The altimeter reading indicates we are miles above the Pacific Ocean. We just passed the International Date Line, heading toward Sydney, Australia. Exotic places like Pago Pago slip under our wings in the darkness while the moon plays peek-a-boo through the high clouds.

All around are people I don’t know, and will never see again. Probably wouldn’t know it if our paths did cross again. But for now, we share the same space, the same destination, even if not for the same purposes. Around the world horse people are going through their days in much the same way. Mucking stalls, feeding their animals, competing, dreaming, working, taking pleasure in the simple joys of being around horses. They are talking of the latest problems, which horses are sick or lame, and the latest gimmick or “cure” to hit the gossip lines—whether the discussion be in person, by phone, or by e-mail.

No matter the breed or discipline, we all have the physical animal in common—the horse. We all face lameness and layoffs with our animals. We all know the cost of maintenance and upkeep on our partners. We all know the pain and sorrow when we lose a friend.

Horse owners are much like my companions on this plane. We go the same direction, even share some common ground, but the end result for each of us is based on our own needs, wants, and plans. None is better than the other, because each is unique and proper in its place.

The Thoroughbred breeder doesn’t long for rides along mountain streams with his horses, just as the back country packers don’t want the hustle and bustle of the racetrack. Both are right for their horses, and their purposes. It could be, however, that their paths cross at some point, whether the racehorse owner is stealing away a few days to enjoy the wilderness, or the back country rider is taking a trip to the excitement and fast pace of the track