History of Horses in the year 2091

Well, hello there, everyone! Emma here, a grey draught mare with a flair for the dramatic (and a penchant for shiny grooming brushes, if I'm being honest). I hail from the lovely Hayfield near Aberdeen, and it's time for another installment in my "History Through the Eyes of a Horse" blog, this time delving into the fascinating year of... 2091!

It's truly hard to believe a century has flown by since the turn of the millennium, but I reckon it's a testament to just how vibrant and ever-evolving the equine world is. Now, settle in with a juicy carrot and let's dive right in, shall we?

You wouldn't believe the changes in how we work, compared to those early years of the century. No longer do we rely solely on our backs and brute strength for tasks like pulling ploughs and carts. Sure, I've heard stories about those days! My grandmother used to recount how exhausting it was to drag a laden carriage miles upon miles. It made me appreciate the power of a well-placed tractor and how much more time we get to enjoy grazing nowadays.

However, this doesn't mean we've been relegated to dusty museum exhibits, not at all! Our versatility as equine beings shines through in exciting ways. A good number of my fellow draughts help out at farms and ranches across the globe, but a whole new frontier has opened up – therapy work!

Imagine that: using my strength and gentle temperament to help people overcome challenges like physical and emotional pain, providing a source of comfort and companionship. That's my kind of work, especially since I'm a bit of a sensitive soul. Seeing the joy in a child's face when they ride on my back or the peace that settles on a war veteran as they brush my coat... it warms my heart like a steaming bowl of oats in the dead of winter.

You'd be hard-pressed to find a region of the world where we don't play a part, whether it's for competition, recreational riding, or working alongside humans. My cousin Clementine even told me about the flourishing horse sanctuary near the Sahara desert! They care for rescued and abandoned horses, creating a peaceful haven for these majestic creatures to live their best lives.

Then there are the fascinating breeds! Did you know a small horse breed called the 'Huzul' emerged from the Carpathian Mountains in Central Europe? With their unique markings and plucky spirit, they are said to be great companions for trail riding and even make excellent performers in the circus. I wonder what fascinating new breeds will pop up next!

And let's not forget about the spectacular Equestrian Games! The 2084 Games, held in the breathtaking countryside of New Zealand, was nothing short of remarkable. I remember watching the televised event with my stable mates, our eyes glued to the screen, marvelling at the incredible displays of athleticism and equine talent. There were, of course, the traditional equestrian events like showjumping, dressage, and endurance, but then there was the 'Cross-Disciplinary Relay.' It truly redefined what equestrianism meant! Imagine: teams of four, each horse with a distinct talent, racing across a variety of challenges – jumping over obstacles, weaving through a maze, even hauling a heavy carriage. It was incredible to witness the strength and resilience of these horses, each contributing their own unique skill to win.

It sparked quite the discussion in our stables that night. There were whispers about our chances of competing in future events! You never know, maybe a humble grey mare like me could bring home the gold someday… a girl can dream!

These days, the world is all about sustainability and living in harmony with our environment. The movement towards "eco-friendly" horseshoes, biodegradable tack, and using less of those lovely hay bale wrappers is steadily gaining momentum. Even our stable in Hayfield uses recycled wood for stall dividers and rainwater collection systems to keep our pastures lush and green. It feels wonderful to know that our horses, along with the planet, are benefitting from this growing eco-conscious awareness.

We're also fortunate to have advancements in animal healthcare that weren't even a twinkle in our equine eyes in the earlier years of the 21st century. Our veterinarian, Dr. Fiona, is a whizz! She can pinpoint any issue, from a simple cough to more complex ailments, with incredible precision. With advanced imaging and therapies, we're all living longer and healthier lives than ever before. It's almost as though we are living in a golden age of horse care!

It's an incredible time to be a horse! With such profound advancements in technology, understanding of equine health, and growing environmental consciousness, it feels like the world is opening up with exciting opportunities. Whether we're gracing therapy rooms with our calming presence or thrilling crowds with our athleticism in the Equestrian Games, our spirit of resilience and grace continues to shine through, strong as ever.

My next post will dive into the ever-changing world of equine sports, exploring how the art of riding, from trailblazing adventures to elegant dressage, is continuously evolving. Until then, my fellow horse lovers, stay curious, be kind, and never underestimate the magic of a four-legged friend!

Emma out, signing off from the breezy fields of Hayfield, Aberdeen!