Let’s not get into the technical argument of whether this is the end of the millennium or if we have one more year. Fact is, the calendar now reads 2000. I’ve lived to see man walk on the moon and AI allowed in the Quarter Horse industry. In my early days as a reporter, I remember watching bare-handed intestinal surgery on the floor of a converted garage (the mare survived). Now, it takes 15 minutes to get appropriately gowned up just to watch colic surgery! I’ve seen the advent of ultrasound in the breeding industry make twins almost a thing of the past, and mating mares a science rather than an art.

Since our cover story discusses in depth the advances and history-making contributions of the past 100 years, this column will talk about what still needs to be accomplished. What are our goals, and how do we accomplish them? How will our equine world change in the next 10 years, 20 years, 100 years? As creative as I am, it would take some strong magic to make up that list. But, let’s dust off the crystal ball and see how it goes. Get your time capsules ready!

Horse Ownership 2000-2100

The next three generations will be boon years for the equine and its owner. There will be more horses, and more people involved with those horses, than in any time since the invention of the combustion engine. Advances in health care and management will be made in giant strides as emphasis is placed on funding research and disseminating information. Horses will become celebrities and companions, and will fulfill the needs of many people for recreation and jobs. They will give handicapped adults and children therapy and allow an aging population access to areas that would not be available otherwise