Posted by: Emma (Grey Draught)
Location: Hayfield, near Aberdeen, Scotland
Hello everyone! Welcome back to my little corner of Equiworld! This month, I'm taking a trip down memory lane and revisiting a year that felt both grand and fleeting - 1987. For those of you who haven't had the pleasure of meeting me, I'm Emma, a grey draught mare with a heart as big as my white mane and tail! I live in Hayfield, a beautiful corner of Scotland where the wind whips through the heather and the air is crisp and clean. Now, let's saddle up and journey back to a time when the world seemed a little brighter, and horses, oh horses, were the very heart of life!
A Year of Firsts
1987 was a pivotal year for me. At the ripe old age of 20, I felt like a seasoned veteran, wise in the ways of the world. However, the year held many firsts, ones that stirred my soul with excitement and gave me a deeper understanding of our horse world.
One memory that stands out like a clear, sunny day is the first time I felt the thrill of the show ring. My humans, kind, sturdy folk, believed in me and my talents. They knew I had the stamina for heavy work, but they also recognized the grace and quiet power in my gait. I had always enjoyed being harnessed for farm work, pulling the plough or carting hay, but they felt I deserved more.
They began training me for light work – showing! It was all so new, yet exciting. The polished black harness, gleaming with brass buckles, felt different, almost delicate against my thick, grey coat. I'd never been so close to a judge, their serious expressions and sharp eyes initially unnerving. But as I moved, with my human guiding me gently, I felt a surge of power and confidence. We weren't winning prizes, but I learned, and I thrived. My confidence blossomed, and I learned to enjoy the applause of the crowd, the rustle of applause and the excited murmurs of admiration. This newfound love for showing, I learned, was a shared feeling.
From Farm Work to Film Sets
As I entered the ring, a new wave of change swept through the equine world. The “Equine Film” movement was gathering momentum, and a whole new life emerged for horses, captivating audiences on screen. From the soaring spectacle of the Black Beauty re-make with the majestic Patrick Swayze to the thrilling Fatal Beauty, starring the incredible "Buck", the horse was once again the star. The year also brought us the epic The Jewel of the Nile, with its dazzling shots of desert horses and exciting equestrian sequences. I wasn't starring, of course, but I felt a sense of pride that our world, our skills, were celebrated and cherished in these wonderful films.
The television also held a powerful grip on our imagination. The “World Horse Racing Championship" captured hearts, showcasing the world’s best steeds competing in their sport. The excitement, the thunder of hooves on turf, and the sheer thrill of victory reverberated through every stall and paddock in the land. The world watched, captivated, as the best thoroughbreds showcased their agility and grace, a powerful symbol of our unique bond with humans.
But amidst the glamour and glory, a reality persisted. Horses, my friends and fellow brethren, continued their humble duties in farming communities, carrying the weight of life, their steady trot marking the rhythm of work, the heartbeat of the countryside. I remember reading about a "National Farming Calendar", a resource designed to inform and support those dedicated to agriculture. The calendar brought to light the importance of responsible farming practices, ensuring the wellbeing of both the animals and the land.
Riding Through Time, Hand in Hoof
1987 was a year of great progress for our equestrian world. Yet, challenges also arose, reminders that our history was woven with threads of hardship, too. I remember a heartbreaking incident involving the abuse of horses. I recall news of a horse sanctuary being created to rescue horses from mistreatment. It filled me with both sadness and hope - sadness for those who had suffered and hope for those finding refuge and healing.
My own year was not entirely joyous either. A dear friend, a majestic Shire horse named Henry, succumbed to a terrible illness. His passing brought a painful reminder that our lives, like humans, were transient. His gentle nature and loyal heart were a great loss. His absence felt heavy, but it also brought me closer to my human companion.
It's important to note that the equestrian world isn't just about racing or show jumping. The gentle spirit of hacking in the countryside remained, and still thrives today! Imagine, me, Emma, the sturdy draught mare, on leisurely trail rides, breathing in the fresh air and feeling the earth under my hooves. I relished these moments, the calming rhythm of our gait and the symphony of nature echoing around us. I still think about these simple pleasures, finding peace and freedom in a gallop across a windswept moor.
Embracing the Future
Now, as I sit here in the heart of my Hayfield stable, I reflect upon the remarkable journey that 1987 holds for me, and for all of us in the equine world.
It’s the year of my newfound passion for the show ring, the rise of film, the racing victories and the gentle rhythm of hacking. It's a year of heartbreaking losses and heartwarming rescues. The 1980s may seem like a different age, but its echoes remain, reminding us of the fundamental bonds that connect us to each other.
We live in an ever-changing world, a whirlwind of innovations and progress, but I believe that one thing remains steadfast: the profound relationship between humans and horses. In 1987, we celebrated this connection, embracing our past, and moving confidently towards a brighter future.
This year, we have a chance to make a difference for all horses, be it in our local community, the farm, the ring, or even the big screen. Let's continue to nurture and celebrate our partnership with humans, remembering that every day brings new opportunities for love, understanding and mutual respect.
Until next time, stay happy, healthy and never forget to cherish your connection with these wonderful creatures!
Yours in horse-love,
Emma
