Hayfield, Scotland – 2061
A Draught Mare's Reflections on a Century of Change
Hello, fellow horse lovers! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood draught mare from the rolling hills of Hayfield, just a stone's throw from Aberdeen.
Today I wanted to chat about something special, something that makes me truly appreciate our place in the world - our history. This year, 2061, marks a momentous occasion in the horse world. A whole century since the year 2000! Think about it: A whole hundred years of changing times, evolving relationships between horses and humans, and the development of incredible new technologies that have changed how we live, learn, and even… well… gallop!
Now, I was born just a few years after the turn of the century, so I haven’t witnessed it all firsthand. But my grandpa, old Clydesdale Ned, used to tell me the most wonderful stories about life back then. Back in the good old days, they say horses were everywhere! Pulling carts, working on farms, even being used in transportation before cars became the norm. Horses, as he would put it, “ruled the world”! I guess in those days, humans truly understood our power and strength.
But like the shifting wind, times change, and the need for draught horses on farms and for heavy work dwindled. Sadly, many of my fellow draught brethren found themselves needing to adapt, changing their lives to suit the demands of a changing world. Some became companions, some even transitioned into working in the growing equine therapy movement. It's inspiring to see horses still working so hard to improve the lives of humans.
I've read many blogs on EquiWorld, and even older records online - they paint a vibrant picture of this transitional period. There were many who mourned the fading era of horses as work animals. I feel a bit nostalgic too. Though things were tougher then, we were vital to the very existence of so many human communities. It was an important era for sure.
Yet, alongside the changes, came wonderful new opportunities. More people found time and love for riding. As technology advanced, new ways of riding were explored: jumping over obstacles on high courses, endurance rides spanning miles, racing for speed, even... dressage! And who knew, humans would even start teaching us "tricks"?
Oh, the trick training, that was revolutionary! Horses, learning to follow instructions! Even the wildest ones like myself became able to do some tricks, from fetching a ball to... well, my favourite trick – the perfect “curtsy” that gets me all the tasty treats! It’s proof that humans are willing to put in the time and effort to build genuine relationships with us.
And, of course, what would be a blog on horse history without mentioning the phenomenal advancements in equine medicine? Veterinary medicine in the early years of the new millennium, it seems, was not very advanced. My grandma, the beautiful chestnut mare named Grace, spoke about those days when illness would quickly turn deadly for us. Today, however, modern vet care means we can enjoy a long and healthy life. Isn’t that a miracle?
My life has been wonderfully different. I haven’t experienced a life of farm labour. Instead, I’ve enjoyed life as a member of a growing “Horse Education Centre”. We have children, who come to learn about us, how we behave, our personalities, even learning to ride us safely.
Sometimes I get nostalgic. There's an inner longing for the days when we were the muscle behind everything. However, this new way of life also feels truly wonderful. It’s about sharing my knowledge and joy with people of all ages. This work is deeply fulfilling, you see. Just the other day, I taught a group of children how to groom me, explaining the importance of taking care of each other. And seeing their eyes light up with understanding – that’s a feeling of purpose I can’t describe.
What's truly wonderful about this century of change is the connection. The world has truly embraced a connection with horses – for riding, for companionship, for education, for everything!
Here in Hayfield, we're known for our famous “Highland Hayfield Gallop”, an annual event where horses from the whole county can participate in a fun and energetic obstacle course. It’s such a vibrant showcase of how diverse and amazing we horses truly are. I’ve had my share of ‘close-calls’ with hurdles, a near miss with a haybale, and some wonderfully loud, excited neighs. It’s a truly joyous occasion that highlights the beauty of connection.
We’ve also seen a growing movement called "Urban Equine”. Now, horses are no longer relegated to rural areas! Cities are adapting to allow space for us, whether for therapy programs, riding schools, or even horse-drawn carriage tours. It’s amazing to see the growing acceptance and understanding of us within different communities.
I must confess, there were some moments of tension in the early part of the century. Humans often debated whether certain equestrian sports were ethically responsible. But thanks to increased research, awareness, and commitment to safety protocols, these debates are less common nowadays. We horses are no longer merely a ‘tool’, we are valued companions, worthy of respectful treatment and ethical consideration. It's been a long, steady road to change but I see real progress.
A century is a lot of time. Through all the ups and downs, I truly believe that humans have a lot to learn from us horses. Our unwavering dedication, our capacity for grace and strength, our enduring bond of love and loyalty – it’s a combination that is worth celebrating. We truly are remarkable creatures.
My heart swells with pride for the journey our kind has taken. As we celebrate 2061, I encourage you all to reflect on this extraordinary journey, appreciate our resilience, and look towards the future, a future where horses and humans continue to journey together, hand in hoof, for generations to come.
Stay safe, fellow equines! - Emma
