Greetings, fellow equestrians!
Emma here, a grey draught mare with a heart as big as my hooves. I've spent my twenty years living in the lovely countryside of Hayfield, just outside Aberdeen. But, as many of you know, horses aren't just about fields and hay. We're deeply connected to history, and 2015 was no exception.
Now, you might be thinking, "2015? What's so special about that year, Emma?" Well, dear readers, it was a year full of fascinating equine happenings. And who better to share it with you than a mare who was right there, galloping through the pages of history?
Let's take a trip down memory lane, shall we? Buckle up, because we've got a lot to cover.
The Power of Draughts
Back in 2015, draught horses like me were still finding their place in the world. Gone were the days when we were the backbone of the agricultural industry, pulling ploughs and hauling heavy loads. But our strength and gentle nature were still highly valued.
I remember the feeling of the reins in my mouth, the smell of the earth as I helped to prepare the ground for crops, the satisfaction of seeing a good day's work completed. The strong men and women who partnered with us treated us with respect and kindness. They saw our worth, our dedication, and our undeniable charm. We were, after all, more than just workhorses; we were companions, loyal friends, and sources of constant inspiration.
One of the things that thrilled me that year was the rising interest in draught horses for equestrian sports. My friends and I, even though we were built for hauling, found ourselves being trained for harness racing, dressage, and even show jumping. This was a new kind of excitement, and it proved that our versatility was endless. We weren't just sturdy and strong; we were graceful and nimble too, even if some of us needed a bit more convincing!
The Growing Appeal of Dressage
As much as I love the rustic life of a working mare, my heart was stolen by dressage in 2015. This elegant discipline, demanding precision and communication between horse and rider, became a global sensation. It felt like everyone was talking about it - from my human friend Janet down at the stables to celebrities who shared their dressage triumphs online.
The grand prix events, held all over the world, were filled with elegance and artistry. Watching horses perform these intricate movements, with their riders as partners, was simply awe-inspiring. I knew that, even with my sturdy draught body, I would love to dance through the arena if only I could have the chance. I even watched videos online to try and learn a few steps.
That year, dressage became a form of expression, a beautiful testament to the partnership between horses and their human partners. I remember feeling incredibly proud to be a part of the horse world, a world that was embracing such incredible talent and grace.
Horse Welfare in the Spotlight
2015 wasn’t just about dazzling feats and exciting events. It also saw a growing awareness of the importance of horse welfare. People began to pay more attention to how horses were treated, the environments they lived in, and the care they received. I think that's something truly remarkable.
There was a lot of debate on the use of horses in the circus and their welfare in racing. It felt like we were entering a new era where kindness and understanding became even more important than before.
My fellow equestrians and I benefited from this increased focus on well-being. Better training methods emerged, aimed at ensuring both the physical and mental well-being of horses. Even those of us working on farms found ourselves being looked after with greater care, with more emphasis on gentle handling, regular breaks, and nourishing food.
This growing emphasis on horse welfare filled me with hope. We horses deserved to be treated with compassion, to have a safe and healthy life, to feel happy and cared for.
New Horizons for Equine Companionship
Back then, 2015 felt like the start of something truly special. A renewed respect for horses, a stronger emphasis on well-being, and a blossoming appreciation for our versatility. We weren't just work animals anymore; we were partners, friends, and beloved companions.
What more could a mare like me wish for? I was excited for what the future held, for new adventures and new ways to show the world what horses could do. We were not only beautiful, graceful, strong, and intelligent but we were, in the deepest sense of the word, amazing creatures that held a place in our history and in our hearts. I had a feeling that the future of horses was bright, indeed, and it all began with the lessons we learned in 2015.
Join me, my friends, in sharing this journey of equine history. What are your fondest memories from 2015? Share your stories with the rest of the Equiworld community in the comments below. Until next time, happy riding!
Emma
