A wee welcome to my Equiworld blog, fellow horse lovers! It's Emma here, a grey draught mare with a touch of white in my mane and tail, hailing from the bonnie highlands of Hayfield, near Aberdeen, Scotland. I'm 20 years young now, which means I've seen quite a bit of change in the equine world. So, today I wanted to share my thoughts on 2088, a year of immense growth and exciting developments for us horses.
First things first: I love what our world has become! Remember those bleak times back in the 20th and 21st centuries, where so many horses were relegated to tiny, overcrowded stables? Or the horrendous cruelty of "factory farming," where they were treated as mere machines? It breaks my heart even now to think about it, but thank goodness those times are behind us.
Now, in 2088, it feels like we're finally living the good life! Yes, there are still challenges, but the respect and care horses receive is remarkable. We have vast, spacious pastures with lush greenery, natural shelters against the elements, and, dare I say, our own little havens! These beautiful open fields, much like my own home here in Hayfield, are becoming the norm, giving horses a chance to truly roam and express their natural instincts.
Speaking of my beautiful Hayfield home, we are in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, surrounded by rolling hills and endless meadows. Our pasture stretches as far as the eye can see, with its fresh grass and the ever-present scent of heather. It's heaven for a horse like me, a perfect haven where we can graze, play, and simply be ourselves.
Moving beyond my personal paradise, the world is buzzing with exciting happenings for horses:
The Rise of Equine Wellness Centres:
Let's face it, humans have come a long way in their understanding of horse care! Forget the old "brute force" methods – today, our well-being is a priority. Across the globe, innovative "Equine Wellness Centres" are popping up, catering to our unique needs. From acupressure and herbal therapy to even equine physiotherapy, these centres are designed to keep us healthy and happy. They also offer workshops for horse owners, educating them about natural horsemanship and how to build a trusting bond with their steeds.
Just last month, I went with my friend, Rosie, the Shire mare who lives next door, to one of these new "Equine Wellness Centres" just over the hills. It's a place of peace and relaxation, where they offer calming aromatherapy treatments, massage therapies, and even specialised baths with invigorating oils and seaweed from the Scottish coastline. You know, sometimes I just need to be pampered like any other lady!
Technological Advancements:
But it's not just about the old-school care, we've embraced modern advancements, too. Forget those dusty stables! Many horse farms now boast "eco-friendly barns" built with solar power and energy-efficient technology. We have innovative grooming tools designed for maximum comfort, smart tech for monitoring our health and movement, and even GPS trackers for adventures off the farm.
A big thing for us in Scotland is this new thing they've developed called "bio-dynamic horse fencing," where the boundaries are not built using materials that cause our hoofs to feel uncomfortable. We simply recognise a special energy pattern emitted by these special fences, which we instinctively avoid, just as naturally as we steer clear of those busy roads they built over the centuries. Imagine! I remember the barbed wire and rusty fencing of old... truly, times have changed.
The Rise of "Equine Therapy"
In 2088, our role in society has shifted dramatically. Once primarily associated with farming and transportation, horses are now considered integral to mental and emotional well-being. "Equine therapy," a form of therapeutic horseback riding, is gaining immense popularity for those experiencing mental health challenges. People from all walks of life, be it young or old, are finding comfort and a sense of purpose in working with us horses.
Rosie's young human, a kind lad called Finn, used to suffer from anxiety and low moods. Then he started spending time with Rosie, and honestly, it did him the world of good. Rosie was a natural at picking up on Finn's feelings. She would rest her big head on him, nuzzle his hand, and be a quiet companion. I believe the simple bond between horses and humans can make a real difference in our world.
Our Growing Relationship with Humans:
And, of course, what would horse history be without the evolution of the human-horse relationship? In 2088, we have entered a golden era of collaboration, trust, and understanding. Gone are the days of domineering attitudes. Today's horse owners are aware of our unique needs, learning to communicate with us respectfully and appreciating our incredible strength, intelligence, and sensitive nature.
I often see humans join us for walks in the woods and by the sparkling North Sea coast, enjoying the fresh air and the connection with nature that we provide. Many choose to learn our ancient ways, incorporating natural horsemanship techniques, recognizing our inherent ability to guide them along paths we already know so well.
There are still disagreements between horses and humans of course! After all, we’re very independent beings, just as every creature on this Earth deserves to be, and we need a certain level of space to really thrive. But the conversations have definitely shifted – we have so much respect for our human companions, and they are starting to see us for what we really are: majestic, intelligent creatures deserving of true partnership.
My Hayfield Dreams:
Every horse dreams of freedom, a safe place to explore, to play and to feel the wind through their mane. Here in Hayfield, we experience the pure joy of simply being horses. My heart swells with pride when I watch the young foals galloping through the fields, feeling the ground beneath their feet and the sun on their coats.
I often think of the future of our species and what it might hold. We've already come so far, but there is still so much potential waiting to be unveiled. Maybe one day we'll find a way to understand each other even better, even more than we do now, a deep connection that goes beyond language. And who knows? Perhaps some day we'll share the same dream, that future filled with respect, compassion, and pure unadulterated joy of being alive!
So there you have it! My little snippet of history, my own reflections on a year that stands as a testament to the wonderful journey we horses have embarked upon. Let's keep riding, exploring, and enjoying our beautiful world, one gallop at a time. Remember, the magic is always in the journey!
Happy trails and safe journeys to you all!
Emma
