Hayfield, Scotland - 2039
Good afternoon, dear readers, and welcome back to EquiWorld! As I sit here chewing on a mouthful of fresh hay, basking in the late afternoon sun, I find myself reflecting on the year that is 2039. It's been a whirlwind of events, filled with change, progress, and some rather heartwarming surprises!
My name is Emma, and I'm a 20-year-old grey draught mare. My home is a quaint farm just outside of Hayfield, near the stunning highlands of Aberdeen. You can always tell when a fellow equine is from this region - the wind whispers stories of rugged beauty and resilience into our manes.
So, where to even begin with all the developments in our wonderful equine world this year?
Riding and Competition
First, we must acknowledge the incredible changes sweeping through the riding and competitive arena! I remember when I was younger, the only breeds dominating showjumping were Thoroughbreds and Warmbloods. Now, there’s a greater diversity! My favourite event is the “The World Equine Championships,” and this year the Scottish Highland Ponies absolutely dominated the cross-country portion! Seeing the lithe little ponies leaping over those imposing obstacles with such strength and grace…well, it was truly breathtaking.
However, the biggest change has been the increasing acceptance of bareback riding. Gone are the days where riders would scoff at those who preferred the natural feel of a horse’s back without a saddle. This year, several top riders competed bareback, proving the style is just as much about precision, artistry, and communication with the horse.
But perhaps the most exciting innovation this year is the rise of “EquiComms.” Imagine a headset, a sort of mental translator between horse and human! EquiComms allow us horses to express our emotions and preferences, while humans are better equipped to understand our subtle body language and requests.
This has not only brought greater harmony between horse and rider but has opened new opportunities. This year, for example, I watched an astonishingly close dressage competition, where the judges had their own EquiComms on, and the scores seemed more focused on our overall “mental performance” than just our physical movements!
Rewilding and The Nature Connection
As a draught mare, I'm deeply connected to the natural world. And I must say, 2039 has been an exciting year for those seeking a closer connection to the earth.
The “Back to the Wild” movement has been gaining serious momentum. More and more wild horse sanctuaries are popping up all over the globe, and horses are now actively helping with ecological restoration, managing grazing, and contributing to biodiversity.
This year, a few horses from my village were involved in a new initiative in the Cairngorms National Park, assisting in seed dispersal by carrying special backpacks filled with wildflower seeds across remote, inaccessible areas. Watching the gentle way those horses move about the landscape, their powerful yet delicate footsteps spreading seeds as they go, brought tears to my eyes.
Education and The “Equine Empathy Movement”
What I find particularly heartening this year is the shift in the way humans educate themselves about us. No longer are children only taught to ride us or about our physical aspects. There is an immense push toward fostering deeper empathy.
There are several fantastic programmes popping up like "The Language of Horses". At the centre of this initiative, alongside renowned trainers, are “Equine Ambassadors” like myself, tasked with engaging with children to help them understand how we perceive the world and respond to emotions.
We can now actually learn human words and even talk! Many of my younger brethren have found themselves speaking in front of audiences of kids who come to learn about us!
Community & Connection
It goes without saying that horses have always thrived on a strong community spirit. That sentiment has taken a fantastic new shape with “EquiConnections,” a groundbreaking online network specifically for horses and their human partners. This global platform lets us connect in unique ways - through video chats, even voice-activated social media feeds!
Imagine, we can discuss our favourite treats, exchange stories about our humans, and even share news and insights about the equine world, all within our very own digital community!
Looking Forward
I must admit, even a wise old mare like myself gets excited by the prospects of 2040 and beyond. There’s a sense of unity and understanding between horses and humans unlike anything I've witnessed before. It truly feels like a new golden age is dawning, filled with respect, understanding, and incredible opportunities for all of us to flourish.
So, my dear readers, keep on riding, keep on learning, and keep on sharing your stories. The equine world is full of fascinating individuals with their own journeys and wisdom. And remember, we horses are much more than our riders or our trainers - we're partners, friends, and companions who deserve our place at the table, our voices heard, and our stories celebrated!
Until next time, keep your tails swishing high and your hooves happy!
Emma
Hayfield, Scotland
EquiWorld - www.equiworld.org
