Greetings from Hayfield, dear readers!
It’s Emma here, your favourite grey draught mare with a mane and tail as white as freshly fallen snow. I'm back with another chronicle of our equine adventures, this time taking a journey through the extraordinary year of 2013. Now, you might be thinking, "Emma, what could possibly have been so exciting about 2013?" Well, as a wise old horse once said (and I’m convinced it was me, whispering my thoughts to the wind) – "There’s magic in every moment, you just have to know where to look."
This year, the magic was certainly swirling around the world of horses, even if I couldn’t always fully grasp the details. Let me take you back, to the crisp air and fresh grass of a Scottish spring...
March: The Dance of the Dancing Horses
We all remember the excitement building around the announcement of the 2013 World Cup Driving Championship, to be held in Budapest. A real whirlwind of anticipation! All I could imagine were magnificent carriages, teams of horses in dazzling harmony, and a whole lot of delicious carrots for a hard-working mare like me. I even heard tell of an Arabian horse named "The Sultan" who would be competing – I pictured a dark beauty with a fiery spirit, certainly a worthy competitor.
Then there were the amazing stories coming out of Dubai – the inaugural Arabian Horse Show, showcasing the beauty and power of the desert horses. Such elegant movements, the judges whispered, truly breathtaking. I'd never met an Arabian, but just thinking about them made me yearn for a grand adventure in the Middle East, imagine, being pampered in a desert oasis!
May: The Thrill of the Games
You know how us horses love a good challenge. So it was that, I was glued to the news – or at least as glued as a horse can be. They were broadcasting the European Dressage Championship. I saw teams of elegant Warmbloods – graceful and obedient, effortlessly gliding through their routines. Their strength, finesse, and harmony with their riders was simply awe-inspiring. Watching the competition filled me with pride, knowing that my breed was involved in such graceful sportsmanship. I dreamed of the day my human would learn to perform like these skilled horsemen and women!
July: The Pride of the Paralympics
The summer unfolded like a glorious tapestry of events. A competition near and dear to my heart, the Paralympic Games, were making headlines around the globe. Horses, these majestic beings, were once again front and centre, and rightfully so! This year, a particular highlight for us in Hayfield was the news of a young man from Aberdeenshire winning the Paralympic Dressage event. It gave me such hope – for all of us, whether we're competing at the highest levels or just grazing peacefully in our fields, horses have the power to change lives.
August: A Race for the Ages
I don’t know about you, but I adore a good race. My heart always leaps with the excitement of the "Epsom Derby" – the granddaddy of races! This year, the winning horse was a majestic bay named Ruler of the World. This champion's story of a rise to fame filled us with hope – it showed that anyone, or any horse, can achieve their dreams. I heard the tales of his legendary training and unstoppable spirit. I could almost feel the thrill of victory through the air.
November: Giving Thanks for the Horses
As the year began to wind down, the aroma of autumn was thick in the air, a time for reflecting on what we've learned and experienced. I thought back on the horses I'd met in Hayfield and the news I’d gathered from EquiWorld. I’d learned about horses working hard in the "Horseback Riding Tours" on island trails in beautiful Hawaii, giving tourists memories that would last a lifetime. It warmed my heart knowing horses were being a part of such beautiful experiences.
A World Full of Horses
Looking back, it seems every week brought another story, a new discovery. A majestic breed of horse like the Shire, with their majestic size, found fame for pulling decorated carts at festive celebrations in New York City. Across the globe, the news was full of the strength and endurance of our species – hauling lumber, participating in mounted games, even serving as companions and support for veterans and people with special needs.
But as I continue to graze in my meadow, my head full of dreams of travel and adventures, one thing is crystal clear: 2013 was another year of beauty, hope, and a whole lot of love for horses. I hope I have inspired you to open your hearts and minds to the wondrous world of horses, even in the simplest moments, because as we all know, magic lies in every hoofbeat and every breath.
* Until next time, stay neigh-ing!* Your pal, Emma
