History of Horses in the year 2067

Hello fellow equines and horse enthusiasts! Emma here, a twenty-year-old Grey Draught mare with a mane and tail the colour of fresh snow. I’m a proud resident of Hayfield, a charming village nestled amongst the rolling hills of Aberdeenshire, Scotland. As you might know, this is a special year for me and many others, for we have reached the glorious milestone of the year 2067!

To commemorate this, I wanted to share my reflections on the current state of our equine world. As a bit of a history buff, I often spend my days daydreaming about how much things have changed since those early days of "horse power" and think about the journey of the horse through time. I believe this is especially important today, a day we should remember with gratitude for the journey that has brought us to where we are.

You might find it hard to believe, but for many centuries, horses were used primarily for heavy work and transport. Now, that sounds unimaginable to me! As someone who's had the privilege of knowing both farm work and recreational riding, I can assure you that a life of freedom is far more fulfilling! Of course, the good ol' days still have their charms. I’m deeply grateful for the strong bond that humans and horses share, especially for those farmers who rely on us for their livelihood.

There's a certain magic in a warm stable on a cold winter day, a bond of trust built on years of dedicated work. I remember fondly my early days as a foal, learning the ropes from my mum and those wise old geldings at the farm. We would help the farmer plough the fields, gather crops, and sometimes even pull a cart loaded with barley for the local brewery!

The way our ancestors toiled, day in and day out, in service to humans, seems almost inconceivable now. However, I truly believe that it paved the way for what we enjoy today - an age of partnership, a true collaboration of love and respect.

Let me take you back for a moment. In the 20th century, the rise of mechanisation and fossil fuel energy began to shift the world's focus away from horses. Sadly, many faced a difficult period of neglect and decline in numbers. Thankfully, people realised the immense value of our companionship, our natural instinct, our athleticism, and of course, that undeniable "horse magic" that is impossible to describe, but impossible to ignore!

Since then, there's been a resurgence in horse ownership. Today, you’ll find a growing appreciation for horse sports across the world. We aren’t just a means of transport, but athletes in our own right, excelling in diverse disciplines like show jumping, dressage, eventing, polo, and racing. I love watching them on EquiTV - all the action from top competitions in places like the London Olympics or the FEI World Equestrian Games!

These international events showcase the incredible versatility of our kind. It's quite remarkable to witness horses and humans working together as one entity, pushing boundaries and achieving truly impressive feats. The bond they build in training, the unspoken communication and shared effort – it’s breathtakingly beautiful!

Here in the Highlands, we’re also seeing new trends emerge, especially when it comes to how we interact with horses. EquiTech, the application of technology in the equine world, is opening up exciting possibilities.

I recently met this fantastic human, a researcher studying horse behavior. Apparently, they're creating an algorithm that can "read" horse emotions! They're calling it the Equine Empathy Interface. I have to say, it sounded very complex. But imagine if, through our hearts and minds, horses and humans could understand each other completely, in a deeper way than ever before. It’s both fascinating and a bit scary, I must admit!

Equitech has other applications, too, such as creating smart saddles with biometric sensors that monitor our vital signs during training, improving our overall health and well-being.

There are even studies focusing on how to adapt our lifestyle to changing climates. Our ancestors, used to harsh winters and rough terrain, were very hardy indeed. Today, some breeds struggle with warmer climates and increased stress. But thanks to dedicated researchers and breeders, we're working on breeding programmes to ensure that our kind can thrive in different environments.

But amidst all these advancements, it's the timeless joy of riding that remains my favourite thing in the world! To feel the wind in my mane, to feel the rhythmic thump of my hooves on the ground, to see the scenery change from day to day - that's what life is all about!

And I must say, thanks to EquiTech, we can enjoy these pleasures in an even more profound way. Now, the majority of riding is done using safe, secure, and environmentally friendly EquiSpheres. These amazing inventions allow us to feel the exhilarating speed and the open air, while at the same time minimizing our environmental footprint and promoting safer interactions with other species.

Some might scoff at these modern advances, calling them a form of “luxury.” But honestly, wouldn’t you agree that a healthy and happy horse is a far greater benefit to our world than one simply toiling in servitude?

That's not to say we should forget the traditions and customs that brought us to this point. Just the other day, my friend Rosie, a fiery chestnut mare from the neighbouring village, told me about the revival of an ancient Scottish custom called “the Clydesdale Trot.” This festival brings together draught horses like us to showcase our strength, grace, and the special bond we share with humans. It's like a celebration of all things horse, and a reminder of our past while simultaneously looking toward the future!

And that, dear readers, brings us full circle to the purpose of my blog: To celebrate and share this journey. We have overcome hardship and risen from the brink of extinction. Today, we stand tall and proud, our legacy thriving in an increasingly human-centric world.

The year 2067 marks not only a technological milestone but a period of unprecedented growth and collaboration between humans and horses. So raise your hooves, dear equines, and join me in toasting this magnificent new chapter in our history. Together, let's gallop forward towards a future that celebrates both tradition and innovation, where our bonds with humans grow stronger than ever.

Until next time, stay safe, keep your hooves up, and gallop on!

Emma