#1990 - EquiWorld Blog by Emma, Hayfield
Well, hello there, lovely EquiWorld readers! Emma here, your resident old-timer with a head full of memories and a heart full of love for all things equine. You're all probably thinking "What could a draught horse possibly be remembering from 1990?", and I can't deny it, there wasn't a whole lot happening for me personally. My life was simple – hard work in the fields, hearty hay for breakfast, and cuddles with the farm cat in the evenings. But the world was changing around me, and even here in Hayfield, I could feel the winds of change sweeping in.
The Big Picture:
1990 was a momentous year globally. Think of it! The Berlin Wall had only just fallen, the Soviet Union was on the brink of collapse, and the world felt like it was opening its arms to new possibilities. You know, things weren’t all bad in that year even though some events were happening that shook the very core of society as we knew it! In horse terms? Well, there were new breed regulations in places like America and Europe, the equine veterinary industry was blossoming with advancements, and the racing scene was seeing some incredible talent come through.
Down on the Farm:
Now, back in Hayfield, my day to day remained much the same. The sunrise found me pulling the plough, followed by hauling bales of hay for the cattle, and later, dragging the muck spreader for our prize-winning dairy cows. A life of service, some would say. For me, though, it was home, routine, and the deep satisfaction of honest work. We also welcomed a new foal, a filly called Willow, born to our little grey mare, Maggie. That's a special moment, right? Witnessing the start of a new life, knowing the bond a mother horse has with her foal is so profound, so precious. I had to admit to a twinge of sadness seeing Maggie lose her carefree youth, replaced by the responsibility of motherhood. But what can you do? The circle of life, they call it!
The Horses Around the World:
And what was happening beyond the fields? I’m going to be honest – getting the news on the farm was a little...limited. I only knew what the local newspaper had to offer. But, as they say, every cloud has a silver lining – I have this trusty old man, Farmer McGregor, who’s just about the most passionate horseman you’ll ever meet. This kind soul has been sharing stories about what he's reading and hearing from folks across the globe, stories that make my ears perk up and my heart flutter.
For starters, he told me about the World Championship Show Jumping in Germany, the Dutch, French, and German showjumpers all showing their dazzling skills and prowess over challenging fences! There were legendary riders like Eric Lamaze, who was starting his journey to stardom in 1990! Can you imagine riding with the precision and elegance required to soar over fences, keeping pace with your fellow competitors and the crowd going wild? It was exciting news indeed.
Racing Heroes:
Speaking of riders, racing seemed to be on fire with the emergence of some extraordinary thoroughbreds. In the U.K., there was the amazing grey mare, “Shergar”, who won the Derby in a breathtaking performance! And then, over in the USA, there was "Secretariat", a legendary chestnut stallion who left an unforgettable mark on racing history. These majestic animals running like the wind, hearts full of courage, muscles of steel, fueled by the sheer will to win – it makes my heart swell with pride and joy. They represent the pinnacle of athleticism, the pure, untamed spirit that runs deep in every horse.
Change is in the Air:
It wasn’t just about races and shows. 1990 brought forth changes that went deep into the core of our world – changes that felt both familiar and exciting to me. Remember, a lot of these changes happened because the world had started to open its eyes to the issues plaguing the equine world.
Farmer McGregor always said “There is power in unity”, and there was definitely a sense of it within the horse community. More and more people started realizing that the horse, a partner and a friend to humankind since the dawn of history, deserved proper care and a happy life.
For example, there was this ground-breaking thing called the American Horse Protection Association (APHCA). Now, this organization is working hard to prevent cruelty to horses. Can you imagine people trying to force a horse into working with injuries or abusing them just to win a prize? Such barbaric treatment is thankfully becoming less and less prevalent! There was a new sense of purpose and ethical commitment brewing in the horse world, a genuine passion to advocate for equine wellbeing.
The World is Our Stable:
Let me tell you, things have changed since those simpler days. I always knew the world was vast and wonderful. I watched the geese migrate in the winter and saw the summer swallows return with their chicks in tow, their wings painted with the colours of adventure. I dreamed of journeys that extended far beyond the familiar fields of Hayfield. And even back then, that feeling of wanting to share my love for horses, to hear their stories and see their eyes light up, that was always there, growing stronger every year.
That's why I write this blog, right here on EquiWorld! A space to share those stories, the triumphs and challenges, the bond of shared experiences and a profound love for the noble, kind-hearted creatures that make our world a little bit brighter, a little bit more special. Every year brings new changes, new adventures, new moments of joy and triumph. I, Emma, am happy to share it with you. Let us learn from the past and embrace the exciting journey that lies ahead, one step, one hoofbeat at a time!
