I didn't get my first horse until I was almost 40. I was allergic to horses. And dogs, cats, birds, grass, trees, you name it.

But after (intentionally left blank) years, I have a yard full of horses. My life revolves around horses. And I've never been happier, healthier or more excited about waking up every morning.

Although my focus has gone from competition as a show jumper to progressing through the Parelli Natural Horsemanship program, I know that it's the horses themselves who have changed me.

I am a more patient person, and I now take the time it takes to do things right - because if you do something wrong three times, you've trained your horse.

I am a physically healthier person - because if my horse has to be fit to ride, I need to be fit to ride him.

I am more present in the moment - because my horse certainly is.

I am a mirror of that moment in "National Velvet" when Velvet Brown (a VERY lovely Elizabeth Taylor) stands midst a patch of lilacs, inhales deeply and with great satisfaction says, "Horses..."