Today is a very special day.

My tall, dark, and handsome Trakehner gelding Durango turns 22 years old, and today also marks 18 years together.

Eighteen years ago, he came into my life and fulfilled a childhood dream. As a little girl, I dreamed of galloping through snowy countryside with my dogs running beside me and a horse I trusted completely beneath me. That dream stayed with me my whole life. In fact, I moved continents to live in a place where snow is a staple, not a treat.

And then Durango made that dream real.

For 18 years, he has carried me through dressage and Working Equitation tests, hundreds of miles of trail, and more adventures than I could ever count. Most of those miles were just me, him, and the dogs, exploring whatever lay beyond the next bend.

We`ve galloped through fresh snow, crossed creeks, bushwhacked through places that barely qualified as trails, and found ourselves in situations that would make many riders turn around. More than once, my dogs stirred up a sow bear and her cubs. Durango`s response was never panic. It was simply, "Mom, hold on."

And somehow, every time, he got us home.

He is the horse I trust completely. The one I trust to keep me safe. The one who always seems to have my back, no matter what adventure I dream up next.

Known by many names—Doo, Mr. D., Big Guy, Toots, and whatever else suits him that day—he has spent nearly two decades making sure the world revolves around him. And if it doesn`t? Everyone on the property knows about it.

For all his bravery and athleticism, he is also the biggest cuddle bug you`ll ever meet. He lives for scratches, attention, affection, and being told how handsome he is.

He has been my ride or die through every season of life. He also became the inspiration behind Ecolicious Equestrian.

At 22 years old, he isn`t missing a beat. Strong, sound, handsome, opinionated, and still convinced every visitor has arrived specifically to see him, he continues to age like a fine wine. ...