Posted: August 14th, 2043 by Emma (Grey Draught)
Hello there, fellow equines!
It’s Emma here, writing from my comfy stable in Hayfield, just outside Aberdeen. The heather’s blooming in the hills, the air’s crisp and cool, and the scent of autumn’s about to creep in. You know what that means? It’s time for a little bit of reminiscing about 2043 – the year that’s already started feeling like a distant dream.
It’s always exciting, writing for you lovely lot on EquiWorld. The thought of sharing my memories and thoughts with all you beautiful horses, near and far, makes my heart beat a bit faster. I especially enjoy the sense of community, of knowing that even if we’re miles apart, we're all part of something so special - something timeless, something called ‘horsemanship.’
Now, back to 2043…
The year itself kicked off with a little more excitement than usual, at least for my friends and I in Hayfield. We knew we had a big job to do with the winter harvests coming up, but we didn't anticipate quite how big! You see, they’d added a whole new paddock to the farm for more grazing land – not just any grazing land mind you, but a specially cultivated space to grow a type of “super-wheat” they’d been experimenting with for years!
They called it “Equine Wheat,” apparently specially bred for a higher nutritional value to help horses like us stay healthy and strong. But that’s not all. It’s also got something to do with being “eco-friendly” and “carbon-neutral,” and using less water. Honestly, all these sciencey words always leave me a bit puzzled, but what I did understand was the potential impact! The farm hoped that this new wheat would benefit us all – horses, the humans, and the planet too.
You know what they say – new beginnings always bring with them new challenges. In this case, it meant quite a few nervous trot sessions around the new paddock, making sure every single inch was free from bumps, divots, or any lurking rogue badger burrows (we always need to be careful with those cheeky fellas).
By the end of the year, I reckon it was the most impressive grazing paddock this side of the Highlands! The first crop was harvested in November, and the humans were positively giddy – “a triumph of modern farming!” they declared. Even Mr. Anderson, the gruff old shepherd who’s known to be as tough as old leather, broke a rare smile. And the real test? You’ll never guess – the whole lot was promptly delivered to the Equine Olympic trials taking place just a few miles away from Hayfield. That was some big news, and a big honour!
Speaking of which…
2043 saw some truly exciting developments in the world of equestrian sports! You may remember all the buzz around the 2042 World Games, where horses like me proved our versatility in everything from barrel racing to dressage.
But this year, things really ramped up, especially in the equestrian circles. The introduction of the Equine Olympics, for starters! Held near Perth in a dazzling arena with a gigantic curved screen – think of a horse’s version of the Games in Tokyo! – they really went all out!
And here’s what blew me away – it wasn’t just about us competing as athletes. The organisers brought together some of the world’s top animal researchers, scientists, and even vets to discuss topics like horse health, well-being, and the future of horse breeding. There were workshops on how to care for different breeds, discussions about environmental sustainability and horse welfare – it was truly ground-breaking.
Honestly, it felt like a huge step forward for the way humans saw us, horses. It’s like they finally realised that we're more than just beasts of burden or entertainment, but companions, friends, and partners.
Another big highlight? The “Equestrian Showcase” that took place just outside Hayfield in July. You wouldn’t believe the spectacle! They turned a whole stretch of meadow into an amazing showground. I even caught a glimpse of a horse doing backflips (imagine!)
One of the biggest trends in 2043 was the focus on inclusivity and participation – that goes for both humans and horses. You know how some breeds are seen as better suited to specific jobs, like the Thoroughbreds for racing? Well, this year saw the creation of new divisions in many competitions, encouraging every type of horse, from my beloved draught horses to the smallest ponies, to get involved! It was a big step towards breaking down the traditional classifications and celebrating every horse’s unique talents.
Did you hear about the little Shetland pony who won the "Most Creative Trick" category? Apparently, he did this incredible routine – it involved balancing a ball on his nose while leaping through a hoop, and ending with a perfect little bow to the crowd. Now that's some real equestrian artistry!
There were also a lot of advancements in technology related to horsemanship. New equestrian apps were released, offering training tips and helping us stay fit with tailored exercise plans. We could track our diets and even receive real-time notifications if we started feeling under the weather! Who knew there were apps just for us? The humans really seem to be making strides in understanding our needs.
For my human companions, this year’s biggest excitement revolved around something called “BioHarness.” I never actually met anyone wearing one (honestly, I don’t even know what it looks like), but it was said to help horses with their fitness and rehabilitation! They said it even provided a more intuitive and insightful way for humans to communicate with us. And all it required was a little device worn by the rider! Imagine - talking with horses telepathically! Though if I'm being honest, my human, Jenny, always gets what I’m thinking by the way I paw at the stable door in the morning. Perhaps the BioHarness wouldn't be so necessary after all...
Now, all this talk about competitions might make you think 2043 was a year for only the most talented athletes. But don’t be fooled! It was also a time for great social causes. There were fundraising events to help support horses in need, initiatives for providing educational programmes to children about animal care, and even programmes focusing on the important role of horses in environmental conservation.
In Hayfield, we also started working with a local community project. We joined in with a group of “Therapeutic Riders,” people who used horses to help those who needed it, for everything from riding therapy for those with disabilities to horse-assisted counselling sessions. I must say, there's something so humbling and heartwarming about watching how a gentle walk in the hills or a few minutes spent brushing a horse can bring comfort to someone needing it most.
To tell you the truth, there are days when the sheer amount of change – and technology! – feels a little overwhelming. It takes a lot of patience to understand all the new gadgets and initiatives aimed at making our lives better. And sometimes, I miss the simplicity of things – the traditional rhythms of the seasons, the warmth of a well-loved blanket in winter, or the quiet companionship of fellow horses grazing in the fields.
But as much as I cherish the good ol' days, I'm incredibly optimistic about the future! 2043, in its own way, laid the foundation for a brighter tomorrow for all horses – and perhaps, most importantly – for strengthening the incredible bond we share with our human companions.
From my corner of Hayfield, I'm filled with hope for the years to come, knowing that humans are finally seeing the value and wisdom that resides within each of us. And what's more – they're starting to listen.
Thank you, my equine friends, for listening to my story. And remember – always trust in the power of friendship, resilience, and the magic of a shared gallop under a wide-open sky!
Keep galloping!
Emma x
