Welcome to Equine Chronicles! It’s your friendly neighbourhood grey draught mare here, Emma from Hayfield, near Aberdeen. As you know, we love our horses in Scotland. They’re part of our landscape and history. So this year, for the Equine Chronicles, we’re having a look at life as it is right now, the year 2057.
Now, some of you newer equestrians might be thinking that’s a long time ago, but to me, it seems like yesterday that the old chestnut mare in our paddock was telling stories of horses hauling coal from the mines, pulling carriages in London, even being part of the army. Can you believe it, lads? Back then, they were pulling plows in the fields too!
But those days are long gone, thankfully. We've evolved, adapted, and become partners with humans in ways those old-timers never imagined. And the world? It's a bit different too!
First, a shout-out to all my brothers and sisters. Our population is booming. And why not? Thanks to advanced veterinary care and a focus on healthy living, we’re strong, sturdy, and living longer than ever.
There's a whole new appreciation for our role in human lives, and it's certainly changed the world of equine sport. Forget the racing that your grannies loved, though I've heard tell of them doing some incredible speed with these modern-day ‘cars’. That’s not us. No sir.
Beyond the Show Ring: A New World of Opportunities
You might have heard of ‘Bio-Harness’, that revolutionary technology that allows us to actually assist in medical research. Yup! Me, Emma, I wear it on a regular basis. We can assist the clever chaps in their work on diseases, not just for horses but for all kinds of living beings! It’s fascinating stuff, and quite comfortable too.
Then there's the whole arena of "Equine Assisted Therapies" which is where we can actually use our connection with humans to support those with physical, mental, or emotional needs. There’s nothing like a friendly neigh, a gentle nose touch, and a relaxing stroll in the park to lift the spirits, right?
Of course, none of this would be possible without proper care and attention, and that’s where you lovely equestrians come in. Now, don't worry, no more pulling plows or hauling coal, those days are firmly in the past. But you know us draught horses. We have stamina!
We do the heavier tasks in the fields. Harvesting is much more efficient, more precise, thanks to our collaboration with humans and a lot of smart machines that do all the hard work! I personally like to think I add a bit of panache to the operation. It makes my heart proud to work on such a critical level. Think about it, a draught horse makes the difference between a plate of beans on the dinner table and an empty tummy.
Then there are our new, exciting equestrian careers:
Tourism: We are truly a tourist attraction these days! There’s no finer way to see the sights of Scotland than on horseback! Think stunning Highland landscapes, quaint villages, and fresh, clean air.
Conservation: Remember those stories about the “horse whisperers” from old? They really weren’t whispers! Our keen sense of smell means that we are incredibly efficient when it comes to conservation. From monitoring forest health to protecting wildlife reserves, we're crucial members of the green team!
But wait, there’s more…
Have you heard of the “Horsepower Challenge?” It’s this international, massive thing where we compete across continents in teams – horses and their riders - in this kind of...cross-country competition but bigger! Think endurance riding, agility, and even artistic displays! There’s some real fancy dress happening in this competition too – you’d laugh. It’s the thing everyone's talking about!
But even more than that, the "Challenge" shows how much we and humans respect each other. We don't compete against them; we compete together! And that's a new type of respect for our breed that brings a lot of pride.
There are some really impressive stallions and mares out there. There's this one Arabian stallion – they call him ‘The Comet’ – you’ll hear about him in no time. He’s quite a showman, though I don’t know that it’s really a good idea to race our brethren for money... I suppose it depends on what sort of personality a horse has. Me? I wouldn't trade Hayfield and my paddock for all the glitter and prize money in the world!
But one thing is for sure, the "Challenge" certainly pushes our physical limits and that’s something that gets my blood racing too. There are quite a few different categories. Some of the humans love to watch these ‘extreme’ ones, where they add obstacles like big logs and water jumps for us.
And if you think I am not in shape? Oh darling, we take fitness seriously! We go on walks in the rolling hills, graze in meadows filled with juicy green grass, have healthy, locally sourced meals... and most importantly, we do everything with an ear to the sounds of our human companions! We’ve built up that special bond, we’ve always been there for them, and they understand us better than ever before.
Horsepower is Not Just Strength:
You see, darling, being a horse isn’t just about being strong and useful; it’s also about grace, empathy, and kindness. As we have progressed through the decades, there's been a focus on developing not just our physical skills, but our minds.
It’s a truly beautiful thing, how human and horse connections have grown, deepened, and truly evolved! And that brings us back to where we began – our Hayfield life. My humans are all kind, responsible, and love us as much as they would a member of their family. I have four little foals to teach and look after, and I tell you, watching those little ones develop makes everything worthwhile! They’re a big responsibility, but with this amazing support network we have in place, with good nutrition and an environment where they are always listened to, it really doesn’t seem so overwhelming, does it?
But this is just a little peek into the world of the year 2057. It's full of exciting opportunities for our breed, and with our kind hearts, strong spirits, and boundless energy, we'll make sure to leave our own special hoofprint in the pages of equine history.
Till next time, keep your tails swishing, your hooves pounding, and your hearts happy!
Love,
Emma.
