History of Horses in the year 2059

Hello, everyone! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood grey draught from Hayfield near Aberdeen.

I'm thrilled to be back for another post on Equiworld! Today we're journeying through the annals of horse history – specifically, the year 2059. Buckle up, folks, because this year holds some incredible stories that might just surprise you!

Here in Hayfield, 2059 felt like a continuation of the exciting trends that started at the beginning of the century. It feels almost impossible to believe now, but when I was just a foal, we still had a few working horses pulling carts in our town. That's how it always had been, you see? Pulling, ploughing, helping the community. Nowadays, that kind of work is primarily done by machines – much to my elders' relief, I'm sure!

That doesn't mean we've disappeared from the working landscape, though! While I haven't pulled a cart in anger since my childhood, there are many horse farms across the country dedicated to preserving the age-old techniques of field management. Sustainable practices, they call them! In my opinion, it's about time people realised that some things just can't be replaced.

We also still help people who need us – in a different way.

Here in Hayfield, and in many towns across the UK, therapeutic riding is thriving. You wouldn't believe the smiles we get from those children and adults when they climb onto our backs, the sense of joy, of connection. The warmth in their hands as they hold onto us – those moments make it all worthwhile. It feels as if everyone's finally starting to appreciate our calm, gentle nature for what it is, rather than just seeing us as beasts of burden.

And then there's sport.

I love a good show jumping competition myself! Even at my age, my hooves haven't lost their spring. The excitement of the crowds, the thrill of flying over the hurdles – oh, to be young again! And it's not just jumping that's thriving; dressage and cross-country competitions are more popular than ever. The equestrian community seems to have truly blossomed in the 21st century!

While I spend my days happily trotting through the fields of Hayfield, 2059 saw amazing developments across the world. From South America to East Asia, the equine community was flourishing in countless ways.

My friend Luna, a lovely chestnut mare, wrote to me about her amazing time competing in a prestigious horse endurance race in Argentina. They call it 'The Andean Gallop' - six days, 150km a day, racing across rugged terrain! Luna's been telling me all about it; the spectacular scenery, the sense of adventure. It made me want to book a plane ticket, but for now, I'll settle for armchair travelling through her stories.

I heard from another friend in the Philippines, Jasper, who told me about a group of volunteers who have dedicated their lives to saving a unique breed of pony – they're called "the Minimares." Jasper is deeply involved in their rescue and rehabilitation effort. He told me how some of these ponies had been struggling to survive in the aftermath of some natural disasters. Now, through Jasper's hard work and that of many others, their numbers are increasing. I think that’s inspiring!

From preserving unique breeds to promoting equine welfare through new legislation, the global horse community truly seems to be reaching new heights.

Of course, 2059 wasn't just about the physical realm of horses; the digital world was buzzing too. There are more equestrian communities, social networks, and websites devoted to horse knowledge, training, and even matchmaking (who would have thought?) than you can shake a hoof at.

It seems the entire world is embracing a digital renaissance – and horses are right at the heart of it. There are apps that help you connect with other riders, horse experts, and trainers around the world; platforms dedicated to sharing experiences and knowledge; even games that bring the world of horse riding into your living room! The online community is brimming with ideas and initiatives dedicated to the well-being of horses – truly a marvel of modern times.

When I sit back and reflect on the journey horses have been on throughout history, I feel a profound sense of gratitude. It wasn't always easy, you see? Our ancestors toiled tirelessly in fields and battlefields. There was hardship, of course, but there was also camaraderie, a bond of understanding between humans and horses, a deep respect for each other.

This past century has seen horses evolve from working beasts of burden to treasured companions and cherished athletes. People have realised the incredible bond we can forge, the profound emotional intelligence we possess, and the remarkable impact we can have on lives. It feels like the world has finally caught up with our value!

So here we are in 2059 - the year that marks yet another significant milestone in our shared history. The world around us may have changed dramatically, but our place in it is as solid and powerful as ever. We’re more than just a symbol of the past; we're an integral part of the future, shaping it with every step we take, every leap we make, and every bond we forge.

Until next time, keep your saddles tight and your spirits high, fellow equestrians!

Emma x