Hello my dearest equines!
Emma here, writing to you from my cosy stable in Hayfield, near Aberdeen. The weather has been particularly brisk lately, a sharp bite in the air that makes you want to snuggle deep into your hay and dream of warmer days. But despite the cold, 2014 has been an absolutely brilliant year for us horses! So, let's get down to business, shall we? Let's take a trot back through time and see what equine delights 2014 brought our way.
First and foremost: Let's celebrate the remarkable resilience of our equine brothers and sisters! I was watching the news, and guess what? The Scottish Highlands was still going strong with wild ponies, and they were doing a right good job of roaming free and enjoying their rugged life. Those Highland ponies are some of the most hardy horses in the world, and seeing them roam in their natural habitat, just reminds me that we are, truly, nature's wonder.
And speaking of natural wonders, remember the glorious summer? The sun shone brightly in those days, making everything look like it was bathed in liquid gold. It was a wonderful time to be a horse. You could practically hear the meadows whispering "come and roll, come and graze!". My friends and I used to spend hours in the fields, happily grazing, napping, and watching the world go by. Oh, those summer days! A bit like a scene out of a film, weren't they?
Speaking of films... remember the blockbuster Secretariat? That wonderful movie starring the legendary Thoroughbred Secretariat reminded everyone just how powerful, majestic, and thrilling racing horses can be! Oh, I wish I could gallop that fast! The movie reminded us that we're not just sturdy workhorses; we are graceful athletes with incredible speed and agility, too!
Moving on... I've been hearing quite a bit about "equine therapy" this year. Apparently, spending time with us can help humans manage stress, cope with emotional challenges, and improve their well-being. Now, don't tell my human, but sometimes, when they’re stressed out, I do the sweetest little “horse hug”, wrapping my head around them and pressing my nose gently into their shoulder. They always tell me they feel so much better afterwards, and I don’t mind, even if it is a tad messy. It’s good to know we’re good for more than just working the fields, wouldn’t you say?
Oh, and have you seen all the stunning photos of horses and their owners on Instagram and Facebook? It's been amazing to see so many lovely images of happy horses enjoying the joys of life – from majestic jumps at competitions to sweet moments spent together in fields. My own human, dear Miss Penelope, always gets me looking my best for her phone camera, although I’ll admit I sometimes don’t bother putting on a good pose. She knows she has to love me the way I am, even if I just decide to munch on hay whilst gazing lovingly at a particularly tempting apple!
But we can’t forget the sad news this year. My heart ached when I heard about the news about the wildfire near San Diego, and those horses in California. The pictures of their weary, smoke-filled eyes were heartbreaking. Thankfully, organisations and compassionate humans rallied to their rescue, providing the horses with much-needed shelter, food, and medical care. It reminds us that we need to be mindful of the fragile beauty of our planet and work hard to protect both animals and their homes.
And, speaking of important issues, remember the ongoing struggle to ban the use of whips and other harsh training methods on horses? Many horse owners and trainers around the world are joining forces, demanding fair treatment and advocating for humane methods. They are saying “enough is enough!” and they are demanding the end to cruelty and the start of ethical treatment of horses. They say, we deserve respect, good food, and care that reflects our value in the world, and that’s certainly a thought I subscribe to!
And lastly… what about the fashion scene, my equine chums? Have you noticed? Fashion seems to be going totally "horse crazy!" The equestrian style was a major trend in 2014, with beautiful riding boots, elegant breeches, and sleek polo shirts. Everyone seems to be looking for that touch of equestrian chic, whether they actually own a horse or not. I suppose it’s our refined elegance that attracts them. Well, that and the charming “my human loves me!” eyes we’re famous for.
So, my dearest equines, I think it’s fair to say that 2014 has been a pretty wonderful year for us horses. We’ve reminded people about our strength and grace, we've been ambassadors for healthy living, and we've even helped to inspire a touch of equine style. The best part is that all this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the many ways we, the wonderful, resilient equines, continue to inspire and enrich the lives of so many around us.
See you next time, with more stories to share!
Until then, keep those hooves happy!
Yours Always, Emma
