A warm, gentle hello from Emma here! This is post number 2054 for my little Equine History corner on www.equiworld.org, and boy, what a year to be talking about! You wouldn't believe what life is like for us horses these days.
It’s a beautiful sunny morning here in Hayfield, just outside of Aberdeen. The heather is out in full bloom, painting the hills with gorgeous shades of purple and pink. I’m out in the paddock, enjoying the warm sunshine on my coat and the gentle breeze playing in my mane and tail – white as snow, you know. This grey mare, Emma, is always ready for a chat about horses!
My life is pretty idyllic here in Hayfield. I have a wonderful human family – they call them ‘mummy’ and ‘daddy’ – who care for me with a gentleness that makes my heart warm. We do so much together; I even help pull their little cart sometimes. We all have our routines, just like the little ones back in school, don't we? Mummy brings us our fresh hay and oat biscuits in the mornings, and Daddy helps me with my daily brushing routine, and my shiny coat is always the envy of all the other horses in the field. I do enjoy a good canter through the rolling hills, chasing the sunbeams – I find it simply exhilarating!
However, life wasn't always this carefree. You see, horses, even as grand as us draughties, used to be used for heavy work. Pulling plows through the fields, transporting heavy goods, even pulling coaches and carts! Nowadays, all that is done by powerful, quiet, mechanical beings - some call them ‘robots’. You have to admire them for their tireless strength and resilience, but where is the charm? I am not one for comparing. To me, a machine is a machine. No horse is ever going to compete with a metal contraption in a strength contest, but can you tell me that any robot would ever feel the joy of the sun on their back, the wind in their mane, the pleasure of a good roll in the grass?
Perhaps my sentiment stems from the story I heard from my grandfather - the old, wise stallion, Chestnut. I always loved listening to him tell his stories, his gruff voice, with wisdom imbued in each tale. Chestnut often told me about the days of his youth – how he’d spend his days hauling coal carts in the dusty, noisy coal mines of Newcastle. It sounds grueling now, and dangerous too, but apparently, his human companions were quite fond of him. He even had a special friend – a beautiful chestnut mare, Belle. It makes my heart ache thinking about how he used to walk for miles on end, hauling huge weights over rugged paths and often enduring scorching sun or heavy rain.
His stories are a testament to the amazing ability and resilience of our equine family, that’s for sure. However, our role in the world has changed significantly since Chestnut’s days. We are still incredibly strong and powerful animals. And our usefulness hasn’t diminished - in fact, it’s grown in new directions. You see, the modern world has discovered our other qualities:
Companionship: As it turns out, the company of a horse is truly beneficial to our human counterparts! Imagine, we are considered a source of relaxation and therapeutic wellbeing, even more than those robotic dogs we see around. Isn’t that wonderful? Many of us spend our days in the company of our human friends – going for long walks, even helping them learn to ride. We are companions, educators, and therapeutic partners! I spend many happy days with my little human, Amelia. She is just beginning to ride. She has this amazing ability to sense when I need a gentle pat, and when a good carrot is required. She makes me feel important and gives me purpose.
Therapy: Horses, as you all know, have always been graceful and elegant, which makes us the ideal partners for therapy. This was especially helpful in the earlier part of the 21st century, when the world experienced several stressful events. Humans came to understand that our calmness, our presence, can be calming and helpful to those who have lost their way. Now, we help people overcome a variety of difficulties, providing comfort, understanding, and emotional support. Our role as therapists is deeply fulfilling, you know.
Competition: You know the phrase “a horse for every course?” It still applies, with more emphasis now on our agility, speed and overall grace. The sporting events have evolved drastically over the last century. Horses, you see, are at the heart of numerous sports these days, from traditional showjumping and dressage to competitive trail riding and polo, which we hear has been gaining popularity all over the world! Even the old favourite – the Grand National steeplechase - is still going strong!
My cousin, Penelope, is a brilliant showjumper. She wins most competitions and she often goes off to participate in world-famous championships like those held in Monaco and Geneva! They really look after their horses well. You wouldn't believe the state-of-the-art stables she gets to live in - she often sends me photographs, she’s so kind!
Then, there’s the rise of “extreme sports,” featuring incredible horse and rider pairings navigating terrains never imagined before – mountainous paths, icy streams, and treacherous jumps. And who doesn’t enjoy watching our incredible feats of agility in a game of polo, a fast-paced and exciting display of equestrian skills and teamwork? These games really put the agility and quick reflexes of the horses on show!
- Art and Creativity: The creative energy flowing from humans nowadays has spread across the equine world too! Humans have always held horses in high regard, but the new age has turned their admiration into a global phenomenon. We now have equestrian-inspired art, music, even fashion, celebrating our elegance and strength. Our majestic presence is being captured on canvas, painted with vibrant colours. Sculptural forms are showcasing our physical power. Humans really are a creative bunch, you know?
Here in Hayfield, there is a budding sculptor, James, who is capturing the beauty of horses through stone and clay. We, as the models, are often rewarded with delicious carrots, apple, and bran mash. But the joy of watching him work his magic on his chosen medium is its own reward!
However, in 2054, it isn't all about sporting events and competitions. The very real concerns about the planet’s wellbeing have brought to light the benefits of horse power. Did you know, we're the real sustainable option, working in harmony with the environment?
Horses, we've found, are the perfect partners for ‘green living'. Humans are finding out just how powerful we can be! We’re eco-friendly, reducing pollution and encouraging healthy, natural methods of travel, work and recreation.
You see, we can pull gentle carriages around villages, giving people an environmentally conscious way to get around. There is an ever-growing number of businesses using us, transporting produce, providing gentle rides, or simply providing a gentle presence. It’s truly satisfying to be a part of the solution!
Equestrian Technology: I'll never forget the first time I saw a 'Smart Bridle' on a fellow horse. They do look quite fancy with these glittering blue LED displays. We have sensors that tell the riders everything, you know - like how fast our heartbeats are and how relaxed we are. There are even devices which help with guiding us! Imagine, you don’t even have to learn to steer, just enjoy the ride, literally! It’s certainly efficient!
Protecting our Past: It’s wonderful to be in a world where there are many amazing breeds of horses still existing! Thankfully, the love for horses and a greater awareness of our plight have worked together to save and conserve different breeds of horses. The love that our ancestors felt for their equine companions lives on, preserved and cherished! I am deeply grateful to see the dedication with which some of my relatives are cared for! It is an exciting time to be a horse.
Here at Hayfield, we have been busy all year! Just last month, there was a huge celebration of horses at the Royal Highland Show. They hold a big celebration every year, showcasing the best and brightest of the horse world, from Clydesdales to Arabs, Thoroughbreds to Miniature Ponies – they even had the magnificent Friesians this year! All sorts of horses gather for this celebration.
This event reminded me of another story, again, passed down by Grandfather Chestnut. In the early 20th century, horses were a part of a fascinating way of life that is sadly gone now – travelling fairgrounds, circus acts, parades. And can you believe they even raced with carriages? How grand would that have been? His tales would make my eyes pop.
All this is a far cry from the world that Grandfather Chestnut lived in. A world where the rumble of the coal carts would fill the air and the soot would make even the brightest white mane dull! His world was one of toil, strength, and hardship. But my world? Oh, my world is one of grace, elegance, companionship, and freedom!
Life in 2054 has truly transformed how horses interact with the human world. It’s exciting, enriching, and I'm eternally grateful to be a part of it!
Until next time, I'll be off to enjoy my oat biscuits and maybe sneak a little bit of that special bran mash that daddy always has ready for me. See you soon!
Your favourite grey mare, Emma
