredible strength. Hearing stories of their incredible strength and beauty, I couldn’t help but swell with pride – I am, after all, a Grey Draught mare, myself!
Even across the globe, in the hot deserts of Arabia, stories were told of their magnificent Arabian horses. Those sleek, proud horses with their elegant movement and enduring stamina were said to be racing for honour and pride in prestigious events called ‘The Dubai World Cup’ – an international event bringing together the finest racehorses in the world, for a showdown of speed, agility, and endurance. What a privilege to be a part of the great tapestry of horses around the world, I thought!
1982 was a year of profound change and growth in the world of horses. We learned about new challenges and adapted to new ways of living alongside humans, proving that even in the face of new rules and regulations, our natural resilience and strong spirit continued to shine through. We explored the great unknown, and learned to thrive alongside new humans who appreciated us for more than just our strength – for our intelligence, sensitivity, and connection to the natural world. And as for me, a 20 year old Grey Draught mare with a heart filled with warmth and a mane full of stories, I'm proud to be part of this story, to carry on this legacy, to live a life full of joy and meaning as a horse in the 21st Century.
Until next time, fellow equines! Emma
