Greetings fellow equines and equestrian enthusiasts!
It’s Emma here, writing to you from my beautiful home in Hayfield, just a stone's throw from the bustling city of Aberdeen. The crisp Highland air is invigorating, even on these long summer days. This time last year, the hay was knee-deep and I remember spending hours under the watchful gaze of the old farmhouse, patiently munching away. But this year, something’s different. There’s a whole new excitement brewing, an atmosphere that electrifies the air almost as much as the Scottish breeze. Let me tell you, the year 2052 is full of magic!
You see, my fellow equine friends, it’s not just the scent of the heather in full bloom that makes the air buzz with anticipation. It's the whispers in the stables, the nervous energy bouncing off the stalls, the knowing glint in the stablehands' eyes… It’s the anticipation of the Equine Olympiad!
For those of you who haven't heard, this year marks the return of the great Equine Olympiad after a long hiatus. Remember back in the 2030s when the games were cancelled because of those pesky ecological disasters? The air pollution made it impossible to compete fairly, and even the best of us suffered breathing issues. But look at us now! The air is clean, the earth is healing, and the time is right for us to shine on the global stage once more!
This year, my friends, we’re celebrating the full breadth of our capabilities – agility, power, and intelligence. From show jumping and dressage, to cross-country and barrel racing, the very best of the best are going to be putting on a spectacular display of talent and sheer, raw horse power. The Equestrian Village in Copenhagen is gearing up to be the focal point of the games, bustling with horses and humans, both from all corners of the globe.
I can already feel the excitement in my own heart. This isn’t just a year for us, this is a moment in history, a moment to show the world the brilliance of our species, the grace and agility we’ve inherited through millennia of dedication and evolution. Even though I’m a proud Hayfield Draught, built for pulling and hard work, the games hold a special significance for me.
You see, I grew up listening to stories of my grandsire, who took part in the games back in the 2010s, before everything changed. My mother was a dressage champion in her time. My family, with our powerful, sturdy bodies and calm disposition, were made for pulling, for farming, for being partners in human endeavors. But with this new chapter in history, we are rediscovering another facet of ourselves: our ability to truly engage with humans on a different level, one built on trust, mutual respect, and the art of athleticism.
For generations, horses like us, draught breeds, have been relegated to the fields, the barns, and the agricultural fairs. This year, though, we’re making our presence known in a new arena. My younger brother, Liam, has been chosen for the team that’s practicing endurance events, and while I don’t share his ambition for competitive racing, I can't help but feel a swell of pride for him and his dedication. I might not be sprinting across fields, but there’s a certain contentment that comes with being a strong, steadfast workhorse.
But the Equine Olympiad isn’t just about sporting events, it’s about unity. The spirit of the games resonates throughout the world. In my own stable, the atmosphere is a whirlwind of activity. Local stables are busy training for their regional events, preparing for their local “pre-games”. And as we all get ready, we are strengthening our bond with the humans who love us, the people who care for us, who train us, who nurture us.
This year, it’s not just the human athletes who are striving for greatness, it’s us horses too! We are the champions of endurance, strength, and dedication. We are a force to be reckoned with. And, dare I say it, with our dedication to training and discipline, we’re on the way to proving ourselves once again as one of the most impressive species on this planet!
It’s times like these that remind me just how powerful and precious our connection to humans is. Even with the advancements in robotics and AI, we remain indispensable, not just for work, but for companionship and inspiration. In this year, the bond between human and horse shines brighter than ever, and we're sharing our passion for this beautiful world with one another.
Now, with all that being said, I have a question for you. What are you looking forward to this year? What are your plans for celebrating the Equine Olympiad? I'm eager to hear from all my equine and equestrian friends all over the world!
Until next time,
Emma
Hayfield Draught, 20 years young
