Watching and being in the company of horses in a herd is a lesson in non-verbal communication. It is also a deeply calming experience.

Herd dynamics and behaviors range from subtle to direct in the blink of an eye. A self-established hierarchy keeps order, and it is clear when opinion is offered. A small family herd like ours has its own dynamics, being less accustomed to disruption.

The girls have mostly grown up here together. Clark joined the band in 2013 and serves as self-appointed arbitrar, supervising the feeding routines and goings-on. He was a wild stallion for eight years in a large free-ranging herd. We call him our golden retriever in horse clothes.

Tsigilili, our first-born is the alpha mare. Tacksi, as little sister, often defers to the others, even though she is larger. A true gentle giant.

Having and living in the presence of the herd we experience and learn about non-verbal communication, boundaries, kindness, clarity, and compassion, in them and in us.