Blog Post Number 2024
Hayfield, Scotland, 1st January 2024
Brrr! It's a chilly morning here in Hayfield, a proper nip in the air. I’m warming myself up with a good, long groom, enjoying the sunbeams as they pierce through the frosted grass. As usual, I’ve been reflecting, and it feels like the perfect time to start a new entry in my Horse History Blog, so I thought I’d write about all that's happening in the wonderful world of horses in 2024.
A Look Back:
It feels like an age since we started writing these blogs, and as a twenty year old grey mare, I've certainly got the wisdom of years under my saddle! It's been such a treat to chronicle the adventures, challenges, and exciting happenings for horse lovers around the world. Back in 2020, things were quite different – lots of lockdowns, restrictions, and of course, those rather strange-looking face masks everyone wore!
Horses Thriving in 2024:
Well, things seem to have settled down nicely, thank goodness! Horses are, as they always have been, absolutely flourishing. I can’t help but smile at how lucky I am to be part of this incredible animal family.
Exciting New Developments for 2024
There’s always something new on the horizon in the horse world. I love finding out about exciting developments and the latest trends in the horse world and this year, I’ve heard rumours of new equestrian centres opening around the globe, all dedicated to offering horse-related activities to those of us with hooves, and for our human companions! This includes, I hear, special rehabilitation facilities and horse therapy centers for veterans who are coming back home and might need support after serving their country. It’s very heart-warming to see just how horses can be such an invaluable part of human well-being.
From Hayfield to the Rest of the World
Our little world here in Hayfield has always had strong ties to the equestrian community, and 2024 is no different. Our local riding school, The Hayfield Stable, just got an impressive new all-weather riding arena which I’ve been admiring from my field. I can hear those little ones enjoying their riding lessons, giggling as they learn all the fun stuff about riding!
Across the border in England, there’s the annual 'EquiFest' happening in July, the world’s biggest horse show and festival! The world’s best riders will be showcasing their amazing horsemanship skills – from dressage, show jumping, eventing to cross country – and I can’t wait to watch it on TV with my human companions, Sarah and Joe! The festival also includes a variety of stalls selling all sorts of horse-related equipment, food, and fun items, and let's not forget the gorgeous equine celebrities, including some truly famous thoroughbreds who’ll be putting in appearances.
A Tribute to Our Brave Horses
I couldn't finish this blog post without acknowledging the brave horses who are working alongside us, helping to make a difference every day. Let’s take a moment to remember the valiant steeds who are still serving in the police force, our brave military horses, the sturdy farm horses who tirelessly pull heavy loads, and the trusty therapy horses helping humans recover from all sorts of ailments and challenges. We are truly blessed with incredible partners, and these brave creatures are simply an inspiration.
Celebrating Our Passion for Horses:
I know there’s a world of other horse lovers reading this post. It fills my heart with joy to think about the passionate equestrian community that spans the globe – all of us united in our love for these amazing creatures.
It's been a real privilege sharing these thoughts and insights. As for me, I’m happy just trotting along, munching on the lovely winter grass, getting plenty of 'quality time' with Sarah and Joe, and watching the sunrise over Hayfield. Until next time!
Emma x
www.equiworld.org
*(Post Number: 2024) *
Part 2Hayfield, Scotland, 15th June 2024
It's a lovely warm afternoon here in Hayfield. I’ve been taking my sweet time exploring our sunny pasture, sniffing at the fragrant wild flowers, and letting my tail swish in the breeze. The bees are buzzing, the birds are chirping, and it feels as if everything’s growing at a breakneck speed this summer.
* EquiFest Adventures*
It’s so wonderful that time seems to just melt away when you’re out in nature! It seems like just yesterday I was writing about ‘EquiFest’. But, alas, it's only a few weeks away now, so it's time for me to share all about it.
Just the mention of EquiFest gives me goosebumps – the thrill of the competition, the buzz in the air, and the amazing, magnificent horses that'll be showcasing their abilities. The atmosphere is infectious. All those shiny show jumps, all that energy, the riders clad in their colourful jackets, and of course the lovely sounds of the crowds, the announcements, and the clink of horse shoes.
I have to confess to a bit of a guilty pleasure - I adore those huge ‘Horse Shows' on the telly! My human, Sarah, catches ‘EquiFest' every year and has the telly switched to ‘Sky Sports’ all weekend! I snuggle close to her, I love being near her when she’s getting all emotional watching her favourite riders, laughing at the funny antics of the show horses, and she even throws in the odd “Well done, boys” whenever a horse jumps cleanly over an obstacle!
There’s no better way to end the day, or even the entire week, than to settle down in the cool of the evening with a lovely big bowl of fresh oats and listen to all those lovely stories from EquiFest with a big juicy carrot. I must confess to a deep appreciation for carrots.
Celebrating Diversity
And another reason I can’t wait to watch EquiFest this year, is the ‘Horse World Fair’ which takes place as part of the festival, right on the same site! This amazing event is where people come together from across the globe to celebrate horses of all shapes and sizes.
I know there'll be pony shows, some incredible draught horses on display (that's where my love of the great outdoors comes in!), exhibits on different types of ponies and breeds, some interesting demonstrations on 'natural horsemanship' and other ‘Horse’ techniques - there's something to inspire every horse lover, I’m sure! I’m fascinated by the fact that, while I’ve spent my life on the farm, all the ponies are the heart and soul of that vibrant community of passionate horse owners. All those small animals, yet so mighty with so much character and energy, really amaze me!
There are horse art exhibitions, workshops on grooming and all things horsey, and even an equine therapy tent! Honestly, what's not to love about ‘EquiFest’!?
A Touch of the Far East
It seems that all these horses we see, from the world’s top show jumping horses to those cute little Shetland Ponies, share something in common: They all have a story. And this is why, as a horse who likes a bit of exploring myself, I am quite excited by the arrival of 'The Wandering Horses', an incredible art and photography exhibition arriving in Hayfield next month!
I love learning new things. I must confess that this particular exhibition is all about documenting the importance of wild horses around the globe. The focus will be on those fascinating nomadic groups of horses in places like Mongolia. They've survived harsh weather, incredible terrains and tough winters. I am sure I’ll be learning a thing or two about the incredible survival skills of my horse cousins around the world, as well as the ways their presence is helping to safeguard natural ecosystems on this amazing planet!
Looking Forward to Fall
Autumn is my favourite season and I already hear a slight chill in the air, and I can sense that a golden-hued adventure is just around the corner. So until next time, enjoy those summer nights and the wonderful smells and colours of late summer! I’m already planning some amazing adventures with my human companions!
Emma x
www.equiworld.org
*(Post Number: 2024) *
## Part 3
Hayfield, Scotland, 1st October 2024
Hello my fellow equestrian friends, it’s Emma here. It feels like the year is just whizzing by - there's no shortage of exciting events and fascinating stories to write about in this wonderful, vibrant world of horses!
Today's blog post comes with a delicious autumn aroma - there’s a slight chill in the air, leaves are starting to turn golden yellow, and those cosy autumn nights have just begun. A truly beautiful time for a good old ‘Neigh'!
Memories of EquiFest
Before we delve into all the fascinating autumnal delights, I thought I’d share my personal memories from EquiFest 2024 - that amazing world of show horses, riders, and a kaleidoscope of excitement!
It was a weekend to remember, with the excitement bubbling over like a well-spring of anticipation! From the moment I watched those powerful, beautifully-muscled horses leap and gallop across the huge arena to the thrill of seeing those super sleek ‘Show Horses' being led around like kings and queens by their skilled handlers – it was a spectacle beyond compare.
The ‘Horse World Fair’ was the true highlight of EquiFest, though! I was so happy to meet fellow ‘horse people’ from all over the globe. I can’t even tell you the amount of lovely human friends I made - there’s just a natural understanding and mutual appreciation for horses which is very special. The fair truly highlighted the incredible variety of horses around the globe and the importance of respecting those amazing and very special breeds and horse families!
I remember a lovely human lady who introduced me to the “Mongolian Horses.” I’d only heard tales from my human companion Joe. They seem to have the most incredible spirit and adaptability! He’s a proper horse lover – and like me, loves stories about all sorts of different horse breeds from around the globe. We had quite the lively chat about them - from their powerful yet gentle nature, and their ability to survive in the harshest conditions. We discussed their history and their role in preserving that part of the world! They sound like true treasures.
Riding Into Fall
So it's autumn now, the air is crisp, the sun feels warm on our backs as we move between fields. Here in Hayfield, life takes on a new rhythm, with the leaves in an explosion of colour and nature beginning to wind down.
There’s a change of scenery at The Hayfield Stables too, which always gets me excited. We've exchanged our usual, fun summer activities like those lively riding lessons for the annual ‘Harvest Ride’ along with a couple of fun ‘Spooky Halloween’ events - I wonder if I can pull my own little halloween prank this year? Sarah does love a good fright…
It is that time of the year, however, where the humans are often away - heading back to town, getting cosy in their lovely homes, and spending a bit more time around the fireplace. That just means I get to have those long, lazy afternoons of munching on delicious apples and a lot more snuggles. And for those special chilly nights, I like to keep myself cozy with a nice, thick, fluffy, wool blanket – Sarah makes sure I’m all warm and dry on those colder, wintry days and nights.
Time for a little quiet Reflection
I’ve loved writing my blog this year, so much has happened in this remarkable horse world since 2020 – from the pandemic, and all its many challenges to those wonderful community events that remind us of how deeply interconnected we are with all those fantastic, kind hearted horse lovers across the globe.
So from here, from my cozy barn here in Hayfield, with the lovely scent of autumn, and the sound of hooves on hard earth – I say, a hearty, big “Neigh,” to all the amazing horse lovers out there - and wishing you all the most exciting autumn adventures. And don’t forget - always look out for the small things that bring us joy, from those simple ‘Horse-sniffs’ to the magical, quiet moments of the day when it feels like time simply stands still, and all we need to do is simply enjoy the wonderful gift of our existence, alongside these truly magical beings we call horses.
Emma x
www.equiworld.org
*(Post Number: 2024) *
