title: Soul Deep in Horses: Memoir of an Equestrian Vagabond
author:  Merri Melde 
description: Merri Melde, a.k.a. The Equestrian Vagabond, is a horse photographer, writer, author, photojournalist, artist, horse packer, carriage driver, racetrack groom, spotted owl hooter, wildlife technician, Raven fanatic, trail builder, sound engineer, theatre techie, world traveler, owner of The Most Beautiful Horse On The Planet (Stormy), rabid obsessed endurance rider, and Tevis Cup finisher. But not all at the same time. Merri has written for over a dozen magazines, and photographed for over two dozen magazines around the world, and traveled in over three dozen countries, sometimes seeking adventure and enlightenment, and often chasing horses. Visit www.TheEquestrianVagabond.com to contact Merri and see her published works.
zlib_text: Dedication
  This one is for the fans who have waited so patiently while I got back on my feet after losing
  someone so very dear to me. Thanks for standing by me in the tough times. Thanks also for your
  patience and support. Most of all, thanks for understanding.
  And though he will never read this book (for obvious reasons), I’d like to thank my Dad for his
  love and support of my writing career. 
  
  Chapter One
  The Tribal Mother’s distinctive whistle summoned Jeri, though she had tried her best to walk from
  the paddock to the safety of her tent without being noticed. The Mother was talking with a tall male
  who wore the garments of an outworlder. 
  “Jeri, show the trader our herds,” the Mother instructed as Jeri walked closer to her. “Take
  Broome and Asper and ride with him to the south paddock. Give him a good look at the breeding
  stock, then bring him back to camp.”
  Retracing her steps toward the horses, she saddled Broome and Asper. Both were sturdy examples
  of the fine steeds bred by the