Last night, my little three- year old thoroughbred mare Pepper passed on to greener pastures.

There is a lovely and heartbreaking story connected to this very special equine partner of mine. We all know the heartbreak when having to let loved ones go, and yes, that means our animal family as well. Be it a soft velvety loved cat, an always forgiving warm- eyed dog, or the equine partner that got you through so many ups and downs with hours of trail rides or dressage sessions that finally gave your brain the peace of mind it needed.

Horses... the sole healers of humans, the quiet peaceful path to escaping reality, partners to trust, hearts to connect, spirits to inspire... Horse people know their magic and therapy folks have tapped into it for years.

Being German, it is in my nature and culture to be more of an individualist than a collectivist. We encourage independence, value individual achievement, intelligence is viewed as aggressive and competitive. While in a collectivist culture people emphasize interdependence, intelligence is viewed as playing a successful role in community structured relationships. A very different way of interacting.

I'm starting to work with a Wounded Warrior at the United States Air force Academy. I was informed that he has a severe brain injury and has a difficult time communicating. He really enjoys adrenaline rushes and wants to learn to go fast on a horse and jump. He has a wife, three kids, and is from the Ukraine. That was all I knew when I first met him.