PROLOGUE:
Written by Liz

First I would like to describe the horses who are involved in the dialogue. Although each speaker is speaking on behalf of the individual herd, which is connected to horse consciousness in general, their individuality is readily apparent. Each has their own unique style, whether poetic and metaphorical, deep and analytical, child-like and innocent, or succinct and to the point.
I remember clearly how shocked and amazed I was the morning the first higher level communication from my herd came through. I was sitting at the kitchen table writing and had almost finished "One with the Herd", I had been telling the horses about the manuscript and when I say that I mean I give them ideas and concepts mixed with some verbal dialogue. The words are probably because I like to hear the sound of my own voice; I talk to everything as well as myself.
Having spent six years in the company of my horses I have not only absorbed their culture but their consciousness as well. It is as if our minds are joined and they see what I am thinking and I to the level of my intent can see into theirs. The secret is the level of intent , as I am realizing more and more that it is somehow no different than scientists observing quarks.

As I see them they come into existence or in other words the level of communication grows as I believe in its possibility. I had previously not attempted anything above the mundane daily communication of close friends (how are you feeling ;would you like to do something together? etc). We had not had a meaningful life changing philosophical discussion.
On that morning when I asked for their opinion and involvement in the manuscript I gathered the herd together, which means I envisioned each and everyone of their faces together like a council and told them formally that I had written a book to help horses and animals, and wondered if they would like to say anything. That was very naive I now realize as with my new understanding I know that the entire first book they had inspired me to write. The answer to my question came in the form of a page long dedication for "One with the Herd". I was incredulous at the vision and beauty of that simple truth.
Kevin was sitting beside me reading his Guardian Weekly and when I showed him what the horses had given me, he was intrigued though somewhat disbelieving. Together we decided to ask them a series of questions some of which you will find in part 3 of this book.
The dialogue had begun and once the floodgates had been opened I found myself again being drawn into the horses agenda. I would be in my studio painting and a big beautiful face with a white rose on her forehead would implant itself between my eyes.

Yes Prima I would say, I promised I would be your scribe (which is the promise I made to the herd when I realized the dimension of their message ), and I would leave the studio for my place at the kitchen table pen in hand.
L.E. was first to come forward, being the lead mare and speaker for the herd. But soon the excitement level grew and others volunteered their thoughts and opinions. Prima was the most prolific, and astute enough to arrange the bulk of her lyrical and metaphorical prose in chapters which related to the movement of the horse.
I found it fascinating that she conveyed each gait or movement as therapeutic in degree, as the practice of therapeutic riding to heal and re-direct neural pathways, is becoming more and more recognized. Also horse therapy from a psychological approach is increasingly popular.
The horses are adamant that this is their gift. Being in their presence increases our vibration. Very much like tuning into a radio station at a certain frequency when we spend time with horses we tune to their frequency of vibration. On the horse channel we hear their music; experience their program. We become aware of a spiritual reality, which is the interface with all of creation; a reality devoid of the mundane problems and limitations of our physical confines.
They not only help us hear the music (the heartbeat and rhythm of life in its essence and entirety), but lead us with their bodies to follow in the dance.

The keynote speakers from the herd, in order from their age and subsequent seniority are:

L.E. (Limited Edition - Born 1994)

Benevolent and wise, L.E. is the undisputed leader of the heard. Her two daughters are Prima, age seven and Crystal, age two months. L.E. is silent and Strong. She only speaks when necessary and usually a brief glance will suffice. Revered by the herd, her decisions are well respected. She is a deep thinker and a wise elder. Always kind and respectful of people, she will nonetheless make it clear when a request is unwarranted or unnecessary. She will acquiesce with a condescending "Oh well. I'll do it for you poor but kind fool, if you insist." I always defer to her judgment.

Diva (Divine Edition - Born 1995)

L.E.'s full and younger sister, Diva is always ready to govern when L.E. is indisposed or out of sight. Diva's discipline is like a lightning strike to any of the lower ranks that disregard her rank or authority. She has no quarrel with others that know their place. She has even disciplined me when my affections have strayed beyond acceptability. For the most part she is quiet, orderly, second in her stall for breakfast (after L.E.) and kind to and careful of the younger ones. She is my Parelli level 2 horse, well trained in many disciplines, and is always trustworthy when a friend asks to ride. Her trot bareback is like sitting on a cloud. Diva is mother to Magic (2 years) and Serene (3 months).

Mira (Miraculous Edition - Born 1996)

Half sister to L.E. and Diva, Mira is gentle, soft, unassuming and sensitive. Mother to Luxy, Leo, Mattisse and Miro, she always manages to pass on her wonderful qualities to her offspring. Mira is kind and trustworthy, the horse I pick to help a novice rider. Away in the background she waits to be invited.
Prima (Premiere Edition - seven years)
Prima is my and L.E.'s first born foal. She is very much a first child; Alpha type personality, a sensitive, bright spirit, she is also gentle and kind, soft spoken and reflective. Prima is poetic, metaphorical, and mystical. She is slow to trust, but once you have convinced her you are worthy, then she will show you the worth of her being. Prima is a light-being with a clear purpose. She has no time for anyone who is not in their truth. She has consequently tested and rejected a series of barn help. No fool, her understanding, sense of humor, and quick wit, are second only to her mission, which is to illuminate mankind. Prima is also and foremost my Parelli level 2 horse. She is a joy to learn with and to ride. Her first-born is my goddess Epona.

Prima (Premiere Edition - born 1998)

Prima is my and L.E.'s first born foal. She is very much a first child; Alpha type personality, a sensitive, bright spirit, she is also gentle and kind, soft spoken and reflective. Prima is poetic, metaphorical, and mystical. She is slow to trust, but once you have convinced her you are worthy, then she will show you the worth of her being. Prima is a light-being with a clear purpose. She has no time for anyone who is not in their truth. She has consequently tested and rejected a series of barn help. No fool, her understanding, sense of humor, and quick wit, are second only to her mission, which is to illuminate mankind. Prima is also and foremost my Parelli level 2 horse. She is a joy to learn with and to ride. Her first-born is my goddess Epona, second is year old Picasso.

Luxy (Luxury Edition - Born 2000)

First born of Mira, Luxy is beautiful, gentle and has always been kind and good. As a yearling she would stay and babysit her younger brother Leo then lead him back to mom. As a just started two year old she would look after April, her new owner and a novice rider. Luxy had her first baby this year and what a surprise. A big girl at 17 hands, Luxy gave birth to little Max, so tiny he could run through her legs. Max is however darling, smart and independent. He gallops off for trail rides with his mom and leads the other babies off on their own adventures then gallops back to the herd.

Winnie (Winning Edition - Born 2001)

Winnie is the first to welcome guests. She is curious, friendly and affectionate. She is also a monkey. Like the young spirit she is, Winnie can be naughty and disrespectful. She tests, but very quickly responds to clear concise leadership. Her immediate response to the naughty chair is "I'm a good girl, I'm sorry." She is very bright and quick, but somehow naïve and innocent like a new soul. (Read what Winnie has to say about motherhood)

Epona (Goddess Edition - Born 2002)

A goddess in every way, Epona is a golden Palomino who came forth from two dark bay parents. She is intuitive, all-knowing, self assured and independent. From a young foal, I could catch her eye, beckon with a raised eyebrow or crooked finger, and she would leave the herd to visit or walk with me. Epona is clear, succinct and to the point. Always absolutely honest and direct, she will give you her opinion, but love you unconditionally anyway.

Magic (Magical Edition - Born 2003)

Magic is Guileless, soft and sweet. She is quietly content to be a horse, and her desires are simple. Wanting only to be a good mother, living amongst her family and friends, sleeping under the trees and the open skies. Deep, dark and magical, she has an innate connection to horse wisdom, and a gentle way to convey her understanding.

Mattisse (Born 2003)

Tall, black and drop dead gorgeous, Mattisse steals everyone's heart. He gives his heart readily as well. Warm and Empathic and an old and wise soul, he fell in love with my friend Mardi after begging her to get on, he carried her carefully around the paddock with no tack, showing off his prize to the other horses.

Picasso (Born 2004)

Is the youngest of my three boys at present, although not for long as new babies will be along in the spring. Extremely smart and athletic, Picasso follows me at the canter, stops on a dim, is graceful, balanced and extremely self confident. He will happily leave the herd and follow without a halter always eager to learn something new.

Crystal (Crystal Edition - Born 2005)

Last to join the herd, daughter of L.E., her vibration is as clear and melodious as the ring of a crystal glass. Like the facets of a diamond, she cuts light into a rainbow. Crystal is very much the daughter of L.E. She walks into the group of babies and they all step aside, except for Monet, her half brother and our first Pinto warmblood.

Monet (Born 2005)

Monet is a monkey just like his mother Winnie. Outgoing and adventuresome, he is the first to welcome guests and the first to get into trouble. He broke into the garden, helped himself to corn and carrots, and then showed the other babies what he had found!

Miro (Born 2005)

Miro is a warhorse. Tall, handsome, big boned, he is also gentle and kind and a little reserved and shy like his mother Mira.

Serene (Serene Edition - Born 2005)

Serene is confident, elegant, and moves like a dream. She has a beautiful face and gentle inquisitive manor. Half sister to Miro, she quietly but confidently interacts with her environment.

Max (Born 2005)

Another addition to our pinto warmbloods, what max lacks in size, he makes up for in attitude. Resembling a little Hidalgo, he is light on his feet, fast and full of spirit.