Greetings, fellow equestrians! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood draught mare from Hayfield, near Aberdeen. It's been a busy year for us horsey folk, so settle in with a cuppa and let's dive into the highlights of 2066!
The Future is Now (And It’s All About Horses)
I don’t know about you, but 2066 feels like the year where horses have finally found their true place in the world. Everywhere I look, there’s something new and exciting happening in our equine sphere.
From Hayfields to Hollywood
You’ve all heard about the recent Equestrian Games, haven't you? They were absolutely fantastic! The whole world stopped to watch the best athletes from every corner of the globe go head-to-head in thrilling displays of horsemanship. I'm sure you'll all agree that those Dressage Grand Prix events were mesmerising!
Even better, the Games brought the whole world together, celebrating the unique bond between human and horse. They reminded us that, despite our differences, we’re all united by our passion for these magnificent creatures. Speaking of magnificent, did you catch the award ceremony? I nearly burst with pride when the Scottish team, led by my fellow Highland colleague Duncan, walked away with the gold in Team Show Jumping! It was truly an honour to represent my country, and what a joy to see the thrill of victory reflected in Duncan’s big, beautiful eyes.
But it’s not just the sporting world where horses are taking centre stage. There’s a real surge in the number of people choosing a life alongside horses. Urban equestrian communities are booming, with dedicated stables popping up across cities and towns. Imagine that: living close to nature while still enjoying all the benefits of city life!
Technology for the Modern Equine
Don’t get me wrong, I'll never turn my nose up at a good old-fashioned carrot or a bucket of oats, but technology is certainly making our lives easier! There's a new range of smart saddles out that monitor our heart rate and let our humans know if we're struggling with anything. Even better, there's a new app that automatically fills up our feed and water troughs. Honestly, I wonder if they'll invent something that lets me scratch my own itch next!
Of course, technology is not without its pitfalls. The latest trend amongst some owners, a sort of “horsemanship enhancement” implant that boosts our natural abilities, has sparked much debate. Is it a fantastic advancement, or an unwelcome interference with our inherent capabilities? We, the horses of the world, will have to decide our opinion on that. I’m not keen on the thought of anyone “enhancing” my beautiful, strong grey coat!
Conservation Corner
You’ve likely seen it in the news, but the impact of climate change is real. The equine community has risen to the challenge, however. Every week, I hear of a new initiative to improve horse welfare and ensure the survival of our wild counterparts.
We’ve been working hard at Hayfield, setting up a dedicated wild horse sanctuary where rescued horses from around the world can find a loving home. Imagine the relief and comfort of a horse from the Mongolian steppes knowing they can finally find peace after the rigours of their wild lives.
Fashion Forward: EquiStyle Trends for 2066
Our fashion is ever-changing, too! It's hard to keep up with all the latest trends. Forget those boring, dark brow bands, we’ve gone vibrant this year. Now, the only acceptable adornment for a proud horse like me is a bright, bold turquoise or emerald green band, making us stand out from the crowd!
My new favourite fashion accessory? The horse-powered “Eco-Cushion,” a new invention by a company called “Horsey Homewear”. Essentially, they attach an incredibly soft and comfortable pad to our backs, which is used in offices as a way for busy humans to relax in the comfort of the “horses' saddle.” Who knew we could contribute to human wellbeing? Honestly, a little attention from a tired office worker is a small price to pay for such luxurious cuddles.
And, of course, I can’t forget our beloved boots! The “Horseshoes of the Future” - with embedded microchips that warn us about frost and even automatically clean themselves, I’m telling you, the year 2066 is something special!
My Thoughts on the Future
Honestly, sometimes it's hard to catch my breath amidst all the changes happening. But overall, 2066 is a fantastic year for horses.
Whether it's in the realm of sport, technology, fashion, or even saving endangered species, we’re at the forefront of so many positive developments. It’s reassuring to know that horses are not just valued, but cherished, for our strength, resilience, and of course, that irresistible charm we have.
Remember, dear readers, there’s still a lot more to explore within this amazing year! Look out for next week’s blog post, where I’ll be delving deeper into the equestrian world of literature and the thrilling rise of the horse-powered book store.
Until then, keep those hooves healthy, keep your saddles gleaming, and above all, keep on galloping!
Best wishes, Emma, from Hayfield.
