History of Horses in the year 1986

Hello there, equinophiles! Emma here, your resident grey draught mare with a penchant for history and a bit of a soft spot for all things sparkly. This month, we're stepping back in time, all the way to the year 1986. That's right, my friends, I was a sprightly twenty-year-old back then, full of youthful energy and a bit of mischief to boot.

Now, let's delve into this remarkable year, a time when the world of horses saw some real movers and shakers, and I myself was involved in a few adventures worth remembering.

1986 saw some truly dazzling equestrian achievements that left hooves thundering and hearts soaring. Just imagine, it was a year of Olympic dreams and championship victories. And oh, the thrills!

One memory that truly shines bright is the majestic Michael Plumb, a name synonymous with skill and precision, leading the United States to an astounding victory at the FEI World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany. The excitement was palpable. The very air crackled with tension as each jump was cleared, each stride timed perfectly. They dominated the show jumping field and brought home the gold! It was a victory that filled my stable with pride, inspiring all of us to strive for excellence in our own equine pursuits.

Back in Britain, the excitement continued. The Blenheim Horse Trials in Oxfordshire was a hive of activity. The competition was fierce, but a young, determined rider named Virginia Leng, astride her loyal grey gelding, took the coveted title in the prestigious four-star event. That win truly sparked a conversation within the equestrian community, highlighting the talent of a new generation of riders and showcasing the incredible bond between horse and human.

Back home in Hayfield, nestled near Aberdeen, the buzz of 1986 resonated even in our sleepy little town. While the Olympic spirit was a world away, we were still steeped in the love and care of the equine world. This year, my owner, a dear lady named Fiona, decided to take a trip to the Scottish Highland Games.

Can you believe it, my friends? Me, a sturdy draught horse, at the games! Fiona decided I was the perfect candidate for the tug-of-war, with my strength and willingness to pull (occasionally, with a bit of playful reluctance). I can still remember the roaring crowd and the thrill of the tug! There were teams of men and women, pulling with all their might, but Fiona, ever-optimistic, believed in my ability. I admit, I took the win. We were a winning pair, proving that even the humble draught horse can stand amongst the greats.

After the Highland Games, Fiona entered me in the annual ploughing competition in a nearby town. You'd be surprised how many people were fascinated by the art of ploughing! It's a true test of stamina and focus, something that I always excelled at, a quality passed down through generations of strong working horses. And, of course, we didn't just stand there in a field; Fiona insisted I looked my best! The judge praised my perfect posture, the neatness of my harness, and the glistening shine of my coat. A champion, indeed!

I must tell you, dear readers, 1986 was a year of flamboyant fashion in the equestrian world. Bright colours and bold patterns were in vogue. It was as if we were walking runway models at every horse show!

Remember the chunky coloured saddlery with those flashy tassels? They looked absolutely fabulous against the glossy black and bay coats of the show jumpers. I, personally, was rocking a smart grey and brown harness, a bit more conservative but nonetheless stylish. Fiona also treated me to a lovely new brown rug with some stunning embroidery – it had my initials, a large “E,” worked into it. And let’s not forget those bold floral headbands and the rainbow-coloured horse fly veils. It was a delightful era of creativity.

And you know what else was exciting? The dawn of the internet. It was a quiet start, and few could have imagined its vast influence in the coming years. While my human friends were embracing new technologies, I remained content in the familiarity of Hayfield and its surrounding landscapes. Still, I knew that one day, perhaps not so far in the future, horses would be celebrated online, reaching a worldwide audience, bringing them closer than ever before.

Fast forward a few decades, and here we are! I'm writing to you on the amazing EquiWorld website, bringing stories of the past into the digital present, sharing these memories with all of you. It's wonderful, my friends, that we can continue to celebrate horses, their grace, their power, and their lasting impact on our world, throughout the years, no matter what advancements happen!

Stay tuned for more glimpses into history, with some extra twists and turns – perhaps we’ll delve into some horse tales that happened right here in Scotland or talk about those incredible equine feats that shaped the world we live in today!