Sierra

Wow, I just finished reading Spirit of the Cimarron, Sierra by Kathleen Duey in remembrance of my belated Uncle John.  I have always loved horses because they are magnificent, beautiful creatures.  After reading Spirit of the Cimarron I actually learned quiet a few things I have questioned before, such as: how do wild horses communicate, what does the leader of the herd do, and what happens to wild horses that misbehave?  From reading this book I now have a better understanding of what happens in a herd of wild horses.  Horses have a very unique way of getting there point across such as: nudging to comfort or to show understanding, stomping to show impatience, and they put there head low to the ground when they are sympathetic or trying to apologize. The leader of the herd actually does not lead; he leaves that to a mature and wise horse he has learned to trust over time.  When the herd is moving the leader holds his place in the back of the line basically.  He stays behind to make sure everyone stays together and to protect in case of danger. This book is told by a foal named Sierra's perspective and she accidentally ran into some wolves while she was running with her friend, Fern. Indistinctly they ran back to the herd and the leader Shadow had to deal with the enemies.  After the whole mess was over with the two foals were not allowed to be near the herd.  They were not allowed to have any contact, only able to walk in eye site distance.  This is an amazing story, think I read it in an hour!  I am sure all animals have there own ways of communicating, living, and leadership styles. I believe that wild horses have the most unique way of living and diffidently plan on reading more about them!