It’s having the best human friends you’ve ever known, a ‘barn family’ that connects you to others in a world that’s become increasingly isolating.

It’s watching your kids grow up with goals, and the understanding that they have to plan, work and follow through to reach those goals.

It’s knowing, deep down, that video games and TV-watching are not the healthiest activities for a child.

It’s having a better relationship with your teenagers than any non-horse parent you know – yours keep good grades, understand responsibility, and aren’t obsessed with dating.

It’s taking elemental satisfaction in the rhythm of chores - tidying a stall, filling a water bucket, receiving whinnies of appreciation when you come with the feed.

It’s watching a horse enjoy a good, scratchy roll in the dirt after being released into a pasture.

It’s putting your feet up on the porch rail to watch the sun go down over the backs of your friends cropping grass in the field.

It’s carrying a Blackberry by day, but evenings and weekends, knowing that the true meaning to life is friends, both four-legged and two.

It’s finding time to be yourself, to be in tune with the natural world, and to enjoy these magnificent creatures who allow us to be their partner.