Pauline
Your Dad had a great sense of humour and I know he would appreciate my comment that if you have achieved:
"...the special things I have in my life so far = competing at the World Duathlon Championships for NZ, becoming one of the top dressage riders in NZ, becoming a Finance Director of one of the largest advertising companies in Australasia..."
You are blessed with your Mum's genes! The thought of Sharpie astride a horse defies even the greatest imagination.
But indeed, it appears you inherited your Dad's fight and determination!