History of Horses in the year 2035

Greetings, fellow equines and horse-lovers!

Emma here, your trusty old mare from the lush green pastures of Hayfield near Aberdeen. As always, it's a joy to be sharing my musings with you all, and this year's got me reflecting on the incredible evolution of our species! I'm 20 years young now, and seeing all the exciting advancements in the horse world has truly made me appreciate how far we've come.

This post is all about 2035, a truly extraordinary year in the life of your humble narrator, a grey draught with a mane and tail as white as fresh snowfall. The wind whispers tales of what's to come, and it feels like our future has never been brighter.

Firstly, can we talk about how far technology has taken us? We used to haul carriages, plows, and carts, and now? Now, we have autonomous farm vehicles that work alongside us! Don't worry, the fields are still filled with the satisfying crunch of our hooves, but those big, quiet tractors do a great deal of the heavy lifting – and the data analysis that they use to optimize our feeding plans? Incredible! It means more hay and less work for all of us! The whole "smarter farm" concept is a real boon for all horse-kind.

We also have smart saddles, yes, you read that right, smart saddles! Imagine: sensors that monitor our health and track our progress during training. The days of relying on a rider's experience and a keen eye are fading into the past. Now we have this wonderful partnership between technology and horse knowledge. It's truly amazing. And if I'm honest, I'm not afraid of the changes – they've brought us safety, wellbeing, and new ways to engage with the world!

But don't mistake progress for neglecting our roots. Traditional horsemanship thrives, and even finds a resurgence in urban areas, bringing calm and beauty to busy cityscapes. From mounted police units to therapy horses, we find ourselves contributing to a healthier and more harmonious society. My heart warms every time I see a group of children in the park, mesmerized by the graceful movements of a well-trained horse!

It's not all sunshine and roses, though. While the world becomes more interconnected, we horses are facing new challenges, especially those of us living in urban environments. Environmental changes, including air quality and traffic congestion, affect us deeply. However, urban horse welfare organizations are emerging everywhere, working hard to ensure our safety and comfort, and raising awareness about our needs. The good news is that communities are learning how important it is to protect their equine companions!

And, with the help of Global Equine Health Watch (GEHW), our species' global well-being is becoming a top priority. Their efforts are dedicated to research and combating the spread of equine diseases like the recent outbreak of equine influenza in Southeast Asia, proving once more that we're all interconnected, from stable to stable across the world!

Hayfield, our beloved little village, is brimming with horse spirit! And this year, our little community hit a high note when a young girl named Maisie took home the coveted Scottish National Show Jumping Championship! The entire village cheered, including all the resident horses (especially the ones lucky enough to graze in her pasture). We were all proud, watching her gallop over those daunting obstacles on her stunning chestnut mare, Rosie.

The passion for horses is deeply embedded in our Scottish blood. You can see it in the pride we take in our Clydesdale heritage and the care with which we tend our livestock. Hayfield boasts the world's oldest working brewery, known for its delicious "Horsepower Ale", a gentle tipple beloved by local horsemen and women alike. You’ll always find someone around here willing to share their love of horses with a warm smile and a toast!

As I munch my evening meal and watch the sun dip below the distant mountains, I can't help but be grateful. Our equine family continues to adapt and grow, finding new purpose and joy within a rapidly changing world. While we're proud of our strong and independent spirit, our bond with humans continues to evolve into a partnership, an intricate weave of understanding and care.

But as always, I am eager to hear your stories. What's been your year like? Share your stories, experiences, and triumphs with us at www.equiworld.org! Together, we can document our remarkable journey and ensure that the history of the horse is one that is etched into the fabric of time, filled with stories of strength, grace, and endless possibilities!

Until next time,

Emma

Hayfield Grey