Last evening I had the pleasure of attending a wonderful surprise 60th birthday party hosted by friends of mine in honor of a man who is deeply loved and respected by his friends and whose life has been shaped by his evolving relationship with the most tenderhearted of nature’s creatures, horses.

It’s rare these days to meet a man in whom humility and mastery walk freely, but my friend, Jamie, graciously evinces both. He speaks a language that both horses and riders understand and his love for both makes him a nonpareil as both a friend and a teacher and I find the precious few hours spent in the ring with Jamie to be the most engaging and convivial of my entire week.

I’ve occasionally heard Jamie voice a sentiment similar to something Colonel Alois Podhasky said in his insightful book My Horses, My Teachers:

From all these episodes and experiences within a space of time longer than a half a century I learned to understand and appreciate the horse. I have come to value his qualities and to tolerate or to pass with indulgence over his weaknesses, which are so insignificant compared with his honesty and affection, his good will, loyalty and undeniable share of intelligence. My horses not only taught me riding, but they also made me understand many a wisdom of life besides.

and I cannot help but share with you this morning that what Jamie has learned from his years of experience with these marvelous creatures and their peculiar owners and riders has had a significant influence on my life over the last few years.

Thank you for doing what you do, Jamie, for being who you are and for making such a difference in the lives of so many and…Happy Birthday!