The young Stallion worked his way to the top of the rise. He saw the mare eating, he looked around for the leader. There was none. A week ago he had been following a herd of 25, lead by a powerful buckskin stallion. He wanted the herd. Once in a while he would make a run at the leader, but always turned. The buckskin had more experience and been challenged by many. Scars are the mark of a warrior, the buckskin had many. The young stallion knew he wasn't ready. He waited for his chance, after all there was that cute pinto mare. One day the young stallion sensed this was the moment to try. The "need" took over, replacing any common sense. He made his run at the stallion. The big buckskin raised his head and shook it. He knew the youngster had to try and was tired of being on guard all the time. He would finish it today. The young stallion had the speed, heart and "need", but was it enough to beat skill and experience. Hoofs flying and teeth ready, the young one closed on the leader. The buckskin spun and kicked, both hooves hitting the neck and chest. Knocked down the youngster had grit and the "need." Rolling over and back on his feet the young one tried again. They met with hooves smashing, teeth biting. Going down to one knee the youngster knew he was in trouble. The older stallion laid 2 fast kicks on the dreams of the pretender. Out fought and out jockeyed for the ambitions to be the new leader, the young one fled. At a safe distance he turned and they stared at each other. Both knowing that they would meet again. The buckskin tossed his tail, and the youngster walked away, head down. It was time to find a new place, a new start. He wandered for a week, new trails, new landscapes. The young Stallion worked his way to the top of the rise. He saw the mare eating, he looked around for the leader. There was none. Well, she may not be 25 mares, or that cute pinto mare, but you have to start someplace. The young stallion gave a call to the mare. The bay mare looked up, and nodded her head. "I'm in" The spirit hawk, who oversees life and death in the desert, gave his approval on the start of this new herd. The Spirit Hawk gives guidance to those starting new life for the desert, and for those who are going on the last journey. He is here now for the young Appaloosa stallion. He will be there when the Appaloosa stallion grows old and travels that last journey. One more story of life in the desert. Two stallions, journeys and the Spirit Hawk. The young Appaloosa has found his place and the Spirit Hawk fly's, balance, life and death on the desert.