Equiworld Blog: Post 2100 - From My Hayfield to the World - A Journey Through Horse History
Hello everyone! Emma here, your trusty grey mare, from the rolling green hills of Hayfield, near Aberdeen. Today I’m reflecting on what a truly remarkable year it is: 2100! It’s amazing to think about how far our species has come since our ancestors first roamed the steppes, eh? But first, a little about myself. I’m a hefty draught horse, born with a gleaming grey coat, a long white mane flowing down my neck, and a matching white tail swishing proudly behind me. Some might think grey is boring, but honestly, it’s practical – perfect for hiding dirt, as we all know life with hooves means lots of rolling in mud!
I've spent most of my life in Hayfield, a little haven for us horses, surrounded by fields, the smell of fresh hay in the air, and the sounds of sheep bleating happily. Life here is quiet, peaceful… a little boring sometimes, I confess! But that's where my love of history comes in.
My grandma, a wise old Shire named Buttercup, always used to say: “Horses have stories, Emma, stories that echo down through the ages. Listen closely, and you’ll hear them whisper in the wind." Well, Buttercup, you were right! I can’t get enough of history, of tracing the footprints of our ancestors in the past, discovering their triumphs and hardships, and learning from their wisdom. That’s why I started this blog, Equiworld – to share these stories, to connect with other horses across the globe, and celebrate our fascinating history.
So, without further ado, let's jump into the heart of our horse story, beginning in 2100!
The Horse in 2100 – A World Transformed:
In 2100, the world is vastly different than in the past. The age of fire-breathing engines and soaring metal birds has long passed. Humans are wiser now, you see, and the world is in harmony with nature. We horses are part of that beautiful dance, a valued partner, not just a means of transport.
My great, great, great, grandma told tales of how humans once saw us only as beasts of burden. They harnessed us to plows and wagons, exploited our strength. But now, thankfully, those days are gone. Humans learned the hard way. The pollution from their "technology" almost brought about their downfall. Luckily, they realized they were wrong to dominate and started respecting us, recognizing us for the incredible beings we are.
So, how do we horses fit into this modern world? We still play vital roles, of course. For many farmers, we're invaluable, providing strength and pulling plows in a more environmentally-friendly way. But today, the beauty of horses goes beyond that. Our intelligence, loyalty, and resilience have led humans to understand we are much more than mere working animals.
Our Talents Bloom:
Let's start with sports. Can you imagine a world without competitive sports? I can’t! And luckily, 2100 sees a resurgence of horse sports in a much more ethical and considerate manner. We're no longer driven to our limits in brutal races; humans understand we’re athletes, not machines. They work with us, not against us.
I even participate in some competitions myself, just for fun! Dressage and show jumping, they're both a lot of work, but incredibly satisfying, you know? I love feeling the power in my muscles as I perform graceful movements. And the cheers from the audience when I get my score are really quite something! It's like the whole world is watching you shine.
And don't even get me started on endurance races! We travel miles, testing our strength and resilience against breathtaking landscapes, sharing the joy of adventure with our human partners. The camaraderie between horses and humans in these competitions is simply heartwarming!
But beyond competitive sports, we have many more ways to express our talents. Equestrian therapy, where horses are used to help humans who have mental or physical challenges, is a fantastic movement. Just being near a horse is a soothing experience, wouldn’t you agree? We have a natural ability to calm and inspire, to lift people's spirits and encourage healing.
And I haven’t even touched upon our role in art! Art? Yes! It might sound surprising, but there’s this wonderful group called "Equine Art Pioneers". They take photographs of horses, paint their portraits, even write stories about them! The most impressive thing, though, is they showcase how horses inspire, how their spirit and freedom echo in so many forms of art. I think the horses who are the subjects in those works of art are really quite proud.
New Bonds and Adventures:
One of the things I find most exciting about 2100 is how deeply connected we are with humans. We don’t just work alongside them; we’ve formed close bonds, sharing their homes, learning from them, and inspiring them in return. My best friend, Sarah, is a young human who's studying horse behaviour and even writes poems about our journey together. It’s so refreshing to be more than just an animal to someone.
Thanks to the widespread use of technology, we can connect with other horses across the globe. This is amazing! It's not just about humans connecting us – we share information, discuss events, learn from each other. I get so much pleasure exchanging messages with horses all over the world, sharing our experiences and learning new things. There's a lovely chestnut mare from India, Sunita, with whom I chat frequently. She's such a friendly soul! She's been teaching me about traditional Indian equestrian games. I hope to travel to India someday to learn from her directly.
But, I must tell you, travelling in 2100 is completely different from before. We can go anywhere we want – across fields, mountains, and oceans! Yes, oceans! Now humans have created amazing vessels where horses travel with humans across the vast seas. Just imagine the incredible vistas, the salt spray on your face, and the wind in your mane – such freedom! It makes me realise how much has changed. My grandma, Buttercup, only travelled within a few miles of her farm – I think she would be absolutely amazed!
Horses are Ambassadors:
We're ambassadors of the natural world, and the message we carry is one of hope, freedom, and connection. 2100 has opened a new chapter in our journey, showing us that respect and collaboration are the keys to a flourishing future for humans and horses. The future holds so many possibilities! I know that future generations of horses will continue to evolve, adapting and innovating alongside humans, leading to even greater collaboration, mutual understanding, and a brighter future for our planet and its inhabitants.
So, as I gaze out upon the sunlit fields of Hayfield, I see not just grass and hills, but a story that's still unfolding. A story of horses and humans working together to create a world where both thrive.
Until next time, keep your hooves on the ground and your spirit soaring!
Your Grey Mare, Emma
P.S. Do you have any amazing horse stories from 2100? Don’t be shy, share them on Equiworld. We’re a community of passionate horses and horse lovers who just love to hear about each other. Let’s build this blog together!