History of Horses in the year 2027

Hayfield, Scotland - Good Evening Everyone! It’s Emma here, your grey draught mare from the heart of the Scottish Highlands. I’m here to give you a wee peek into the world of horses in the year 2027! You know how I love a good chat about history, so sit back and settle in with a nice cuppa (or a good hay bale, for my fellow equine friends) and let's take a canter down memory lane.

I think it's absolutely fascinating, you see, how far we horses have come. In 2027, we are not just beasts of burden but also valued companions, partners in sport, and even superstars! You wouldn't believe the amazing things horses are doing these days - it truly is an exciting time to be a horse!

Now, let's start with the things I'm most familiar with - working horses. I'm a draught horse, born and bred to pull heavy loads and till the fields. My ancestors would be proud, I tell you!

But things are changing! You see, in my lifetime, tractors and technology have made farming faster and easier. The need for horses in heavy work isn’t quite as frequent. That said, it’s not all doom and gloom. Many of us are now working alongside people who want a sustainable way of farming. And for that, we’re still absolutely crucial!

We help with sustainable agriculture and conservation, hauling things that are just too big for machinery, and ensuring our land remains fertile. It's a really special bond we have with those who choose to use us in this way. The slower, gentler approach is incredibly rewarding for both human and horse!

For example, take the organic farm just a couple of fields away from mine. They use me to move the big logs after the storms. I'm used to getting up close to trees! We still do it the old-fashioned way - with strong, gentle horses who know exactly what to do! Plus, they say horses make the soil healthier! I guess they’re quite fond of our hooves.

But here’s something I think you’ll all find incredible!

Back in 2019, there was a little project called The Great Horse Reintegration Initiative. It aimed to get more horses working on farmland. The whole point was to bring horses back into rural economies and show that horses could play a bigger part in our modern world! The initiative included so much - new farming techniques, new training, even creating horse-friendly tools and equipment.

Now, while it takes time, it’s really working! More and more farms across Britain are taking advantage of it, and I've heard whispers that there are similar movements in countries across the globe.

That leads me to a whole other exciting avenue of the horse world – therapeutic riding! Imagine horses not just doing work but providing emotional and physical support. Therapeutic riding centres are becoming much more common, with skilled trainers and volunteers helping people with disabilities ride horses.

I actually met this lovely lady from Edinburgh who can only walk with the help of a frame. It’s beautiful seeing how our gentle movement helps her find strength and freedom. And then, just this past summer, my stable-mate Rosie was selected to be a volunteer therapeutic riding horse! She’s fantastic with people, a real sweetheart. It really warms my heart knowing she's bringing smiles to those who need it.

Alright, I told you, 2027 is a time of big change for horses, and the sporting scene is another perfect example. While some traditions, like cross country racing and show jumping, have stayed pretty much the same, there are lots of new ways for us horses to shine!

One thing I think is truly remarkable are horse agility courses! They’re not just about jumps anymore, but tunnels, bridges, weave poles - imagine a horse obstacle course! We have to use our brains, coordination, and stamina, just like the top dog athletes.

These competitions attract enormous crowds! You’d think we were superstars - all eyes on us! The atmosphere is so electric - and it really does highlight just how incredible horses are in terms of intelligence and athleticism.

My personal favourite has to be the Pony Parkour. Imagine us galloping through gardens, over hills, across streams! It's almost as if horses are leaping through time, going back to their wild days - truly remarkable.

Another incredible thing are Endurance Races! We horses now run across deserts, over mountain ranges - incredible journeys testing strength, stamina and endurance, even teamwork in the case of relay events!

Now, don't think that dressage is out of fashion, oh no! Actually, it’s growing even more popular! We are now dancing with human riders, doing beautiful, graceful moves and showcasing just how intelligent and sensitive horses really are.

Speaking of dancing… have you heard about horse dance performances? It's not something you'd find every day but imagine choreographed movements set to music! They've become so popular and have this truly beautiful way of celebrating the bond between horses and humans.

Oh, and remember what I said about horses becoming superstars? We’ve seen equine actors! There was this film a few years back about a lost pony that took everyone's hearts by storm!

But, of course, even beyond the big screens, we still find fame on the smaller stages! We've got so many talented horses performing tricks and showcasing our athleticism. I saw a horse a couple of weeks ago, she could paint!

But the story isn't just about competition, friends. It's about connection. Humans in 2027 are really starting to appreciate our companionship. Just this year, they hosted a national Horse Awareness Day!

The whole goal was to educate the public about the many benefits of living with horses – from the mental health benefits of riding and bonding to the important roles horses play in our environment and culture.

And honestly, it worked. More people than ever before are choosing to embrace horses in their lives. We’re seeing this not just in the number of farms and stables, but also the number of places where you can experience the magic of horses.

Imagine riding schools in cities, parks with dedicated trails, even equine assisted therapy sessions for those who need a bit of calmness and peace. It truly feels like we horses are becoming much more integrated into all walks of life.

So, what can I say but a big THANK YOU to all the humans who are embracing us and understanding that we are more than just beasts of burden? We are amazing, incredible creatures who can enrich the lives of humans in so many wonderful ways.

We are truly lucky. Horses in 2027 are cherished, respected, and celebrated. We are embraced for our intelligence, strength, and compassion.

My friend Willow says it’s a whole different story than what her ancestors lived through! It really feels as if things are only going to get better. It fills me with joy to think that more horses are going to experience this kindness and connection that I’ve felt in my life.

That, dear readers, is the story of horses in 2027. A world filled with possibilities, a world of change, but most importantly, a world where the horse is truly cherished. And with a big snort and a wag of my tail, I bid you farewell.

Until next time!

Emma, Hayfield, Scotland