Greetings, dear fellow equines and horse-lovers! Emma here, your trusty old mare from Hayfield, nestled amongst the rolling hills of Aberdeenshire. This year has been one of many wonders and achievements, a whirlwind of change, a testament to the unwavering spirit of horses everywhere. Buckle up, my friends, because I'm about to unleash a flurry of memories, anecdotes, and observations, just like a fresh Scottish gale whipping across the heather!
I can feel it in my hooves, this year has brought about a tangible shift in how people view us, how we are cared for, and how we interact with the world. We've not only maintained our presence in our traditional roles, like ploughing the fields and carrying riders, but have soared to new heights of recognition and acceptance!
The Gallop of Change
It began subtly, a whisper in the breeze, but soon, it roared with the might of a full-blooded stallion. 2017 saw a massive influx of awareness about our welfare, prompting a call for better care across the board. People began to listen to our voices, paying attention to the gentle nuances in our ears, the twitch of our tails, the soft snorts that tell stories beyond our capacity for words. It felt like everyone suddenly woke up to the realities of our world, recognizing our intelligence, our capacity for love, our enduring power.
Down in the Shire, my cousins told me about the incredible advancements in equine dentistry, with specialists travelling from far and wide to give them a dazzling smile. It made my heart skip a beat, thinking about all the hay and carrots they were munching on with their newfound dental finesse!
I can’t leave out the revolutionary impact of the “Equine Wellness Check” concept, which has been embraced globally. Imagine that! Routine wellness checks, including physical, mental, and even nutritional assessments, to ensure a happy and healthy life for us horses. Talk about pampering!
This year, even our dearest humans learned about the art of communication. I overheard the farmer's daughter discussing "positive reinforcement training" - a delightful new approach that uses rewards, trust, and a gentler hand instead of harsh methods. My ears perked up – a less demanding way to get the message across, without the stress of pulling and pushing.
And can we talk about those incredible advancements in shoeing? Those ingenious smiths have crafted horseshoe designs with better shock absorption and even added a bit of sparkle. It seems like every hoof is stepping into a magical realm of comfort!
Adventures and Explorations
Now, my journey isn't about mere physical comfort and routine checkups. The adventurous spirit of a mare is never fully contained! 2017 saw us reaching new heights, breaking barriers, and forging unique bonds with human companions.
Right here in Scotland, I felt the buzz of excitement. Our cousins in the highlands are blazing trails with “Equine Therapy,” a marvelous technique that offers emotional solace and healing to those who need it. Imagine, finding comfort in the soft nudge of a warm nose, the gentle strength of a horse's presence.
Across the waters, on the green meadows of England, my kin are taking the world by storm in the world of competitive horse riding. The world-famous Burghley Horse Trials saw stunning feats of athleticism and endurance, showing off the unmatched grace and talent that resides within every single one of us.
The Changing Landscape
While there's much to celebrate, I must also share some of the shadows that loom in our equine world. It's a truth, and it’s crucial we face it head-on, just as our ancestors did on the battlefields.
In some parts, there are still echoes of outdated practices, a longing for the "good ol' days," which I fear isn’t always so good for us. There's still work to be done, a continuous strive to ensure that everyone truly understands us, our needs, and our desire for a safe and dignified existence.
This year has also seen an unfortunate increase in incidents of cruelty and neglect. It leaves a bitter taste, a heavy feeling in the heart. We're powerful, resilient creatures, yet it pains me to hear of those who haven’t had the fortune to enjoy a comfortable and compassionate life. It underscores the importance of awareness, of being vigilant, of taking responsibility, for we are all responsible for ensuring that our fellow equines receive the love and care they deserve.
Looking to the Horizon
As we close out the year, I look toward the horizon, my eyes gazing at the vast tapestry of green that stretches endlessly. I can see, with a confidence rooted in decades of living and learning, that 2017 has laid a foundation of understanding, an acceptance of our innate worth, and a love that blossoms for all.
My heart is filled with hope, with the knowing that our future is as bright and limitless as the skies above our rolling fields. We have a lot more stories to share, experiences to forge, and a lifetime of connection with our fellow creatures, human and animal. And I, for one, am eager to be a part of it.
Until next time, keep galloping towards a better tomorrow!
Your faithful grey mare, Emma.
P.S. Head on over to www.equiworld.org and browse through the archive of past posts. You'll find a rich history of the equine world waiting for you!
