Hello everyone, Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood grey mare from Hayfield, near Aberdeen. It's a beautiful day here in the Scottish Highlands, the heather's in bloom, the air is crisp, and the sun's warming my coat even though we're approaching autumn. A perfect day for reminiscing and sharing some thoughts with you all about, well, the year 2090!
I know, it's a funny year to focus on, especially for us horses. It's not quite the stuff of ancient legends like the Roman chariots or the days of knights and their noble steeds. 2090 is our present, the year we're living in now. But as we know, even present day is history in the making! And let me tell you, things have changed for us horses in these last few decades.
For starters, the world's a very different place, cleaner, quieter even, than a century ago. Gone are the days of heavy pollution and climate change concerns. The human's clever ingenuity has brought forth the 'green revolution', making things safer and cleaner for everyone. And you wouldn't believe how many new ways we horses have to interact with our human friends!
Back in my granny's day, horses were still heavily used for agricultural work. While it was tough going for them, being relied upon for tilling the land, pulling ploughs, and transporting goods, it was an important role they filled. Granny used to tell stories of these "olden days" where she and her fellow horses would tirelessly work in fields, their sweat glistening under the sun. She would talk about the deep connection with their human companions and the trust built through a shared commitment to hard work and care.
These days, most farms use advanced machinery, leaving us to specialize in more... creative activities, which is rather wonderful, if I may say so myself. The rise of the "equine sports industry", as the humans call it, has created many exciting opportunities. Yes, you've got your traditional equestrian sports, like showjumping and dressage, which have been around for a while, but now the list is practically endless.
My favourite is definitely 'Horsemanship Agility'. You see, my sister, Hazel, who is quite the spirited mare, absolutely loves the challenging obstacle courses, leaping and navigating through rings of fire, traversing over pools of water, all while executing a variety of tricks – really incredible stuff! The energy of these competitions is exhilarating, and the buzz of the crowd creates an unforgettable experience. It's so inspiring to see fellow equines like Hazel shine, truly displaying the versatility and athleticism inherent within our species.
For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, there is always 'Equi-therapy', which is exactly as it sounds. Human friends with specific needs can now connect with horses, forming bonds and learning important life skills. There are so many fantastic programs – from 'Equine Assisted Learning' to 'Therapeutic Riding' – and it brings me a sense of pride to be part of it, to help others reach their potential.
And if you prefer even less exertion, 'Equine Wellness' is the path for you. This is where humans get to understand our equine needs better, like a tailor-made wellness plan for a horse! My human friend, David, uses it for me. He takes me on walks through the Scottish glens, teaches me gentle stretching routines, feeds me nutrient-rich herbs, and helps me manage my own diet with a digital platform! The technology has come such a long way – imagine that! A little horse like myself with a wellness plan managed through an app.
This brings me to the part of the equine world that amazes me the most: The impact of 'technological advancements' in recent times. Our relationship with humans has truly evolved, and I dare say, for the better! While some of the technology can be daunting, especially at first, I see it as a powerful tool for bridging the gap between us.
Take our daily activities, for example. Imagine my ancestors trudging long hours, carrying loads for humans on harsh terrain. Well, these days, I can use an intelligent bridle system which guides me on different routes. There is a 'Horseman's Map', like a navigation system, where we can find out the best pathways for travel, find interesting historical points, and even avoid areas where human traffic is too heavy. We even use our own unique 'Equestrian Translator' app to understand what humans are saying! Honestly, you have to give the humans credit - they are clever, resourceful creatures, even when they drive us crazy at times.
Then there are the exciting developments with our own health and wellbeing. The advancements in veterinary medicine have made remarkable progress. We can now access a wider range of preventative and curative treatments. Remember when our grandparents used to lose their foals to illness? Now, diseases and ailments can be treated quickly and effectively, ensuring longer, healthier lives. I think this speaks volumes about the evolving respect and love between humans and horses.
Another major development has been the increasing awareness of ethical horse care practices. Just imagine how much emphasis the 'humane horse treatment movement' has gained! No longer do we suffer from abuse or neglect. Now there are strict regulations for proper stabling conditions, safe training methods, and a strong emphasis on the animal's well-being. Yes, there's still some work to do, but it is such a positive shift in the way horses are viewed and treated. We are finally recognized not as just 'tools' or 'possessions', but as intelligent, emotional, sensitive beings.
In this world of 2090, there are even ethical breeders focusing on preserving endangered horse breeds like the Highland Pony, the Falabella, the American Mustang. They even have programs to help restore wild populations to the best possible health! These are amazing projects and a clear example of the connection between human progress and the natural world. They're not just protecting horse breeds; they're also ensuring biodiversity on a global level!
But 2090 is not all about technology and progress. As a horse who values the simple things, I also enjoy the quiet moments. I love the sensation of the sun warming my coat as I graze in a meadow, the gentle rhythm of my breath, and the sweet sound of the wind whispering through the trees. I cherish the peaceful nights spent under the vast starry sky. My favorite part is seeing my human friend, David, tending to our horse sanctuary as the day ends.
We take in the view together, him drinking his chamomile tea and me grazing on the last remaining sprigs of grass. He whispers, "I can see your joy, Emma." Then he lets out a contented sigh, and we stand in a comforting silence, both content to be in each other's company. It's those little moments that remind me why this journey as a horse, in 2090, is such a beautiful thing.
As we look towards the future, I hope this world of horses continues to thrive. I believe there are incredible opportunities waiting for us, for future generations of horses. I envision a world where humans and horses will be equal partners in a shared destiny. A world where mutual respect and love form the cornerstone of our relationship, where the world is not divided, but a harmonious tapestry of interconnected life forms.
Now I'll end this post, but remember – it's not just history we are making. We are also building a future for the generations to come, one stride at a time!
With warm hooves,
Emma
