2020 was undeniably the greatest emotional rollercoaster of a year ever experienced by humanity. As we sit safely on the other side, having just welcomed in a new year, we breathe a sigh of relief and keep all our appendages crossed that this is in fact a “better year”. But in hindsight, was 2020 all that bad?!

There is an age-old saying that says “hindsight is always 20/20” – a reference to 20/20 vision or normal visual acuity – meaning that it’s easier to analyse and evaluate situations when we’re looking back on them in the past, than when we’re in the present moment. How appropriate for the year 2020 which seemed to test every aspect of our lives and yet left many of us feeling grateful and appreciative for the changes it brought.

Apart from the financial devastation it brought for many and the demise of many long-standing, reputable businesses, for those open to receiving it, 2020 and the Covid-19 pandemic brought with it many a lesson:

The realisation that there are still many good people in this country. As lockdown was announced and South Africans acknowledged the vast difference in living conditions between its citizens, there was a movement and unspoken determination to help and care. Call it resilience or tenacity, but despite the resentment, hatred and division that is permanently instilled amongst fellow countrymen by media and political activists on a daily basis, there was a feeling of “togetherness” in facing this problem.

Perhaps that was exactly the reason – Covid-19 doesn’t discriminate – so no age, race, gender or income bracket was safe. The Corona Virus Pandemic and lockdown made us aware of the fragility of life and our livelihoods, levelling the playing field and allowing us to walk in other peoples’ shoes without judgement.

2020 taught us to review our financial situation and spending habits for the better. Many of us are guilty of living month-to-month, not out of personal desire but because that is simply what the economic environment dictates. This past year taught us just how little material stuff we actually need, how we need to prioritise saving and making provision for a “rainy day” (or year in this case!) and that possessions and “things” don’t define you (and may ironically be your downfall).

Appreciation for local travel. Apart from the obvious perks like insanely reduced rates at luxurious bush resorts which are usually priced exclusively for foreigners with their Rand-annihilating currencies, South Africans finally took the time to indulge in “staycations” and realise the hidden gems which were previously over-looked in lieu of overseas holidays. Despite our problems, there is absolutely no doubt that we truly do live in the most beautiful country in the world with some of the most vibrant cultures and colourful personalities.

The importance of family. Not that I think most people took it for granted, but when you’re forced to go against everything you’ve been raised to believe (hugging no longer allowed as a greeting, holding hands as a “super-spreader” action and not a sign of affection) it makes you realise just how much you’re prepared to sacrifice for those you love.

For equestrians in particular, there were a number of equine-related lessons to be learnt from the pandemic too:

We learnt how valuable our time spent riding and with our horses is from a physical, mental and emotional perspective. During hard lockdown, those of us who aren’t lucky enough to have our horses at home spent many a dark hour pining for a chance to just see our horses, never mind ride them. Their absence had a profound impact on our mental well-being – their presence is intrinsically linked to our happiness – and many, like me, vowed never to take the time spent in their company for granted again (even on the bad days, the windy days and the uncooperative days).

We realised what a huge responsibility our grooms have in our horses’ lives and what a large impact they have on their care and well-being. For those locked down away from the stable yard and unable to see our horses, many of us relied on WhatsApp photos and quick calls to our grooms to try grasp any small form of contact with our horses. Many of the them were locked down away from their families during what was a scary, uncertain time in history, because they had a responsibility to us and our equines and for that we remain eternally grateful.

We remembered why we love this sport. The thrill of competing, the air of excitement at the showground, the adrenalin rush of a jump off, the elation of even small improvements in lessons, the serenity of an outride in nature and the irreplaceable quirks and habits of our horses that only we understand. The early morning lessons, the long-distance trucking, the performance disappointments that were once grudge activities became things we longed for just because it meant we’d be with our horses.

Most importantly, we learnt never to take for granted what we have. At the end of the day, owning and riding horses is a privilege, not a right and we’re all exceptionally blessed and lucky to be able to participate in this sport (or hobby) with team mates who love us unconditionally.