Of course, we share a love of horse racing. I grew up riding and my first job was at an Arabian breeding farm, exercising endurance racers. Its still my favorite form of racing. One year, I joined a pack trip in the Colorado Rockies. On the third day we reached the Continental Divide and spent the night in heaven. Indescribable experience.

My love of track racing started at a track in Mexico when I was 16. By the time I was in college I was at the track way too often (Santa Anita). I figured it was getting a bit addictive and quit cold turkey.

When I moved to Kentucky, I lived in Bourbon County. The race horse farms in that county are stunning. Of course, I went to the tracks at Churchill Downs and Keeneland. Both my son-in-law and I bet on a long shot and won, and the thrill felt like a drug rushing through my system and I knew I better quit again.

I still ride, but my knees hurt like heck when I dismount, so I stopped riding. I've moved closer to family now, where someone has horses and suggested I try riding bareback. Great idea, we are going to give it a try. Besides, I've never felt as safe, or secure in a saddle, as I do bareback.

I love your two photos of horses, one with shiny summer coats, and the other with winter coats.

Sometimes, I think we store memories of this life, to take with us to the next life. If so, my memories of the earth itself, all its creatures, and many wonders have made this life worth taking with me.